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Short answer
Reupholster when the frame is solid and well built and only the fabric, foam or cushions are worn. Buy new when the frame is cracked, loose or made of particleboard, or the base has collapsed. Reupholstery cost is mostly labour, so a well-made sofa is usually worth redoing and a cheap one usually is not.
How do you check whether a sofa is worth reupholstering?
- Frame: lift one front corner about 10 cm. If the other front leg lifts almost at once, the frame is rigid. If it twists, creaks or the corner rises alone, the frame is weak.
- Springs: press the seat base. Sagging or broken springs and webbing can be repaired, but a base that has collapsed throughout is a bigger job.
- Foam and cushions: flattened foam is easy to replace during reupholstery.
- Shape and size: you still like it, and it still fits the room.
- Value: a well-made, designer or family piece is worth more than its price.
When is it better to buy a new sofa?
- The frame is cracked, split or attacked by termites or borers.
- The frame is particleboard or stapled softwood that will not take new upholstery well.
- The whole base needs rebuilding, as well as new foam and fabric.
- You want a different size, shape or seat depth.
What does the cost of reupholstery depend on?
- Size and style: a three-seater with loose cushions takes far longer than a simple armchair.
- Details: buttoning, piping, skirts and scatter cushions all add labour and fabric.
- New foam and springs if the old ones are worn.
- Fabric: the price per metre and the quantity. Patterns, stripes and velvet need extra for matching and pile direction.
A three-seater typically needs 12 to 16 m of plain 140 cm fabric. See How Much Fabric to Reupholster a Sofa.
Which fabric should you choose for a reupholstered sofa?
Choose the rub count for how hard the sofa will be used: 15,000 to 25,000 rubs for everyday use and 25,000 to 30,000 for a family sofa with children or pets. Some hard-wearing JOTEX options:
How do you work with an upholsterer?
- Ask for a written quote that lists the fabric quantity, new foam and any frame repairs.
- Ask the upholsterer to check the frame once the old fabric is off, before you commit to extra work.
- Order all the fabric from one dye batch, with a little extra for repairs.
- Keep a labelled offcut so you can match cushions later. See How to Store Curtains and Spare Fabric.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to reupholster or buy a new sofa?
For a well-made sofa, reupholstering is often cheaper than buying one of the same quality. For a low-cost sofa, buying new is usually cheaper.
How much fabric does a three-seater sofa need?
Usually 12 to 16 m of plain 140 cm fabric, more for patterns, velvet, skirts or loose cushions.
Can a leather sofa be reupholstered in fabric?
Usually yes, if the frame and base are sound. The upholsterer removes the leather and fits new fabric.
Can I just replace the cushions or foam?
Yes. If the fabric is fine, replacing flattened foam alone can make a sofa feel new.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.