Find an upholsterer in Des Moines, IA
An upholsterer rebuilds and recovers furniture with new fabric, padding, springs and webbing. People hire one to save a well-made or family piece, to fix sagging cushions, or to change the look of a chair or sofa. A good upholsterer tells you honestly whether a piece is worth redoing.
How many upholsterers are in Des Moines?
Another 24 self-employed businesses in reupholstery and furniture repair are based in Polk County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
Half of Des Moines's homes were built before 1960, and 40% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Self-employed, Polk County | 24 Census NES 2023: reupholstery and furniture repair |
|---|---|
| Median year homes were built | 1960 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 40% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 212,464 ACS 2023 |
What do upholsterers in Des Moines help with?
- Sofa and chair reupholstery
- Cushion foam replacement
- Spring and webbing repair
- Dining chair seats
- Headboards
- Antique furniture restoration
- Boat and auto upholstery
- Commercial and restaurant seating
- Slipcovers
- Leather repair
How do you choose a good upholsterer in Des Moines?
- Look at finished pieces in the shop. Check seams, pattern matching and tight corners.
- Ask what is included: new foam, springs, webbing or just new fabric.
- Ask how much fabric you need and whether you can supply your own.
- Ask for a written quote with labor and materials separate.
- Ask about the timeline. Fabric orders can take weeks.
- Ask whether they pick up and deliver.
Upholsterers are not licensed in most places, though some states regulate the filling materials used in furniture.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is this piece worth reupholstering?
- What work is included beyond new fabric?
- How much fabric will I need?
- Can I bring my own fabric?
- How long will it take?
- Do you offer a warranty on the work?
Red flags to watch for
- Recovering a piece without checking the frame or springs.
- No written quote.
- Large payment for labor before work starts.
- Uneven seams or mismatched patterns in their samples.
What changes the price?
- Size and style of the furniture
- Fabric type and amount
- Pattern matching
- Repairs to the frame, springs or foam
- Details like tufting or welting
- Pickup and delivery
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many upholsterers are there in Des Moines?
The Census employer count for Des Moines, IA is too small to report, plus 24 self-employed businesses in Polk County.
Is reupholstery cheaper than buying new?
Not always. It is often worth it for well-built furniture or pieces with sentimental value. A good upholsterer will tell you if new would serve you better.
How long does reupholstery take?
It depends on the piece and fabric availability. Ask for an estimated ready date when you order.
What fabric is best for families with pets?
Tightly woven, durable fabrics such as performance fabrics and some synthetics hold up best. Ask your upholsterer for options.
Upholsterers in nearby cities
Upholsterers in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a upholsterer.