The Problem with Throwing Away Good Furniture
Here is something we see every week in our Nairobi workshop: a customer brings in a sofa they were about to throw away. The fabric is torn, the cushions have sunk, and the frame creaks. They think it is finished. Two weeks later, they pick up a sofa that looks and feels brand new — for less than half the cost of replacing it.
The truth is, most sofas in Kenya are not worn out. They are neglected. The frame is still solid, the springs still work, and the bones are good. What has failed is the upholstery — the fabric, the foam, and the stitching. All of that is replaceable.
Signs Your Sofa Needs Repair — Not Replacement
Before you start shopping for a new sofa, check for these signs. If your sofa has any of them, repair is likely the better option:
- Sagging cushions — the foam has compressed. New high-density foam restores the sofa to its original firmness.
- Torn or faded fabric — the upholstery has reached end of life, but the frame underneath is fine.
- Creaking or wobbling frame — joints have loosened. A workshop can re-glue, re-screw, and add corner blocks.
- Broken springs — the seat feels uneven or you can feel the frame through the cushion. Springs can be replaced individually.
- Peeling leather — common with faux leather. Genuine leather can be reconditioned; faux leather needs full replacement.
- Outdated colour or style — you want a new look without buying a new sofa. Re-upholstery lets you change the entire appearance.
When You Should Replace Instead of Repair
Not every sofa is worth saving. Replace your sofa if:
- The frame is cracked or broken in multiple places — a rebuilt frame is rarely as strong as a new one
- The sofa was very cheap to begin with (under KES 30,000) — repair costs may exceed the original price
- The wood is softwood and has warped significantly — it will continue to warp even after repair
- You need a completely different size or shape — re-upholstery cannot change the dimensions of a sofa
What Happens During a Sofa Re-Upholstery
A proper re-upholstery is not just putting new fabric on an old sofa. It is a full rebuild. Here is what we do in our workshop:
1. Stripping
The old fabric, foam, batting, and staples are completely removed. The frame is exposed down to bare wood. This is the only way to inspect every joint and every part of the structure.
2. Frame Repair
Loose joints are re-glued and re-screwed. Broken or cracked pieces are replaced with matching hardwood. Corner blocks are added where they are missing. The frame should be rock-solid before anything goes back on.
3. Spring Replacement
Bent or broken springs are replaced. Existing springs are retied and secured. The spring base determines how the seat feels — too soft, too firm, or just right.
4. Foam Replacement
New high-density foam (28 to 32 kg/m³ for seats) is cut to size. This is the most important step for comfort. Old foam is never reused — it has already compressed and will not recover.
5. Upholstery
New fabric is cut, sewn, and fitted by hand. Piping, tufting, and detailing are done at this stage. The finish should look identical to a brand-new sofa.
Sofa Repair Prices in Nairobi (2026)
These are typical price ranges. Every sofa is different, so we assess each one before quoting.
- Foam replacement only — from KES 8,000 to KES 20,000 depending on sofa size and foam density
- Fabric re-upholstery (fabric included) — from KES 25,000 for a 3-seater to KES 60,000 for a large sectional
- Full restoration (frame + springs + foam + fabric) — from KES 35,000 to KES 90,000
- Leather re-upholstery — from KES 60,000 to KES 150,000 depending on leather grade and sofa size
Compare this to buying a new quality sofa at KES 80,000 to KES 150,000, and the value of repair is clear.
Do You Need to Bring the Sofa to Us?
No. We offer home pickup and delivery across Nairobi and its environs. For upcountry clients, we can arrange transport. The process is simple: we come, we assess, we quote, and if you approve, we collect the sofa, rebuild it, and return it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sofa re-upholstery take?
Typically 5 to 10 working days for a standard 3-seater. Larger sectionals or complex designs may take 2 to 3 weeks. Foam-only replacement can be done in 2 to 3 days.
Can I change the colour of my sofa?
Yes. Re-upholstery lets you choose any fabric and colour you want. Many clients use re-upholstery as an opportunity to update their living room's colour scheme without buying new furniture.
Is it worth re-upholstering a sofa with a broken frame?
If the frame has a single crack or a couple of loose joints, yes — these are easy repairs. If the frame is broken in multiple places or the wood is warped, replacement is usually more cost-effective.
Can you match the original design?
Yes. We can replicate the original design exactly, or modify it — add tufting, change the cushion style, or adjust the arm shape. Re-upholstery is also an opportunity to upgrade the design.
Get Your Sofa Restored
Send us a photo of your sofa on WhatsApp and we will tell you honestly whether it is worth repairing. No pressure, no sales talk — just a straight answer from a workshop that has been restoring furniture in Nairobi for over 20 years. WhatsApp us your photos or see our before and after gallery.