FAQ
- What is the difference between recovering and reupholstering?
- How do I know if my furniture is worth reupholstering?
- Do you offer estimates by email?
- What photos should I send for an upholstery estimate?
- Do I need an appointment to visit the shop?
- Can I choose my own fabric?
- Can you reupholster antique furniture?
- And more
Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between recovering and reupholstering?
Recovering usually means replacing the outer fabric or material while keeping the existing padding, springs, and frame. Reupholstering is more involved and may include repairing or replacing worn padding, webbing, springs, foam, or structural components before applying the new fabric.
How do I know if my furniture is worth reupholstering?
If the piece has a solid frame, fits your space well, has sentimental value, or is better quality than many newer furniture options, it may be worth reupholstering. Many older sofas, chairs, and antique pieces were built with strong frames and can be restored for many more years of use.
Do you offer estimates by email?
Yes. You can email photos of your furniture along with a short description of what you would like done. For the most accurate estimate, include full photos of the piece, close-ups of damaged areas, approximate size, and any fabric or style ideas you have.
What photos should I send for an upholstery estimate?
Please send clear photos of the front, back, sides, cushions, arms, legs, and any damaged areas. If the furniture feels loose, sagging, broken, or uncomfortable, include that information as well so we can better understand whether repairs may be needed.
Do I need an appointment to visit the shop?
Yes. Visits are by appointment so we can give each customer proper time and attention. Please call ahead to book a time to discuss your project, view fabric samples, or bring in a piece for review.
Can I choose my own fabric?
Yes. We have a wide selection of fabric sample books available to help you choose the right look, texture, colour, and durability for your piece. We can also help guide you toward options that suit your home, lifestyle, and furniture type.
Can you reupholster antique furniture?
Yes. Antique furniture often benefits from a careful reupholstering process because it allows us to inspect the frame, springs, padding, webbing, and support materials. When appropriate, we can help preserve the character of the piece while restoring comfort, structure, and appearance.
Can you repair furniture before reupholstering it?
Yes. Depending on the condition of the piece, repairs may be recommended before new fabric is installed. This can include work on weakened wood, loose supports, worn padding, deteriorated webbing, or other internal components.
Is reupholstering cheaper than buying new furniture?
Not always. Reupholstering is best viewed as an investment in a piece you already love, especially if it is well-built, sentimental, antique, custom-sized, or higher quality than what is commonly available new. It allows you to keep the shape, comfort, and character of your furniture while giving it a renewed look.
How long does reupholstering take?
Timelines depend on the size of the piece, the condition of the furniture, fabric availability, and the current project schedule. Once we review your furniture and fabric choice, we can give you a better idea of timing.
Do you work on dining chairs?
Yes. Dining chairs are a common upholstery project and can often be refreshed with new fabric, padding, or repairs depending on their condition.
Do you work on sofas, loveseats, and armchairs?
Yes. Sofas, loveseats, armchairs, occasional chairs, and antique chairs can often be recovered or reupholstered depending on their structure and condition.
Can you replace foam or padding?
In many cases, worn foam or padding can be replaced or improved as part of the reupholstering process. This helps restore comfort and support, not just appearance.
Can you match the original style of an older piece?
When possible, we can help choose fabric and finishing details that respect the original style of the furniture. For antique or sentimental pieces, we can discuss whether you prefer a historically inspired restoration or an updated look.
Do you offer pickup or delivery?
Please contact us to discuss your project and location. Pickup or delivery options may depend on the furniture piece, schedule, and service area.
What areas do you serve?
Country Custom Upholstering is based in Foothill and serves Foothills, Okotoks and surrounding communities.
What should I include when contacting you?
Please include your name, phone number, location, photos of the furniture, and a short description of what you would like done. Mention whether you are looking for repair, recovering, full reupholstering, antique restoration, or help choosing fabric.
Do you work with leather or vinyl?
Please contact us with photos and details about your piece. Material options depend on the furniture, condition, and type of work needed.
Can you help me decide between repairing and replacing my furniture?
Yes. If you are unsure whether a piece is worth restoring, send photos or book an appointment. We can help you understand whether the frame, style, condition, and quality make it a good candidate for reupholstering.
How do I get started?
Call or email Country Custom Upholstering to book an appointment or request an estimate. Sending photos ahead of time is the easiest way to begin.