Is it Ever Worth Reupholstering a Sofa? edited to correct spelling!

[DawnCt1]

We have an Ethan Allen sectional in the family room that I like. Its a classic style. If I were to replace it, I would get a similar style and size. After ten years of daily use, it is beginning to show signs of wear. Is it ever worth re apolstering (sp) a sofa?:

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Depends on the sofa..but since you have what probably is a well constructed EA piece...it wouldn't hurt to price it.


We had the cushions done on our old couch. MOstly b./c after several years of marriage, we hadn't agreed on a new sofa...and the cushions were getting very flat. It was an old-style--well constructed sectional. We eventually gave it to hubby's brother.

My mother has had an antique sofa re-done for obvious reasons.

If you are in love with your sofa, it might be worth the effort to just estimate the cost of having it recovered.

I do know with my moms antique fainting couch...she paid a pretty penny to have it done...but part of that may have been the sofa design as well as her fabric of choice. (and that was....about 20 years ago).

 

[C.Ann]

It would depend on how much longer you think the sofa will last - the cost of the materials - and the cost of the labor to have it done..

My Mom used to do her own (she took courses in that; draperies; etc. - she was a phenomenal seamstress) - so for her, it was just the cost of the fabric and whatever other supplies were necessary..

Why not just call around - have some places come out and give you an estimate - and then you'll have a much better idea if it would really be worth it or not?

 

[DVCLiz]

My den sofa is a very good quality, classic design. I had it reupholstered this year because the fabric was showing some signs of wear and tear due to some children who shall remain nameless spilling certain forbidden items on it and trying to hide the evidence...

The fabric had been discontiuned, but I was able to buy the remaining bolt at about $10 per yard. It's a heavy cotton fabric, not a heavier upholstery weight. It takes 16 yards to cover this sofa, and there were about 30 on the bolt. So I have enough fabric to cover it one more time in several years when it needs it again.

I have a great local upholsterer who charges $388.50 to do a sofa, including cushions and matching the fabric all around (this is a floral that needed to be matched on the cushions, etc.) I thought it was well worth it to have essentially a brand new sofa for the next 5-7 years.

 

[All American]

Absolutely, especially if you like the style and the sofa has "good bones."

I spent many weekends looking for the perfect sofa (for me "perfect" is a classic style, upholstered with leather.). I think a sofa is one of, if not, the most important furniture pieces you can own; it sets the tone for so much more decorating down the road.

My husband actually found the one we bought. Luckily, it was on sale which made the price better, but we paid for the quality and realized that someday we would have to have it re-upholstered. I love it and don't want to spend that much time looking for a sofa ever again. So, when it's days are numbered, it's off to get a face lift.

 

[goodeats]

If your sofa is 8 way hand tied (the highest quality of sofa) then it will be worth it to re-cover it. But if it's sinusoidal, then probably not.

My in-laws have a very nice sofa set with out of date cloth. For the same price they can either reupholster them or purchase brand new. They'll have much higher quality sofas if they reupholster them.

 

[KarenB]

I would think that if the original sofa was of very high quality, then it may be worth it. I think if you have time to shop around, you may also find some great prices too.

If any of those fellows in your signature are your DSs, well......I have two older teenage sons and I know what wear and tear can occur during a ten year period of a couch!

Karen

 

[DawnCt1]

My den sofa is a very good quality, classic design. I had it reupholstered this year because the fabric was showing some signs of wear and tear due to some children who shall remain nameless spilling certain forbidden items on it and trying to hide the evidence...

The fabric had been discontiuned, but I was able to buy the remaining bolt at about $10 per yard. It's a heavy cotton fabric, not a heavier upholstery weight. It takes 16 yards to cover this sofa, and there were about 30 on the bolt. So I have enough fabric to cover it one more time in several years when it needs it again.

I have a great local upholsterer who charges $388.50 to do a sofa, including cushions and matching the fabric all around (this is a floral that needed to be matched on the cushions, etc.) I thought it was well worth it to have essentially a brand new sofa for the next 5-7 years.

That's very reasonable. For what I paid for my sectional, to get it redone for half of the cost would be a bargain, considering I like the style as much as I do. Actually, I like the fabric but I am sure I can't get the same thing, although no doubt, something similar. I mean, there still has to be a lot of textured off white around.

 

[DawnCt1]

I would think that if the original sofa was of very high quality, then it may be worth it. I think if you have time to shop around, you may also find some great prices too.

If any of those fellows in your signature are your DSs, well......I have two older teenage sons and I know what wear and tear can occur during a ten year period of a couch!

Karen

They are all my DSs and my furniture looks amazingly good for all of that "weight". Considering it is off white as well. I think vacuuming it at least weekly and turning the cushions has added a couple of years to its life And lets not forget I am on my third dog. I actually could live with it for a couple of more years.