Furniture reupholstery

By replacing worn fabric, tired springs, and degraded foam, you can restore a piece to its former glory while customising it to suit your current interior design. This guide outlines the process, costs, and essential regulations involved in professional furniture restoration.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Initial Assessment: Inspecting the frame, joints, and internal suspension (springs or webbing) to ensure the piece is structurally sound.
• Stripping Back: Removing all old fabric, staples, tacks, and padding down to the bare frame to identify hidden issues.
• Frame Repairs: Tightening loose joints, replacing broken rails, and treating any timber for woodworm if necessary.
• Internal Reconstruction: Replacing or tensioning springs and installing new webbing and high-quality foam or natural fillings.
• Fabric Application: Precision cutting and pattern matching of your chosen fabric, followed by expert tensioning and securing.
• Finishing Touches: Adding decorative details such as piping, deep buttoning, stud work, or braided trims.

Typical Costs

The total price is primarily driven by the complexity of the piece and the cost of the fabric. A standard sofa typically requires 12 to 18 metres of fabric; if you choose a premium velvet or leather, the material cost may exceed the labour fee.

How Long Does It Take?

• Initial Consultation: 30–60 minutes for measurements and fabric selection.
• Workshop Lead Time: 4–12 weeks depending on the upholsterer’s backlog and fabric availability.
• Physical Restoration: 3–5 days for a chair; 1–2 weeks for a large sofa.
• Delivery: Usually scheduled within a specific 2-hour window once the work is completed.

DIY or Professional?

While simple projects like dining chair pads are achievable for a DIYer, complex items like armchairs and sofas require specialist tools and years of training. Professional upholsterers ensure the tension is perfect and pattern matching is seamless.

In the UK, professional upholsterers must also ensure that all materials used—including foam and top fabrics—comply with strict fire safety laws. DIY projects often overlook these legal requirements, which can invalidate home insurance.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Credentials: Look for members of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF).
• View Portfolios: Ask for photos of the "inside" work (the springs and frame), not just the finished fabric.
• Fabric Advice: A good professional will advise on "rub tests" (Martindale scale) to ensure the fabric is durable enough for your specific use.
• Ask: "Does your quote include new foam and spring replacement, or is that extra?"
• Ask: "Will you provide a fire safety certificate or permanent labels for the finished piece?"

UK Regulations

• Fire Safety: All upholstered furniture must comply with The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.
• CMHR Foam: Only Combustion Modified High Resilience (CMHR) foam should be used in domestic furniture.
• Interliners: If using certain natural fabrics (like 100% cotton or silk), a fire-resistant interliner must be fitted underneath.
• Labelling: Professionals must attach a permanent fire safety label to the item, which is essential if you ever plan to sell the furniture or rent out your home.

Common Problems

• Hidden Frame Damage: Once the fabric is removed, the frame may be found to be cracked or rotten, leading to unexpected repair costs.
• Fabric "Railroading": Poorly planned fabric layout can result in patterns running the wrong way or unsightly seams.
• Sagging Fillings: Using cheap, low-density foam results in the furniture losing its shape within months; always insist on high-density grades.
• Inadequate Fire Compliance: Using non-FR (Fire Retardant) fabrics without a proper interliner is a significant safety risk and legal breach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to reupholster or buy new?

Reupholstering a high-quality or antique piece is usually similar in price to buying a mid-range new sofa. However, the build quality of a restored vintage frame is almost always superior to modern, mass-produced budget furniture.

Can I provide my own fabric?

Most upholsterers allow "Customers Own Material" (COM), but they may charge a small handling fee. You must ensure the fabric is suitable for upholstery and meets UK fire safety standards.

What is a Martindale rub test?

This measures a fabric's durability. For general domestic use, look for a rating of 15,000–25,000 rubs. For high-traffic areas or homes with pets, 30,000+ is recommended.

How do I know if my springs need replacing?

If the seat feels "clunky," uneven, or you can feel the frame when sitting, the springs or webbing have likely failed. A professional will replace these as part of a full restoration.

Can you reupholster leather furniture with fabric?

Yes, leather items can be converted to fabric. The process is the same, though the upholsterer may need to adjust the padding slightly to account for the different way fabric stretches compared to hide.

Do I need to keep the original fire labels?

Yes. If you are having a piece reupholstered, the professional will replace the old labels with new ones that reflect the new materials used. Never remove these labels as they are vital for safety and resale.