Recovering Couches vs. Reupholstering

Recovering

• Recovering replaces the fabric on the outside of the sofa to hide surface flaws. Specialty slipcovers fit snugly over the couch, but a large throw blanket can be used to hide minor flaws on the cover. Removing the fabric covering from a sofa and replacing it with new fabric to recover the piece is the most labor-intensive form of recovering, but it produces the most finished result.

Reupholstering

• Reupholstering involves recovering the fabric as well as replacing the padding in a couch. This option is the most dramatic renovation for a couch. Not only does it give the exterior a fresh look, but it also replaces worn padding. A reupholstered couch retains its internal structure, but it has new padding or filler and a new covering on it.

When to Recover

• Recover a couch when the damage is only on the surface. A rip in the fabric, a desire to change the color of the couch's exterior or a need to save money would be reasons to recover instead of reupholster a couch. Recovering does not fix sagging cushions or broken springs, but it is a low cost alternative to reupholstering.

When to Reupholster

• If the wooden structure of the couch is intact and stable, reupholstering the piece is possible. If a dog tears the fabric and stuffing of a couch, you will likely need to reupholster. This is not the cheapest option as reupholstering can cost the same as a new, budget-priced couch. Reupholstering a couch should be done when money is no object and you want to keep a couch for sentimental reasons or because you like its shape.

When to Replace

• Sometimes recovering or reupholstering a couch are out of the question. If the damage to the couch is extensive and the cost of reupholstering it will be beyond your budget, replacing the couch is an option. Depending on the extent of the damage, buying a new couch might be cheaper than getting the original one reupholstered.