Reupholstering vs Replacing

I get asked quite a lot "is it better to re-upholster or replace?"

First of all, if you haven't read this article about imported furniture, then I urge you to do so!

But apart from that issue, what is the best course of action?

It depends! Don't you love that kind of answer? Well it truly does depend on the item(s). Do you have theatre seating that's a safety hazard? Or do you have worn and torn vinyl booths in your restaurant? If it were me, I would probably want to replace the theatre seats (mind you, we might be able to fix them), but when it comes to the vinyl, reupholster it! 

So when would I Replace an Item?

Look at the piece or the pieces and see if it is structurally sound? Is the frame wobbly when you grab the back, do the legs look like they are about to fall off? When you sit down are you practically touching the floor? If the piece is structurally unsound, it's probably better cost effective option to replace. 

Also consider if you still like the style and is it a good quality piece(s)  If you don't like the style and if it were cheap in the beginning, then it's better to replace.

Reupholstering an older 'cheap' item may end up costing more. Generally speaking the older and heavier the furniture the better the quality. If it were a lower end item to begin with, then it may not be worth it. But reupholstering a high quality older piece may end up being a better deal for you.

You've decided to replace it, consider this.

If you have decided to replace for whatever reason, go back to the article above and consider what you are buying. Buy New Zealand made if at all possible - give us a call 0800 698 746 and we can help you decide where to go and what to look for. Also what do you think happens to all the pieces of furniture you replace? Are they broken down and recycled, or do they go to the landfill?

So when should I Reupholster?

Can you imagine the cost of replacing an entire restaurant's furniture? Having to purchase brand new commercial furniture can quickly suck up your budget plus more! In a commercial setting, it's usually easier  and cheaper to reupholster furniture that needs it. 

Built-in benches are one of the most efficient ways to provide seating for restaurant patrons, but they are not easy to replace, so reupholstery usually makes the best sense here.

Are you rebranding? If your business if going through a face-lift or a rebranding, it makes sense to keep your current furniture and just change the look of your business. Plus you have the flexibility to match any fabrics. 

Maintenance. You wouldn't buy a new house because you have a leaky tap, so why would you buy new seating if you have a tear? Even better if you have a warranty on your fabric, we can work with the warranty company, just to make life a little easier for you.

So do you have something that you can't decide if you should reupholster or replace? Then give us a call 0800 698 746 or email us at action@upholsteryfitouts.co.nz and we will come and have a look for you. Rest assured we want the best and most cost effective solution for your business! We won't try to up-sell you, we will just give you an honest appraisal.