How to reupholster a sofa with your own hands: sequence of actions and nuances of doing the job

Reupholstering a sofa is a forced measure, the need for which is determined by the appearance and various malfunctions of the furniture. Repairs are not difficult if you have some skills in working with tools and fabric.

You can make your work easier if you divide the entire process into stages, each of which has its own characteristics. But first you need to carefully study the theory, and also write down all the important points on paper, because in practice it does not always work out exactly as you would like.

Dismantling and important points

Before we begin purchasing material, we need to assess the scale of the work ahead.

To do this, perform the following sequence of actions:

1. We evaluate the appearance - reupholstering does not always mean replacing the upper part. There is no point in changing the fabric surface if the frame inside is broken or the filler has sagged.
2. Carefully rip open the sofa seat to understand the condition of its interior. To do this, you need to bend the staples with a sharp object and simply remove the linen covering. A flathead screwdriver does the job well.
3. We assess the condition of the filler : whether it has sagged, dried out or deformed in certain places. After this, we determine whether it needs to be replaced.
4. We carefully inspect the frame - for the sofa to remain strong, you need to make sure that there are no cracks in the wooden frame. The inspection is carried out after the internal parts of the sofa have been removed.

Expert opinion

Kokovin Dmitry Vasilievich

Furniture restorer

If the sofa has a block-spring seat type, then they should also be carefully inspected for defects. Usually such elements are not damaged and return back to their usual place.

So, at this stage we need to follow three main rules:

1. We remove the upholstery as carefully as possible, removing each bracket one by one using a screwdriver. We do not throw away this fabric, since it will be our template that will allow us to correctly make a pattern from the new fabric.
2. We carefully remove the inner part from the sofa and also do not throw it away. It will also act as a guide during reassembly. If these are block springs, then they just need to be covered with a new layer of foam rubber.
3. If the sofa is large enough, then it is better to photograph all the individual details , so as not to get confused later about where and which element should be located later.

After dismantling is completed, the sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Determine the type of fabric needed for the upholstery, as well as the dimensions for each individual piece and the overall size that will be taken into account when purchasing.
2. Make calculations regarding the required amount of filler, and also select its type.
3. Buy all the necessary materials and prepare the tools.
4. Make the constriction, following the step-by-step instructions.

By following these simple rules, you will protect yourself from unexpected expenses, and also make your work more comfortable and faster.

To make the process easier, let's do all the steps step by step.

Why should you choose?

You have the following reasons to contact us for furniture repair services:

• extensive work experience;
• We immediately respond to your application and promptly dispatch a surveyor;
• repairs are carried out by experienced craftsmen who can restore the appearance of any furniture;
• low price – in-house production allows us to set reasonable prices for services;
• equipping with special equipment and professional tools;
• There are promotions and discounts.

Choosing the right fabric

In order for the sofa to serve faithfully for decades, take care of high-quality upholstery that will protect it from moisture, dust and debris.

The modern textile market offers a lot of fabric upholstery for sofas, but the best of them are the following:

Gozhka

The most practical and inexpensive upholstery option, the service life of which is more than 10 years. Easy to clean, including wet cleaning. Not subject to deformation and various damages. The color does not fade when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Flock

Thick, soft fabric that is perfect for pet owners. Does not absorb moisture or odors, does not sag or deform under weight. It cleans well and has hypoallergenic properties.

Courtesan

The surface of the fabric is impregnated with special solutions that prevent moisture and odors from penetrating inside. It is very easy to clean and retains its color even after long-term use.

Forest

The best material that does not deform during operation. Does not absorb moisture and odors. When stains appear, they can be easily removed with a sponge and soap solution.

Boucle

An excellent option that is suitable for voluminous sofas. The fabric fits well on curves and non-standard shapes. The edge does not crumble and does not require additional processing.

Microfiber

The fabric does not fade, does not crumble and does not fade. Easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner. It belongs to the luxury class, so it is quite expensive.

Chenille

It has a wide range of colors that will fit perfectly into any interior. The fabric is dense, soft and practical.

Scotchgard

Dense but lightweight fabric that is easy to clean and does not accumulate dust on the surface.

When choosing fabric, follow these tips:

• Density and wear resistance - the higher these indicators, the longer the upholstery will last.
• Price is an important indicator, especially if you need to change the upholstery on fairly large furniture. Decide for yourself whether it will be a more expensive but durable material, or whether quality can be sacrificed in favor of preserving the budget.

• What kind of load will be placed on the covering - if there are children and animals in the house, and the sofa will have to be cleaned literally every day, removing stains and other dirt, then it is better to choose impregnated fabrics, which will greatly facilitate the housewife’s work.

