Reddit-Style Guide: How Long Does Reupholstery Take in London?

Reddit questions about upholstery timing usually come from someone who needs the sofa back before guests arrive. The honest answer is that workshop time is only one part of the timeline.

Short Answer

Reupholstery time depends on quote speed, fabric choice, fabric availability, collection, stripping, repairs, sewing, fitting, and return delivery. The fastest jobs are simple, well specified, and booked before the deadline becomes urgent.

The Clock Starts Before Collection

A project can stall before it reaches the workshop if photos, dimensions, postcode, fabric choice, or deposit are missing.

If you need the job by a specific date, say so in the first enquiry. The workshop can then tell you whether it is realistic.

Fabric Availability Matters

Some fabrics are in stock. Others are backordered, special order, or need treatment. A perfect fabric that arrives late can delay the entire job.

If timing matters more than exact colour, ask for in-stock suitable options.

Stripping Can Reveal Extra Work

Once old covers come off, the workshop may find weak webbing, broken springs, collapsed padding, or frame issues. That can change both time and cost.

A good initial assessment reduces surprises, but it cannot always see inside the furniture.

Collection And Return Are Part Of The Schedule

London access, parking, stairs, lifts, and two-person handling can all affect timings. Give accurate access information upfront.

For commercial seating, plan around trading hours and installation windows as carefully as the upholstery itself.

Useful Sources

• Upholstery Rooms price guide - context on the stages and cost components of upholstery work.
• FIRA fire safety guide - industry context for compliant upholstery specification.
• UK government fire safety guidance - official context for compliant upholstered furniture.

Next Step

Send photos of the front, side, back, underside, and any damage, plus your postcode and whether you need collection. We can then tell you whether the job is sensible, what information is still missing, and what sort of price range to expect.