Expert: Mark H. Miller - 8/30/2006

Question
Hello!  I am considering buying a very cool set of dining chairs from an antique shop.  The leather is in good shape and does not need to be replaced, but the stuffing underneath (which seems to have some kind of spring arrangement) is in dire need of work.  The leather is attached to the wood with decorative round nails all the way around.  Is it possible for an amateur to remove the leather, re-stuff the chairs with foam and replace it so that it looks decent?  If not, how much might I expect to pay for a professional to do it for a set of 6 chairs?  Thanks for your help!

Answer
HI,  I doubt very much that removing the old leather and then replacing it can be done by either an amatuer or a professional.  Although the leather may look good thee is a large likelyhood that it is dried and will tear when it is replaced.  Also putting all the nails back into the old holes is virtually impossible.  So although theortically it could be done, I certainly do not recommend it.

As to labor costs to rebuild and reupholster a seat that very much depends on the area where you live.  In San Francisco metropolitan area your cost would be a minimum of 150 per seat to a max. of 250 per seat labor, plus the cost of new leather or whatever other material you choose.

Leather is sold by the square foot and ranges from 17 per sq. foot on up.  

I hope this helps.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.

Mark Miller.