Expert opinion

Kokovin Dmitry Vasilievich

Furniture restorer

Do not use leather or leather substitutes for upholstery. This is quite expensive and impractical, and if you spoil the material, you will have to purchase it again, wasting money. Such sofas require special care, and reupholstering them will cost the cost of a new sofa.

Each material is good in its own way and you can choose exactly the option that will be both reliable and affordable.

Cost of work

We count the footage

To calculate the total footage of the fabric used, you should calculate the length and width of each individual part, and then add these parameters. Keep in mind that when working, an allowance may be required, which is formed by increasing the volume of foam rubber or replacing the blocks with newer ones. Therefore, before purchasing, take 1 m more fabric than is needed, because when creating patterns, you will need to take an additional 3-5 cm of stock on each side.

After the footage has been calculated, you can go to the store and look at the assortment. As for the color scheme, the priority was, is and will be graphite, all shades of gray, burgundy and blue. These are the colors that are considered the most practical and not easily soiled for sofas.

Estimation of the cost of restoration

The final prices for repairing upholstered furniture in our company depend primarily on the cost of materials and the complexity of the work performed. The configuration and dimensions of the products are also important. The cheapest repairs are for standard furniture with a simple design and well-preserved frame.

What else affects the price:

• type of repair - comprehensive or partial;
• changing the design - shape, size, adding decorative elements;
• age of the furniture – the most thorough repairs require vintage and antique items;
• type of tailoring - handmade always costs more.

Also, the total cost of repairs will be influenced by the location where the restoration is carried out. When carrying out such work at home, the cost of restoration will be cheaper due to the absence of transportation costs and less complexity.

Choosing a filler

If the inside of the sofa is perfectly preserved and does not require replacement, then this step should be skipped, going straight to creating a pattern and reupholstering.

If the sofa has exhausted its resources, then its filler should be replaced, which can be of the following types:

Periotec

Non-woven material that includes natural fibers (coconut, flax, corn) and artificial components that hold their shape well and also provide elasticity and strength. The material is hypoallergenic, and its characteristics are quite capable of competing with a spring block.

Sintepon

A more budget-friendly option in the form of non-woven fabric, which is sold in rolls. By increasing the layers of padding polyester, you can adjust the degree of rigidity of the sofa itself. It is usually used as a layer between upholstery and polyurethane foam, which makes the surface soft.

Polyurethane foam

A highly porous material that holds its shape well, while being soft and comfortable enough to fill the seat and back of the sofa. It is absolutely safe for health, has a long service life, does not accumulate dust and unpleasant odors.

Spring block

Made to order according to your measurements, or selected from those options that are available. Keeps its shape perfectly and does not sag. It needs a felt layer that will protect the foam from the effects of springs.

Struttofiber

It is called “non-woven independent springs”, which perfectly retain pressure, distributing it evenly over the entire surface. It is one of the most practical and durable fillers today.

To calculate the required amount of filler, you need to measure the dimensions of individual parts of the sofa, as well as determine the thickness of the filler itself. If you take thinner options, such as padding polyester or holofiber, then you need to initially determine how many layers there will be.

If you are in doubt about which filling will have the best qualities specifically for your sofa, then try forming a sandwich from struttofiber, polyurethane foam and felt. This combination will be the most advantageous, since the struttofiber holds its shape perfectly, the felt protects it from sagging at a specific point of constant pressure, and the top layer of polyurethane foam provides the necessary rigidity.

In what cases is professional reupholstery necessary?

Even with the most careful and careful use of furniture, it gradually loses its appearance. The following factors indicate that old furniture needs reupholstery:

• Wear and tear of the upholstery material, the appearance of stains, holes, abrasions, cuts and other defects.
• The filler loses its performance properties, and areas with dents appear.
• Malfunction of functional elements - folding mechanisms, fittings.
• Cracks and defects of the frame part.
• Large accumulation of dust in the upholstery material.

Sometimes I perform reupholstery when updating the interior of a room, when the design of old furniture does not match the new color schemes.

We prepare materials and tools

To work we will need the following tools:

• Construction stapler with metal staples for fastening upholstery.
• Stationery knife and scissors for cutting filler.

• A sewing machine for stitching individual parts of fabric if the width of the material does not allow you to obtain a solid pattern.

Before performing the main work, you need to prepare the upholstery fabric. To do this, we unfold the purchased section on the floor, and on top we lay out those parts that were dismantled earlier. Using sewing chalk, we trace the patterns, making an indent of 3-4 cm from each edge.

