How Long Does Upholstery Repair Take?

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How Long Does Upholstery Repair Take? A Detailed Look at Timelines and Services

If your furniture needs repair, one of the first questions you probably have is: “How long will it take?” The short answer? It depends. The type of damage, the material, the complexity of the job, and even whether we do the work on-site or in our workshop all affect the total time.

Table of Contents

What Affects Upholstery Repair Time?

Upholstery repair isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Timelines vary depending on:

  • Type of damage: Minor cuts take hours. Structural issues take days.
  • Material: Leather often requires more time than vinyl or fabric due to prep and finishing steps.
  • Furniture design: Recliners, sleeper sofas, and sectionals are more complex than dining chairs or ottomans.
  • Access to the damaged area: Hidden seams or tightly stitched panels require extra disassembly.
  • Custom orders: If we need to order leather, foam, or hardware, turnaround time increases.

Each piece is different — that’s why we assess every job individually before giving a timeframe.

Types of Damage and Estimated Timeframes

🔧 Surface Scratches, Cuts, or Pet Damage (1–2 Days)

These are often repairable with filler compounds, recoloring dyes, and a protective finish coat. Most minor damage can be repaired same-day or within 48 hours.

⚠️ Peeling or Cracked Vinyl (2–4 Days)

Once vinyl begins to peel or crack, it typically requires full panel replacement. We may replace just the damaged sections, but we often recommend upgrading to a more durable material. Time depends on material availability.

🎨 Faded or Discolored Leather (3–5 Days)

Restoring faded leather requires deep cleaning, sanding, recoloring, and sealing. Color matching alone can take a few hours. This work is precise and usually done in our workshop.

🪑 Cushion Collapse or Foam Replacement (2–3 Days)

We remove the old foam, cut and fit new high-density inserts, then reinstall. If your cushions are removable, we can often take them to the shop and reinstall on-site.

🧵 Broken Seams or Stitching Issues (1–2 Days)

If the stitching is accessible, this can be a fast fix. If we need to open seams or remove fabric to repair the thread from the inside, the job may take longer.

On-Site vs. Workshop Repairs

At Furniture Doctor Austin, we offer both mobile and in-shop service. Here’s how it works:

  • Removable Parts: If your cushion, backrest, or seat is detachable, we can pick it up, complete the work in our workshop, and reinstall it later — saving you time at home.
  • On-Site Repairs: For minor scratches, seam repairs, or leather touch-ups, we can often handle everything at your location in a single visit.
  • Hybrid Repairs: Complex projects (like recoloring or partial reupholstery) are often split: prep work in our shop, final assembly on-site.

This flexibility helps us speed up the process while minimizing disruption to your home.

How Long Does It Take by Furniture Type?

🪑 Dining Chairs

Simple reupholstery or leg repairs usually take 1–2 business days.

🛋️ Sofas and Sectionals

Due to size and construction, full restoration can take 5–10 business days, especially if leather panels or custom foam are required.

🧘 Recliners

Recliner repairs vary depending on whether mechanisms, cushions, or covers are affected. Plan for 3–6 business days.

🧳 Ottomans & Accent Pieces

Often quicker to restore, these can usually be turned around in 2–4 business days.

🚐 RV or Mobile Furniture

Repairs depend on access, space constraints, and component removability. Estimates provided upon photo review.

Need It Done Fast? Here’s How We Can Help

In a rush? We’ll always do our best to accommodate your schedule. Our flexible process allows us to:

  • Pick up removable parts for quicker in-shop work
  • Prioritize minor jobs when possible
  • Schedule final assembly at your convenience

Send us a few photos of the damage — we’ll evaluate it and give you a realistic timeframe with no obligation.

Furniture Doctor Austin — Leather & Vinyl Repair Specialists Serving Greater Austin