Refurbishing a worn-out armchair will make your room look entirely new, but reupholstering can be expensive. Let’s compare DIY against pro reupholstering, including the costs, time, and effort. It doesn’t matter if you are handy or prefer expert help; this post will guide you in choosing the best approach for your treasured chair.
DIY Materials Breakdown
Reupholstery requires more than just fabric. However, quality upholstery fabric alone can cost up to $20-$50 per yard. Then, materials like foam, batting, webbing, and tools can cost around $100-$300. You’ll also need specialized equipment like a staple gun or upholstery needle. While DIY saves labor costs, the upfront investment can add up quickly.
DIY Time Investment
When it comes to timing, DIY reupholstery is time-intensive. Depending on your skill level, it may take 20-40 hours. Also, if you make mistakes, it may take several weekends or evenings to correct them. You’re not just spending money; you’re investing precious time. Is the trade-off worth it? Only you can decide.
Hidden Costs of DIY
Costly mistakes, such as miscutting fabric or misaligning patterns, can ruin a DIY reupholstery project. Additionally, concealed problems, like broken springs or damaged frames, may arise and add extra to the cost. What seems cheaper initially may actually turn out to be more expensive in the long run if unexpected problems arise.
Professional Reupholstery
Hiring a pro for reupholstering an armchair costs $500-$1000. This covers labor, materials, and expertise. If you’re hiring a pro, you will get experience, specialized tools, and the skills to fix structural issues. Overall, you’re paying for a high-quality finish, speed, and the assurance of a job well done.
The Quality Factor
Truthfully, your first DIY upholstery project will be no match for an expert’s work. Over the years, pros have mastered the basics and techniques of padding, aligned patterns, and handling tricky details. Their polished, durable finish may be worth the extra cost, especially if this is an important piece in your home.
Customization and Fabric Choices
DIY allows you to pick the fabric of your choice, but pros have access to exclusive, durable materials. They guide you in picking stain-resistant fabrics, pattern matching, and design combinations. Their advice helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures the fabric suits your style to make their expertise valuable for a lasting effect.
The Ripple Effect on Your Home
It is common for DIY projects to spill over into other living spaces, disrupting your home for weeks on end. For this project, you’ll need a workspace, storage for materials and patience with the mess. The pros contain the chaos by removing the chair for off-site work. So, hiring a pro will minimize disruption to your daily life.
Long-Term Value Considerations
A professionally reupholstered chair lasts longer because of the better materials and expertise used in crafting each chair, irrespective of the initial higher cost. In contrast, while DIY may be less expensive at first, it could lead to earlier replacement, which can affect the chair’s overall value.
Learning Curve vs Expertise
While DIY reupholstery can be a fun way to learn new skills, it often comes with frustrating challenges. Professionals with years of experience deliver flawless results and handle unexpected issues with ease. If you’re aiming for perfection, it might be better to hire an expert than spend endless hours troubleshooting on your own.
The Warranty and Guarantee Aspect
Professional reupholsterers typically give warranties on their work, typically 1-3 years. This safety net protects your investment against unexpected issues. But doing it yourself doesn’t necessarily come with any such guarantees—any problems are yours to fix. While not a direct cost, this peace of mind adds value to professional services.