Should You Reupholster Your Sofa or Replace It?

The reupholster-or-replace decision for an old sofa comes down to one diagnostic: is the frame worth saving? A solid kiln-dried hardwood frame with sound joints is worth reupholstering — the structural investment in that frame is still intact and reupholstery gives it another 10–15 year life at 40–60% of the cost of new. A particleboard, softwood, or failed-joint frame is not worth reupholstering — the structural integrity is compromised and the reupholstery investment will outlast the frame by only 2–4 years. The frame test: lift each corner of the sofa and feel for diagonal flex. A solid frame has minimal flex — less than 1–2 cm of movement. A compromised frame has visible flex at the corners. Sit in the sofa and shift weight side to side — squeaking or creaking that comes from the frame (not the springs) indicates joint failure. If the frame passes the test, assess the foam next: press the seat fully and count the seconds to full recovery. Recovery under 3 seconds: foam is still viable. 3–8 seconds: reupholstery with foam replacement recommended. Over 8 seconds or visible sag: foam has failed — replace the foam as part of reupholstery.