Should I reupholster or buy something new?

Should I reupholster or buy something new?

While there are high-end exceptions, our experts agreed that much of the furniture manufactured today isn’t well made and not worth the cost of reupholstering.

Walker offers this advice: “We recommend reupholstering if a piece has sentimental value or if it’s an heirloom; if it’s the perfect size to fit a specific space or if it’s unique or something you love and you won’t be able to replace. If it doesn’t fall into any of those categories, we suggest buying a new piece.”

How can I tell if my furniture is good quality?

The short answer: older is better. “Anything that is at least 15 to 20 years old,” says George Spicer of Spicer’s Upholstery in Alexandria.“If it was going to fall apart, it would have by now.”

Coil springs and solid wood are also indications of something well-made, says Michael Goncalves of Jose Goncalves & Sons Interiors in Arlington. To check for coil springs, he says, remove the seat cushions and press your hand down on the seat.

“If it feels like coil springs, it’s probably a decent piece and worth considering reupholstering,” he says. “And if you can pick up a sofa super easily, it’s probably not good quality wood.”