Instead of buying new furniture, refurbishing and repairing existing pieces comes with a ton of benefits. It’ll save you money, reduce waste, and help you add character to your home. Here’s all you need to know about furniture repair near you.
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Your questions answered about furniture repair
What are the most common kinds of furniture repair?
There are lots of different types of furniture, which all experience wear, tear, and damage in one way or another.
Just a few common furniture repairs include:
- Surface scratch repairs
- Torn upholstery repairs
- Balancing a wobbly table or chair
- Mending a broken chair or table leg
- Sofa spring repairs or replacements
Is it worth it to repair a couch?
That depends on several factors, such as the quality of the couch and the type of damage that needs repairing.
As a general rule, older sofas (and other furniture) tend to be better made than newer furniture, which can make them well worth restoring.
This is especially the case if the damage is only minor. For instance, broken stitching, colour loss on leather couches, and minor surface imperfections can often be repaired relatively easily.
On the other hand, if the frame itself is broken or weakened, this can be much more difficult to address and may not be worthwhile.
What is the difference between refurbishing and restoring furniture?
The terms ‘refurbishing’ and ‘restoring’ are often used interchangeably when it comes to furniture, but there is a subtle difference.
Refurbishing furniture involves making it look exactly how it looked when it was brand new. In this case, you’ll be removing all signs of wear.
On the other hand, restoring furniture involves preserving as much of the item as possible – including signs of the aging process. For instance, metal will develop patina over time, which is a natural colour change. In restoration, you wouldn’t remove the patina but would instead embrace this as part of the furniture’s story and character.
Refurbishment can be a good option for furniture that has no patina, was made in large quantities, and is very worn. But usually, restoration is a better approach for valuable vintage furniture that can be enjoyed as a collector’s item.
What’s involved in furniture refinishing near me?
Refinishing is another term that can often be confused with refurbishment and restoration.
Furniture refinishing is when you repair or reapply the finish on the furniture’s surface. When it comes to wood furniture, this could be paint, lacquer, or varnish.
However, it can also apply to lots of different materials, including glass, metal, and plastic.
Can you refurbish furniture without sanding?
Yes, although it does depend on the finish you’re after.
If you’re looking to paint your furniture without sanding, there are several different options.
For instance, you can use chalk paint or mineral paint, which both famously require no prep. Or, you can apply a bonding primer or liquid sander to your furniture before painting.
Alternatively, if you’re hoping to refinish wooden furniture without painting or sanding, you could explore special gel stains that are designed to be applied over finished wood.
However, in this case, sanding is usually the preferred option.
Why hire a professional for furniture repair and refinishing near me?
Many keen DIYers choose to take on furniture repair and refinishing themselves. But sometimes it really is a job for the experts – especially if it’s a special item of furniture that you’re keen to bring back to its former glory.
Here are just a few reasons to hire a professional for furniture repair and refinishing near you.
Expertise
Unless you’re experienced in furniture refurbishment, there’s always a risk you could damage your item with a dodgy DIY repair.
On the other hand, a professional will know exactly what they’re doing, removing any risk to your much-loved item of furniture.
High standard
A trusted expert will have the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to repair and refinish your furniture to a high standard.
So, it’s the best way to breathe new life into a piece and ensure that it can last for many years to come.
Save money in the long run
When you hire a trusted specialist, you can be confident that they’ll get your furniture repair spot on the first time around.
So, you’re unlikely to need to fork out on additional repair work any time soon.
Guidance
As well as working on your furniture, an expert will be able to offer you guidance and advice.
For instance, they can help you decide whether a repair or replacement is the best way forward if you’re uncertain. Plus, they can advise on the best finish and repairs to get your furniture looking and functioning at its best.
How much does furniture repair near me cost?
The average furniture repair cost is £150.
However, this can vary widely depending on the type of furniture you want repaired, as well as the type and extent of the damage.
For example, a scratch repair will typically cost between £70 - £90, while a chair or table leg repair will usually fall in the region of £150 - £300.
Head over to our furniture repair cost guide for more details and prices.
How much does it cost to fix a broken sofa?
How much it costs to fix a broken sofa will vary based on factors such as:
- The type of sofa
- Its size
- The type of damage
- The extent of the damage
That said, if you need to reupholster your sofa, you’re looking at around £800 for a 2-seater sofa or £1,000 for a 3-seater.
Meanwhile, if your 2-seater sofa has broken or weak springs, you can expect to pay roughly £150 + in sofa spring repair costs – or £450 - £700 for a full spring replacement.
How do I find reputable specialists for furniture repair near me?
Wondering how to find reliable specialists for furniture repair near you? Here are our top tips.
Read reviews
Always check to see what other homeowners have to say about any furniture repair specialists in your area.
That way, you can make sure to choose someone that others rate.
Get multiple quotes
It’s best to get at least three quotes for furniture repair near you.
This will allow you to get a feel for a range of different professionals. Plus, you’ll be able to check that you’re getting a fair and competitive price for the work.
Ask about insurance
Check that the companies you’re considering have the right insurance in place. This will give you confidence that you’re protected in case things go wrong.
You’ll be pleased to hear that all our tradespeople must have up-to-date public liability insurance to be listed in the Checkatrade directory.
Get recommendations
Know someone who’s recently had an item of furniture repaired? Why not ask if they would recommend the company they used?
Make sure to cross-reference any recommendations on Checkatrade, so you know they’ve also been checked and vetted by us.
Use Checkatrade!
At Checkatrade, all our tradespeople have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed on everything from punctuality to professionalism. So, you know they’re the real deal!
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
