Furniture Repair Business Overview

A furniture repair business fixes, restores, and maintains various types of furniture for residential and commercial customers. These businesses work with everything from basic chairs and tables to high-end antiques. Repair services range from simple fixes like replacing broken chair legs or repairing scratched surfaces to complete furniture restoration projects involving structural repairs, refinishing, and reupholstering.

Most furniture repair businesses offer both wood and upholstery services, though some choose to focus on one specialty. The work requires knowledge of different wood types, fabrics, repair techniques, and finishing methods.

The most common business models in the furniture repair industry include:

• Workshop-Based Services: Repairs and restorations performed at a fixed location where customers bring their furniture
• Mobile Services: Technicians travel to customer locations to perform repairs on-site
• Specialized Restoration: Focus on antique furniture restoration and high-value piece preservation
• Commercial Focus: Primarily serve businesses, offices, and institutions with furniture maintenance needs

Related: Checklist to Start a Business

How Do Furniture Repair Businesses Make Money?

Furniture repair businesses generate their primary income through service fees for repairs and restoration work. These fees are calculated using different pricing structures – some charge by the hour with rates ranging from $50 to $150 per hour, while others set fixed prices based on the type of repair needed. The final cost to customers includes both labor and materials, such as wood, fabric, padding, springs, and finishing materials. For larger projects like complete furniture restoration or reupholstery, businesses often provide detailed estimates that break down material and labor costs separately.

Industry Statistics

Furniture repair businesses specialize in fixing, refinishing, and reupholstering residential and commercial furniture pieces. This industry falls under NAICS code 811420: Reupholstery and Furniture Repair. Here are some facts about the furniture repair industry.

Furniture Repair Industry Size & Growth: The furniture repair and reupholstery industry generated $2.0 billion in annual revenue last year. Over the past five years, the industry has experienced an average annual decline of 0.8%. The industry is expected to continue declining over the next five years as consumers increasingly opt for new furniture purchases over repairs, influenced by lower-cost imported furniture options and rising repair service costs. (IBISWorld)

Number of Furniture Repair Businesses: There are 18,983 furniture repair businesses operating across the country. The industry remains highly fragmented, with no single company controlling a significant portion of the market. Most businesses are small, independently owned operations serving their local communities. Many operators work from small workshops or provide mobile services. (IBISWorld)

Furniture Repair Profit Margin: Furniture repair businesses typically see gross profit margins between 45% and 60%, with net profit margins ranging from 10% to 18% after accounting for overhead costs, materials, and labor expenses. (IRS)

Costs To Start a Furniture Repair Business

Starting a furniture repair business could range from $3,000 to $50,000. The lower end represents starting from home with basic tools, while the higher end includes a workshop space and professional equipment.

Here are the main costs to consider when starting a furniture repair business:

Tools and Equipment ($2,000 – $20,000): Professional tools include sanders, saws, clamps, pneumatic tools, spray equipment, and specialized upholstery tools. Quality hand tools and power tools handle various repair needs. Many start with basic tools and add specialized equipment as needed.

Workshop Space ($0 – $15,000): Home-based businesses can start in a garage or basement. Commercial spaces require first and last month’s rent plus security deposit. Basic improvements include ventilation, lighting, and work tables.

Initial Supplies ($500 – $7,000): Starting inventory includes wood, finishes, stains, fabrics, foam, springs, and various fasteners. Additional materials like sandpaper, glues, and cleaning supplies support daily operations.

Transportation ($500 – $3,000): While many start with an existing vehicle, adding proper padding and securing equipment for safe transport is necessary. A cargo trailer helps move larger furniture pieces.

These cost estimates are approximate, and actual expenses will vary based on your business model and scale of operations.