Is it cheaper to buy a new couch or reupholster?

Let’s cut to the chase: reupholstering a couch isn’t always cheaper than buying new-but it can be, if you know what you’re doing. In Wellington, where good-quality secondhand furniture is hard to find and shipping new pieces costs a fortune, many people are stuck wondering: should I fix what I’ve got, or start over? The answer isn’t simple. It depends on the frame, the fabric, the cushion cores, and whether your couch still has bones worth saving.

When reupholstering saves you money

If your couch has a solid hardwood frame, sturdy joinery, and no broken springs or sagging support, you’re sitting on a goldmine. A well-built couch from the 1980s or 1990s often costs more to replace than to reupholster. I’ve seen people spend $800 to reupholster a 1970s mid-century sectional with high-density foam and performance fabric-and get a piece that looks brand-new, lasts another 15 years, and costs half what a comparable new one would.

The biggest savings come from avoiding the markup on brand-new sofas. A $2,500 sofa at a big-box store? That’s mostly profit, shipping, and packaging. The actual frame and foam might cost the retailer $400. Reupholstering skips all that. In New Zealand, fabric alone runs $40-$80 per yard. A standard two-seater needs about 8-12 yards. Add $600-$1,200 for labor, and you’re looking at $1,000-$1,800 total. That’s still less than most new couches, especially if you want something with decent cushioning.

When buying new is the smarter move

Not every couch deserves a second life. If the frame is warped, the legs are cracked, or the springs are rusted and squeaking, reupholstering won’t fix the root problem. You’re just putting nice fabric on a failing structure. I’ve seen too many clients walk away from $1,500 reupholster quotes after realizing their couch’s frame was held together with nails and duct tape.

Also, if your cushions are flat, lumpy, or have lost their shape, reupholstering alone won’t help. You’ll need to replace the foam and batting too. High-density foam costs $150-$300 per set, depending on size. If your couch has deep-seated cushions (like a sectional), that’s $500+ just for foam. Now you’re close to the price of a new sofa with built-in cushions.

And then there’s time. Reupholstering takes 2-4 weeks. If you need a couch this week-because your kids spilled something, or your dog shredded the old cover-buying new makes sense. A delivery from IKEA or a local furniture outlet can be here in two days.

What’s really inside your couch?

Most people don’t realize how much goes into a couch. The frame is the skeleton. The springs are the tendons. The foam and batting are the muscles. And the fabric? Just the skin. If the skin is worn but the muscles are strong, reupholstering is a no-brainer. If the muscles are gone, you’re just patching.

Here’s what to check:

• Frame: Sit on the couch and rock side to side. If it creaks or shifts, the joints are loose. Tap the frame with your knuckles-solid wood sounds dull, particleboard sounds hollow.
• Springs: Press down in the center. If you feel a bouncy, uneven response, the springs are broken or sagging. A couch with sinuous springs (S-shaped metal coils) is easier to fix than one with hand-tied springs.
• Cushions: Remove the seat cushions. Lift them up. If the foam is compressed to less than 3 inches thick, or if it crumbles when you pinch it, it’s dead. Replace it.
• Legs and base: Are the legs wobbly? Is the base warped? If so, it’s probably not worth saving.

Many reupholsterers in Wellington offer free inspections. Take them up on it. They’ll tell you if your couch is salvageable-and if it’s worth the cost.

The hidden cost of cheap fabric

Don’t be fooled by bargain fabric. A $20-per-yard cotton blend might look great now, but it’ll pill, fade, and wear out in two years. Performance fabrics-like Crypton, Sunbrella, or Revolution-are more expensive ($60-$90 per yard), but they’re stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and pet-friendly. They’re designed for heavy use. If you have kids, pets, or live near the coast (salt air eats fabric), this isn’t optional. It’s essential.

One client in Miramar reupholstered her couch with a cheap cotton fabric. Six months later, the armrests were threadbare. She spent another $700 to redo it-with performance fabric. She now says: “I should’ve gone premium the first time.”

Reupholstering vs. buying new: A real-world breakdown

As you can see, reupholstering wins on long-term value. But if you’re on a tight budget, or your couch is already falling apart, buying new gives you immediate results.

What about just replacing the cushions?

Sometimes, you don’t need to reupholster the whole thing. If the frame and arms are solid, but the seat cushions are mushy, you can replace just the cushions. A custom cushion set (foam + zippered cover) costs $300-$600. That’s less than a new throw pillow, let alone a whole sofa. I’ve helped clients do this on couches they’ve had for 20 years. It’s like a facelift-not a full rebuild.

Just make sure the new cushions match the depth and slope of the original. Otherwise, they’ll look awkward or slide forward. Bring in an old cushion as a template. Most upholstery shops will copy it exactly.

Where to get it done in Wellington

There are about a dozen reputable reupholsterers in the city. The best ones work out of small workshops in Newtown, Hataitai, or Johnsonville. They don’t have flashy websites-but they’ve been doing this for 30 years. Ask at local furniture stores or secondhand shops. They know who’s good. Avoid big chain “furniture repair” services. They outsource to overseas factories. You lose quality control.

One shop I recommend: Wellington Upholstery Co. is a family-run workshop since 1989 that specializes in mid-century and heritage pieces. They use natural latex foam, organic cotton batting, and fabrics from New Zealand mills. Their turnaround is 3-4 weeks. They’ll also store your couch while you wait.

Final decision checklist

• Is the frame solid? If yes → reupholster. If no → buy new.
• Are the cushions flat? If yes → replace foam ($200-$400). If they’re beyond saving → consider reupholstering.
• Do you love the shape? If it’s ugly or outdated, buying new might be worth it for peace of mind.
• Is the fabric stained or torn? If it’s just worn, reupholster. If it’s covered in pet urine or mold, toss it.
• How soon do you need it? If it’s today → buy new. If you can wait 3 weeks → reupholster.
• Do you want sustainability? Reupholstering saves 200+ kg of landfill waste. If that matters to you, the choice is clear.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But if your couch still feels right when you sit in it-if it’s comfortable, familiar, and built to last-then reupholstering isn’t just cheaper. It’s smarter.