Service
Repairs and restoration
Broken frames, sagging seats, snapped springs, torn leather, missing buttons, recliner mechanisms: fixed properly, not patched.
Advice first
We tell you what is worth doing before you spend on fabric or repair work.
Quoted clearly
Photos, sizes and fabric choices become a written price, not a vague estimate.
Built properly
Frames, foam, stitching and finish are checked so the work lasts in daily use.
Working with us
How it works.
Strip to the frame 
Check the springs 
New webbing 
Chalk and cut 
Hand-finish 
Finished
- 01
Send a photo
Most repair jobs we can quote from a photo. Bigger or older pieces we'll come and look at.
- 02
Workshop assessment
On arrival we strip enough to confirm the diagnosis. If we find more, we tell you before doing more.
- 03
Repair
Frame, springs, foam, cover: only what needs doing.
- 04
Return
Repairs are usually back inside two weeks. Single-spring jobs often the same week.
In scope
What we cover.
- Frame repairs (broken legs, joints, rails)
- Re-springing (serpentine, hand-tied)
- Sagging seat rebuild
- Leather repair, re-dye and patch matching
- Recliner mechanism replacement and lubrication
- Button replacement and re-buttoning
- Motorbike seat recovering (a regular request: popular with classic and custom builds)
- Antique restoration using traditional methods (horsehair, hessian, hand-tied springs)
The detail
Questions people ask about repairs and restoration.
A broken sofa frame, a sagging seat, a recliner that won’t recline. Most of what we see is fixable for less than the cost of replacement. The judgement call is whether the underlying piece is worth the work. We’ll tell you honestly. If a 90s flatpack sofa has had its day, we’ll say so. If it’s a piece with structure worth keeping, we’ll do a proper job.
Antique restoration uses the methods the piece was built with: hand-tied 8-way springs, horsehair stuffing, hessian and webbing. Same materials, same techniques, same tools. This isn’t faster than modern construction; it’s just appropriate to the piece.
Quote from a photo for most jobs. For pieces over a certain size or age we’ll come and look. Most repairs are back inside two weeks.
Pubs, restaurants and venues with split or sagging seating can find more on pub seating and banquettes and bar stool reupholstery. Not sure whether to repair or replace a sofa? Our guide on whether it is worth reupholstering a sofa walks through the checks.
Nearby towns we cover. Our workshop is in Stalybridge, and we quote repairs and restoration from photos for customers in Wigan, Stockport, Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham and Manchester.
What customers say
From customers who have used this service.
“Took my motorcycle seat in for extra padding. Great job done and believe me bikers are fussy about their bikes. 5 star upholstery and top lads there. Thanks Valley Upholstery.”
“Our two piece settee was in good condition and the exterior fabric was fine but the cushions needed re-filling and the arms of the suite needed fixing as they had sagged. I spoke to John about the specific issues and he helped me to make decisions about what was needed. We are thrilled with the results and the suite looks and feels brand new again! It was taken on Monday and we got it back Wednesday. John went above and beyond when additional things became apparent with the single chair. Great service and excellent value for money!”
“Knowledgeable help throughout, excellent communication and beautiful craftsmanship on the reupholstery of my 1950s armchair. Hugely recommend!”
Frequently asked
Common questions about this service.
- How long does reupholstery take?
- Most domestic projects take two to four weeks from collection to delivery. Caravans usually run two to three weeks. Single dining chairs are often back within a week. We agree the timeline up front and stick to it.
- Do I pay VAT on repairs to a riser recliner?
- Not if the chair qualifies and so do you. A riser recliner (one whose seat lifts you to standing and lowers you back down) is equipment HMRC treats as designed for disabled people. Repairing or maintaining one for someone who is chronically sick or disabled can be zero-rated, and so can the foam and fabric that go into the repair. Adapting an ordinary chair to suit someone's condition, for example raising the seat height, can be zero-rated too. A recliner without the lift does not qualify, age on its own does not count, and chairs a care home buys for general use pay VAT as normal. Before we start, you (or a family member, carer or guardian signing for you) fill in HMRC's eligibility declaration. Tell us when you ask for a quote and we will say on the quote whether the job is zero-rated. HMRC's rules are in VAT Notice 701/7.
- What guarantee do you offer?
- Workmanship is guaranteed, with a two-year craftsmanship guarantee on production and contract work. Fabric durability is governed by the supplier's own rub-test rating; we'll explain that when you choose.
- Do you remove the old upholstery first?
- Always. We strip every piece back to the frame, inspect the timber and webbing, replace foam where needed, and rebuild from the inside out.
- Can you do antique restoration?
- Yes. We can use traditional methods (hand-tied springs, horsehair, hessian) if a customer wants it and where the piece warrants it.
Ready to price the upholstery?
Send photos, rough sizes and what you want changed. We’ll tell you the sensible route and quote it clearly.