Is it worth reupholstering a sofa?

If the frame is solid and the sofa is a size and shape you like, usually yes. If the frame is weak or the sofa was cheaply made, replacing it is often better value.

Is it cheaper to reupholster or buy new?

Compared with a new sofa or chair of similar quality, reupholstering is often the better value. Compared with a budget piece, it may not be. The condition of the frame decides it.

What affects the cost of reupholstery?

The size of the piece, how much fabric it needs, the fabric you choose, details like buttoning and piping, and whether the foam, springs or frame need work.

Reupholster or buy new? How to decide

A practical guide from Gina's Galway Upholstery for anyone in Galway weighing up whether a sofa, armchair or set of dining chairs is worth saving.

Start with the frame

The frame decides almost everything. Fabric, foam and springs can all be replaced, but a weak frame makes a reupholstery job hard to justify. A few quick checks:

Weight. Lift one corner. A heavy piece usually has a solid timber frame. A very light one is often chipboard or thin softwood.
Wobble. Push the arms and back gently. Some movement can be fixed by re-gluing joints, but a frame that flexes badly may not be worth the work.
Springs and seat. Press down on the seat. Sagging is common and fixable with new webbing, springs or foam.
Size and shape. If the piece fits your room perfectly, or is an unusual shape you'd struggle to replace, that counts in its favour.

When reupholstering makes sense

Well-made older furniture, where the frame is better than what you'd buy new at the same price.
Antiques and family pieces with sentimental value, like a parent's rocking chair or a Chesterfield.
A suite you like the shape of, but where the fabric has worn, faded or gone out of fashion.
Leather suites that have cracked, which can be re-covered in fabric for a completely new look.

When buying new may be better

The frame is broken in several places or made of chipboard that has started to crumble.
The piece was a budget buy and you don't love the shape anyway.

Don't forget the in-between options

A full re-cover isn't the only choice. If the frame and arms are in good shape, new foam and cushion covers can refresh a sofa for less. Sagging seats and loose joints can often be repaired without touching the fabric at all.

What affects the price of reupholstery

Size. A dining chair seat pad is a small job. A corner sofa is a big one.
Fabric. How many metres the piece needs, the fabric you choose, and whether a pattern has to be matched across cushions and arms.
Details. Deep buttoning, piping and studs all take time to do well.
What's underneath. New foam, springs, webbing or frame repairs add to the job.

How to get an accurate quote

Photos make all the difference. When you message Gina on WhatsApp at 087 466 6974, include:

A photo from the front, the side and the back.
Close-ups of any damage, sagging or wear.
Rough measurements (width, depth and height).
Any fabric ideas or colours you have in mind.

Gina will tell you honestly whether the piece is worth doing and what it will involve. See examples of sofa reupholstery, chair reupholstery and antique restoration.