Reupholstery

The Reupholstery Process, Step by Step

A full reupholstery follows the same sequence every time, though the details change with each piece. Here is what happens once your furniture arrives at our workshop.

Strip down. We remove all existing fabric, padding, and old tacks. Everything comes off down to the bare frame. This is the only way to properly assess the condition underneath. We often find previous repairs, bodged fixings, or damage that was hidden by the old covering.

Frame inspection and repair. With the frame exposed, we check every joint, rail, and corner block. Loose joints are re-glued and clamped. Cracked rails are spliced or replaced. Any woodworm damage is treated. The frame has to be solid before we build on top of it.

Webbing. New jute or elasticated webbing is stretched and tacked across the seat base and back. This is the foundation that carries all the weight. We use English webbing for traditional pieces and elasticated webbing where the original design calls for it.

Springs. If the piece has sprung seating, we fit new double-cone springs or serpentine springs depending on the construction type. Each spring is hand-tied with laid cord to keep it in position and give the seat its shape. A properly sprung seat should feel firm but giving, with no hard spots or sag.

Stuffing. Traditional pieces are stuffed with horsehair or coir fibre, built up in layers and stitched into place to form the seat and back profiles. Modern pieces typically use foam of the correct density and firmness. We can discuss which approach suits your piece and your preference for comfort.

Calico. A layer of unbleached calico is fitted tightly over the stuffing. This gives the piece its final shape before the top cover goes on. We check the profile, symmetry, and firmness at this stage. Any adjustments are much easier to make now than after the fabric is on.

Top cover. Your chosen fabric or leather is carefully cut, matched for pattern where needed, and fitted to the piece. Piping, studding, deep buttoning, and other details are added at this stage. We take particular care with pattern matching on stripes and large prints, because misaligned patterns are immediately noticeable.

Finishing. The underside is covered with fresh bottom cloth. New castors or glides are fitted if required. The piece gets a final inspection before we contact you to arrange delivery.

Choosing Your Fabric

We have access to over 13,000 fabrics and 200+ leathers from suppliers including Warwick, and we are happy to source from other houses if you have something specific in mind. Choosing fabric can feel overwhelming, so here is some practical advice.

Think about how the piece will be used. A family sofa with young children needs a durable, cleanable fabric. Look for high rub counts (30,000+ Martindale for heavy use) and consider performance fabrics that resist staining. A bedroom chair that rarely gets sat on can wear something more delicate.

Colour is personal, but consider the light in your room. A fabric that looks perfect under showroom lighting can look quite different in a north-facing living room. We offer free fabric samples posted to your door so you can see the material in your own space before committing.

Leather is hardwearing and ages well, but it does need occasional care. We can talk you through the differences between aniline, semi-aniline, and pigmented leathers and which suits your situation. If you are unsure, ask. We would rather spend ten minutes on the phone helping you choose than have you disappointed with the result.

Lead Times and What to Expect

A typical reupholstery project takes three to five weeks from collection to delivery. Simpler jobs like dining chair seat pads can be quicker. Larger or more complex pieces, especially those needing frame repair or traditional hand-stuffing, may take longer.

Once you accept a quote, we arrange collection at a time that suits you. Our team will wrap and protect the piece for transport. Before collection day, remove any loose cushions, clear a path to the front door, and take anything off or out of the furniture (coins in the seat crevice, TV remotes, the lot).

We will contact you if we find anything unexpected during the strip-down, for example hidden frame damage that was not visible during the initial assessment. We never carry out additional work without discussing it with you first.

When to Reupholster vs Buy New

Reupholstery makes strong sense when the frame is solid and well made. Hardwood frames with dowelled or mortise-and-tenon joints are built to last and are worth investing in. If you press on the arm of your sofa and the frame feels rigid and sturdy, the bones are almost certainly good.

It makes less sense on cheap flat-pack furniture with stapled softwood frames or particle board construction. These pieces were not designed to be reupholstered and the frame often will not withstand the process. We are honest about this. If your piece is not worth the investment, we will tell you.

Sentimental value matters too. A chair inherited from a grandparent, a sofa you bought for your first home together, a piece with a story behind it. These are worth keeping regardless of what a replacement would cost. Reupholstery lets you keep the piece and make it work in your home for another few decades.