We are so glad you asked!
When we order fabric from our vendors, we make a commission on it (which is an industry standard). So when people bring their own fabric, we lose that commission. To replace that loss, we have a $30/yd fee.
(It’s like bringing your own eggs to a restaurant… or buying all your plants from Lowe’s and hiring a landscape crew to plant them. The industry makes money on the products they sell you before they do the work.)
It’s more cost effective for you to have us order the fabric that you’ll need. I have over 50 different fabric books that I can show you to choose your next look!
“Should I reupholster, or buy new?”
Reupholstering is most beneficial for high quality furniture that you’d like to extend the life of, family heirlooms are a great example.
Unfortunately, today’s outlet furniture is not made the way it was in the past.
The bones of high quality or older furniture will likely outlive anything that is being sold in outlet stores today, so giving it new foam, padding, and upholstery will extend the life drastically.
Buying a chair from outlet store may cost the same as reupholstering, it’s true, but outlet stores aren’t selling “high quality, last forever, pass down to your grandchildren” furniture. The upholstery wears faster, and when it does wear out in a couple years, you’re going back to the store to spend another $$$ on a new one anyway – so in the long run, reupholstering will save you money.
Whether it’s buying new or reupholstering old, we want you to make the right decision for your home and your family.
What’s the process?
You’ll start with a free design consultation and estimate in your home or office, or in our shop. We have thousands of fabric samples from most major manufacturers and distributors and will help you narrow your choice for the most attractive result.
We will pick up and deliver your furniture for FREE within Owatonna city limits and up to 10 miles surrounding, and a small fee outside that area. You’re also welcome to drop off and pick up if it’s convenient for you.
How long does it take?
The Upholstery Shop of Owatonna is open 5 days a week, so we will work diligently to get your project in and out of our shop as fast as we can while doing a good/quality job. If we move faster or slower, we will communicate that with you. See below the time frame of what we upholster:
What can you upholster?
Small Chairs: dining room chairs or chairs with single cushions = Half of a day
Medium Chairs: 2 cushions/chair with a back and a bottom = 1 day
Large Chairs: Full chair (wing or arm) = 1-2 weeks.
Couch: 3-6 weeks depending on size/difficulty.
Ottoman: 1 day
ATV: 1 day (seats must be removed from vehicle)
Snowmobile: 1-2 days (seats must be removed from vehicle)
Custom Cushions: Small, Medium, Large, X-large
Size in length:
Small: 12″-24″
Medium: 25″-36″
Large: “37-48”
X-Large: 49″+
Pillows
**At this time, we do not do zipper repairs**