Over the years, we’ve restored furniture for families all over Cleveland County and we can usually tell right away whether a piece is worth reupholstering.

If you’re staring at a sagging sofa or a faded accent chair, it can be tough to know whether it’s better to invest in reupholstery or replace it entirely. The truth is, it depends on the piece’s construction, materials, and even the memories it carries.

Reupholstery isn’t just about making a piece look new again, it’s about keeping the quality you already have and updating it to fit your home and style. But it’s not the right choice for every piece. Here’s how to decide.

worn brown sofa before upholstery evaluation at Inlow Upholstery in Lawndale, NC — Is this a replace-it or reupholster-it situation? Sofas with a solid frame but worn cushions are often great candidates for reupholstery.

Sign 1: Solid Wood Frames Are Built to Last

The number one indicator that your furniture is worth reupholstering? A solid wood frame.

Older furniture, especially pieces made before the 2000s, was constructed with durable hardwood frames. This means even if the fabric or foam is worn, the structure underneath is usually still in excellent condition.

How to check:

Flip the piece over and look underneath. Solid wood has visible grain and weight.
Pick up the piece or gently rock it, if it feels sturdy, that’s a good sign.
Look for screws, dowels, or sturdy joinery. These are signs of craftsmanship.

If your sofa or chair has a solid wood frame, it’s almost always worth reupholstering. Here in Cleveland County, many families are surprised at how long their furniture can last with the right care.

Sign 2: High-Quality Construction Makes a Difference

Quality joinery is another major sign your piece is a good candidate for reupholstery. Pieces built with mortise and tenon joints, 8-way hand-tied springs, or kiln-dried hardwood were made to last.

Even if you can’t see the joinery, you can feel it: a solid chair or sofa won’t wobble, creak, or feel flimsy.

If your piece is well-built, we can restore it to look and feel like new while keeping the durability you don’t often find in furniture made today

Sofa frame with coil springs during upholstery evaluation at Inlow Upholstery in Lawndale, NC — Good bones matter. A sturdy frame and intact springs often mean your sofa can be restored instead of replaced.

Sign 3: Sentimental Value Matters

Sometimes the best reason to reupholster isn’t about money or construction—it’s about memories.

Maybe it’s your great-grandmother’s chair, the rocking chair you used with your children, or the first piece you and your spouse bought together. Pieces like these hold memories that new furniture can’t replace.

Reupholstery allows you to preserve those memories while updating the look to fit your home today.

antique — Family heirlooms are precious and can easily be restored to fit your style.

Sign 4: Unique Style You Can’t Replace

Do you love the curves, carvings, or classic silhouette of a vintage piece? If so, it’s likely worth saving. Many older pieces feature unique designs and characteristics you won’t find in stores anymore. Restoring these items lets you keep a piece of history while giving it a fresh, modern feel.

Older furniture often has quality and style that new pieces can’t match—reupholstery lets you keep it looking and feeling great.

Sign 5: The Fabric Is the Only Issue

If the frame is solid but the fabric is worn, stained, or outdated, reupholstery is almost always the better option. Even springs that need tightening or padding that has flattened can usually be repaired or replaced during the process.

Look for signs that the piece is worth saving:

A sturdy, stable frame
Comfortable arms and back
Springs that still offer some support (even if they need minor work)

Replacing the fabric, and refreshing or repairing the padding and springs, can completely transform a piece, giving it a fresh look and feel while keeping the durability and comfort of the original construction.

Upholstery fabric swatches available at Inlow Upholstery in Lawndale, NC for furniture reupholstering — Choosing the right upholstery fabric is the first step toward transforming your furniture.

When It’s Better to Buy New

Not every piece is worth restoring. Here are the situations where buying new is usually smarter:

1. Particle Board or MDF Frames
Furniture built with particle board or MDF isn’t durable enough for reupholstery. These materials can crack or warp and won’t last long.

2. Broken or Warped Frames
If the frame is severely cracked, warped, or falling apart, repair plus reupholstery can exceed the value of the piece.

3. Mass-Market, Low-Cost Furniture
A chair or sofa bought cheaply from a big-box store often isn’t worth reupholstering. The labor and materials cost will outweigh the piece’s value. However, some customers find it worth the investment to get exactly the look and feel they want.

Still Not Sure? Let Us Help!

Whether you live in Shelby, Kings Mountain, Casar, or anywhere within or near Cleveland County, we’d be glad to take a look at your furniture and provide honest advice.

We’ll tell you if your furniture is worth restoring or if you should consider buying new. No gimmicks, no pressure - just honest recommendations from people who’ve worked with furniture like yours for years.

📸 Ready to Restore Your Favorite Pieces?

Send us photos and get a free quote:
👉 Contact Inlow Upholstery (Call/text 828.409.1177)

Let’s bring your furniture back to life, keeping your memories, your style, and the quality you can’t replace.

Should You Reupholster or Buy New? Here’s How to Decide