We arrange the patterns so that they fit on a piece of fabric. First we outline the largest parts, and then the smaller ones. We cut out the decor separately from the leftovers. If the fabric has a pattern, then it is better to make the pattern on the front side, making sure that each detail has symmetrical patterns.

Expert opinion

Kokovin Dmitry Vasilievich

Furniture restorer

If you have never reupholstered furniture, then for the first time it is better to avoid fabrics with patterns. It is quite difficult to make it symmetrical, but the material consumption can be 2-3 times higher than when using a plain fabric.

When the patterns are ready, you need to start filling. It is cut according to all parameters, laid and compared with the base of the sofa.

Reupholstering furniture at home

In our private workshop for reupholstering upholstered furniture, you can order an upholstery repair service with specialists visiting your home. This is possible if the product does not require complex restoration or it is not transportable and cannot be taken out.

Advantages of professional furniture reupholstery at home:

• savings on transportation costs, loading operations;
• the opportunity to be present when replacing furniture upholstery, to control the repair process;
• no risk of additional damage that may occur during transportation;
• affordable cost - from us you can order furniture upholstery at home inexpensively, at a price of 15 rubles.

When repairing furniture at home, specialists bring all the necessary equipment with them. Sewing of basic furniture covers and other fabric elements is carried out in the workshop. At home, only repairs of components, frames, replacement of padding and reupholstery are carried out.

Features and sequence of constriction

If everything you need is prepared, then you can proceed directly to work:

1. We remove all structural parts of the sofa : back, seat and side parts, if any. First, we process the frame, which will be visible to the naked eye. Those parts that are hidden under seats or pillows do not need to be covered.
2. We tighten the side parts: to do this, place the fabric on the floor, place the side, lightly pull the edge to the back side with your left hand and fasten it with staples to the surface, adjusting the tension force.

3. We are working on the seat : we lay the filler, compact it well, and lay out the fabric pattern on top. On the reverse side we attach the first 3-4 staples, after which, carefully stretching the fabric, we upholster it around the entire perimeter. We make sure that the filler does not deform and does not roll into one part of the seat.
4. We upholster the back : the sequence of actions is similar, but you need to pay special attention to the tension force. You should place your palm on the surface and press on it. If everything is done correctly, then after the palm is removed, the fabric will return to its original position.

If there are pillows on the sofa, then we upholster them. If the sofa itself consists of blocks, then the upholstery will occupy exclusively the side parts and the base. Cushions for the seat and back will have to be cut according to the specified parameters, then filler must be inserted there. It would be good if such a case had a hidden zipper. The covers can be removed and washed in the washing machine at any time.

The work will take even the most inexperienced craftsman about an hour. If everything is done correctly, the result will exceed expectations.

Have you ever had to reupholster a sofa?

It was a matter of I want to try

What are we repairing?

As mentioned earlier, Ikea furniture has a very wide range. So, when it comes to the kitchen, we can offer the following services:

• restoration of facades and countertops;
• replacement of fittings (handles, legs, hinges, guides);
• embedding kitchen appliances into furniture;
• installation of lamps.

Do you need to repair Ikea furniture for your bedroom, such as your bed? We offer:

• replacement of frame fasteners;
• strengthening the loose bottom;
• replacement of faulty drawer guides, etc.

If you are seriously involved in furniture repair and decide to refine the entire IKEA arsenal in your home, just pay attention to the following services from Adele’s workshop:

• working with wardrobes. This includes services for replacing sliding system rollers, glass, mirrors, installing lighting, adjusting cabinet doors, completely replacing the sliding system, etc.;
• dresser repair. This service includes work with the adjustment and replacement of guides, drawers, legs and other original fittings of Ikea furniture;
• a full range of restoration work with cabinets: installation of additional shelves or complete replacement of the internal contents, as well as work with electrical equipment (lighting) and replacement of handles, legs, hinges and other components.

FAQ

What should you do if, when stretching the fabric, its edge crumbles and falls off?

You need to treat it with an adhesive base after the fabric is attached using a stapler.

What to do if the sofa itself is large, and the width of the fabric roll is not enough to create the desired pattern?

There are two options here: either look for similar fabric in another store, where you can choose the desired width, or create a pattern from two pieces of fabric. It's good if the fabric is plain. If you have a drawing, you will have to work hard.

If you make a seat filling in the form of a sandwich, do all the layers (I decided to choose 3 layers) need to be held together with something?

Yes, they should be glued together using a special odorless glue. To do this, you first need to cut out all the fillings according to the template, then glue them together sequentially and allow them to dry thoroughly before installation.