If you’ve noticed that your couch is starting to look a bit faded or there are new wrinkles in the fabric on the cushions, you might think about reupholstering it before you decide to get rid of it and buy a new one.

This goes for other furniture in your home (like stuffed chairs, ottomans, or chaises) and cushioned seats in your car or boat. If something is covered with fabric, an upholstery service is where to go for help.

Reupholstering can also be a decorative choice – updating a piece of furniture can change the look of a whole room.

Reupholstering can be just as expensive as buying a new piece of furniture, so you want to do your due diligence before moving forward with a project. Ask friends and family for recommendations and get at least three estimates to compare options.

Think through your project and be prepared to talk with prospective upholsterers to scope it out. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what upholstery fabric to use. Your upholsterer can use answers to these questions to help you choose the right fabric:

• What color or patterns are you considering?
• Is the piece being upholstered mostly decorative or do you and your family actively use it?
• Do you have children?
• Do you have pets?
• Is the piece in a sunny room or a shaded one?

Get all estimates in writing and make sure that the estimates include all options and possible extra charges. Some of the things you’ll want to discuss to make sure you aren’t surprised with extra costs later include:

• Will the upholsterer cover the old fabric on your piece or remove and replace it?
• Do they glue, staple, or sew the fabric?
• Can the upholsterer work in your home or must the furniture be taken to a workshop? Is there an extra charge for the upholsterer to pick up and return the furniture from your home?
• If the frame of the furniture is damaged, can the upholsterer do basic furniture repairs, or does it have to go to another service provider?
• How long will the project take?

If you’re getting upholstery estimates for your boat or car, make sure you understand the process and know how long your car or boat will be out of commission while the work is being done.

For more information:

• If you’re not looking to change the look of your furniture, you may just need a good cleaning, not reupholstery. Rug and carpet cleaners will often also clean upholstered furniture.
• If you are trying to change the look of your home, you may also want to talk to an interior designer.
• Other things that can update your home include painting, bathroom remodeling, new roofs, and patios or decks.
• Visit BBB's home HQ.