Reupholstery: Fabric, Internal Condition and a Complete Upholstery Quote

Assess the Furniture Beneath the Covering

Tell the upholsterer about sagging, movement, damage or previous repairs. Ask what inspection is needed to assess the frame and internal components. A new covering does not automatically correct every fault underneath.

If structural work is required, have it listed separately. The furniture repair guide helps distinguish that work from replacing fabric or selected upholstery materials.

Choose Fabric for the Intended Use

Describe where and how the furniture is used, who uses it and your appearance and care priorities. Ask the provider to explain suitable fabric options and their relevant product information. A material chosen only from a small image may not meet your expectations in the room.

Review samples where possible and discuss texture, pattern, colour and care. If you want to supply fabric, confirm that the upholsterer accepts it and will advise on suitability and the required order before you buy.

Clarify Internal Materials and Comfort

Ask which fillings, cushions, supports or other internal components will be retained or replaced. The same external fabric can cover very different internal scopes. Make comfort preferences clear, but ask what can realistically be changed within the existing construction.

Where the condition cannot be fully assessed before opening the piece, agree how additional findings and prices will be presented. Set an authorization point rather than leaving all internal replacement to assumption.

Plan Details and Pattern Placement

Discuss seams, trim, buttons, visible joins and other details that matter to the finished appearance. Ask how a pattern will be positioned and whether that affects the fabric requirement or labour. Keep the selected fabric and detailing with the written order.

If matching another item or retaining part of the existing covering, ask about colour and wear differences. A new material may not blend invisibly with an aged surface, and that limitation should be understood before work.

Compare the Complete Upholstery Quote

• Furniture and surfaces being covered.
• Fabric supply, quantity and accepted specification.
• Internal components retained or replaced.
• Separate frame or mechanism repairs.
• Decorative details and pattern work.
• Collection, return, care and follow-up terms.

Ask what happens if the selected fabric is unavailable or delayed. Any substitution should be approved rather than treated as a routine change to an equivalent-looking material.

Arrange Transport and Handover

Explain stairs, narrow doorways and any dismantling required. Clarify who collects, returns and reassembles the piece. Record its condition and identify loose cushions or other separate parts at handover.

When work is complete, check the agreed details and discuss use and care instructions. Keep the fabric information and repair record. If refinishing of exposed timber is also desired, confirm that it is included or separately arranged.

Reupholstery Questions

Does reupholstery include new cushions?

Only if specified. Separate covering, fillings and other internal components in the quotation.

Can the furniture feel exactly as it did before?

Discuss the comfort objective and what the retained construction allows. Ask how sample or material choices inform that decision.

Is fabric enough to price the job?

No. Condition, internal work, detailing and transport also affect the complete scope.

Choose an Upholsterer for the Whole Piece

Use the furniture repair shop guide to compare options. Search with photographs, intended use and fabric preferences ready.