Rather than replacing furniture that’s been damaged or is showing visible signs of wear and tear, a professional upholstery service can make the repairs for you. It’s a more cost-effective service that can make your favourite furnishings look as good as new. Here’s what you need to know about hiring a local upholstery repair service.
What does an upholstery repair service do?
An upholstery repair service specialises in restoring and repairing furniture upholstery. They work with all sorts of furniture, from lounges and sofas, to chairs and cushions – fixing damage like tears, rips, stains or fading.
The repair process itself could involve replacing damaged fabric, padding or springs, as well as restitching seams and re-stuffing cushions to restore its original appearance. Upholstery repair services can not only extend the lifespan of your favourite furniture but also make it look as good as new without the need for costly replacements.
Most common reasons for hiring an upholstery repair service
Upholstery repair services are often sought after to restore and repair a variety of furniture items. Here are some of the most common reasons for why you might need to hire an upholstery repairer:
Furniture restoration
Far and away the most common reason to hire an upholstery repair service is to restore and repair furniture. Whether it's a cherished family heirloom or a valuable antique, upholstery repair services can help return furniture to its former glory. They can repair or replace torn or worn-out fabric, fix broken frames or springs, and even refinish wood surfaces.
Vehicle upholstery
Upholstery repair services are also commonly used for vehicle interiors. Over time, car seats and other upholstered areas can become worn, stained or torn. An upholstery repair service can replace or repair the damaged areas, making the interior look like new again. This is especially useful for vintage or classic cars that require extra-special care and attention.
Commercial upholstery
Commercial projects like fixing office furniture, restaurant seating and hotel furnishings are common for upholstery repairers. These require a high level of skill and expertise, as well as the ability to work with all sorts of materials and designs – old and new.
Custom upholstery
Many upholstery repair services will be able to create custom pieces from scratch for you. This may include designing and creating furniture to fit a specific project brief. Custom upholstery requires constant communication between the client and the upholsterer to ensure the final product meets your specific needs.
Pet damage
Any pet owner will tell you that furniture and other upholstered items are often the first things to get damaged by pets. Cats and dogs will scratch or chew on upholstery, leaving unsightly holes or tears. That’s where an upholstery repair service can help repair or replace the damaged areas for you.
Stain removal
Whether it's from food, drinks, grime build-up or other nasties, upholstery can become stained over time. An upholstery repair service will use commercial cleaning techniques to remove stains and restore your furniture to its former glory.
What type of materials does an upholstery repairer work with?
- Fabric:Upholstery repairers work with different types of fabrics, including cotton, polyester and silk. Each material usually requires a different technique and approach for repair.
- Leather:Leather is a popular material for upholstery, particularly in furniture and car seats. But it can become cracked, faded or stained over time, so upholstery repairers will be able to repair and restore items to their original condition.
- Vinyl:Vinyl is a synthetic material that is often used in lounges, car and boat seats, and outdoor furniture. It’s a durable material that can stand up to harsh weather conditions. Upholstery repairers will be able to repair tears and cracks in vinyl easily.
- Foam:Upholstery repairers work with different types of foam, including high-density foam and memory foam. They use foam for cushioning and padding in furniture and car seats.
- Wood:Upholstery repairers may also work with wood, such as if a chair or sofa has a wooden frame and needs to be repaired or replaced entirely.
- Metal:Some furniture and car seats also have metal frames or parts, and upholstery repairers may need to repair or replace them if they are damaged or rusted.
Hiring a professional vs DIY upholstery repair
Professional upholstery repair involves specialised tools which the average person simply doesn’t have access to. All the professional upholstery repairers you find on hipages will not only have the necessary equipment and access to the right materials, but also the experience and expertise to take care of the repairs correctly.
Attempting a DIY upholstery repair can actually cause more damage to the furniture. This can result in more extensive repairs or even the need for full furniture replacement, which can be very costly. By hiring a professional upholstery repair service, you’ll save time and headaches – instead of spending hours or even days attempting to repair the furniture yourself.
Beyond their ability to do the job efficiently and safely, professional upholstery repairers can give you helpful advice on how to best care for your furniture to prevent future damage. They can also recommend the best after-care products to ensure the longevity of your favourite furniture.
How much does upholstery repair usually cost?
Many upholstery repair services don’t have advertised hourly rates. Instead, because they work with different types of furniture for repairs, they will be able to give you a quote for labour based on the individual job. This, however, won’t include the material costs like fabric, vinyl and leather. According to Lounge Repair Guys, both fabric and vinyl start from $44 per linear metre, whereas leather is quoted according to the client’s requirements.
Your upholstery professional may also advise on additional repairs your furniture needs, which should be quoted as a separate job. You can decide to accept this or only get the work that you want done. The final cost to consider is freight. While some services will factor this fee into their overall quote, others may charge both a pick-up and delivery fee in addition to labour and materials.
What should you ask an upholstery repair professional before hiring them?
When hiring an upholsterer, there are some things that you will need to consider. First, they should provide you with a free measure and quote. The quote should include pick-up and delivery and be a fixed price. Here are some questions to ask different upholstery repairers before making your choice:
- Can you show me photos of your previous repair work?
- How many years of experience do you have in upholstery repair?
- What sort of guarantee do you provide for your work?
- Do you do same-day pick-up?
- Can you provide the care tags for the material used so I know how to look after it long-term?
Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.
