Don Green Upholstery: Charleston's Custom Furniture Restoration

What Don Green Upholstery Does

Don Green Upholstery is a Charleston-based workshop that restores and reupholsters furniture—sofas, chairs, ottomans, and dining seats—using new fabric, foam, and springs. The shop takes pieces that are worn, stained, or structurally sound but visually tired, and rebuilds them to look and feel new. Work is done on-site in their workshop, and the process typically takes several weeks from drop-off to pickup.

The shop handles both residential and commercial pieces. That means a homeowner can bring in a family heirloom sofa or a worn dining chair, and a restaurant or hotel can send upholstered seating for their dining room or lobby. Don Green works with customers to choose new fabric, discuss frame repairs if needed, and plan the timeline before work begins.

Key Takeaways

• Don Green Upholstery is located in Charleston and handles full reupholstering of sofas, chairs, and other furniture pieces.
• The shop can repair or replace internal structures like springs and foam, not just cover furniture with new fabric.
• Customers choose their own fabric from samples or bring their own material, and the shop discusses costs and timeline before starting work.
• Turnaround time is typically several weeks, and you drop off and pick up the piece at the workshop.

How the Reupholstering Process Works

When you bring a piece to Don Green, the first step is an in-person assessment. The upholsterer examines the frame, springs, padding, and current fabric to determine what needs to be replaced or repaired. If the frame is solid but the springs are shot or the foam is compressed, those get rebuilt. If the frame itself has damage—a cracked leg, loose joints—that gets fixed too.

Next comes fabric selection. The shop has sample books on hand, and you can browse options in person or discuss what you're looking for. Some customers bring their own fabric if they have a specific pattern or material in mind. Once you've chosen, the upholsterer gives you a quote based on the fabric cost, labor, and any structural repairs needed.

The actual work involves removing the old fabric and padding, inspecting and repairing the frame and springs, installing new foam and batting, and upholstering with your chosen fabric. The piece is then inspected for quality before you pick it up. The timeline depends on the shop's current workload and the complexity of the piece, but plan for several weeks.

Fabric Choices and Cost Factors

The cost of reupholstering varies widely based on the size of the piece, the fabric you choose, and what repairs the frame needs. A simple dining chair costs less than a large sectional sofa. High-end designer fabrics cost more than basic upholstery cloth. If the frame needs significant repair—replacing broken springs, reinforcing joints, or rebuilding legs—that adds to the labor cost.

Don Green works with customers to understand their budget and find options that fit. You can choose budget-friendly fabrics that are durable, mid-range options with more color and texture variety, or premium fabrics like leather or high-end designer cloth. The shop can also advise on fabric durability if you have pets or children and need something that will hold up to heavy use.

When to Reupholster vs. Replace

Reupholstering makes sense when the frame is solid and the piece has sentimental or structural value. A well-made sofa from twenty years ago with a good hardwood frame is often worth restoring. A piece that's structurally sound but just looks dated—worn fabric, faded color, outdated pattern—is a perfect candidate. Reupholstering also costs less than buying new furniture in many cases, especially for quality pieces.

Replacement is the better choice if the frame is severely damaged, the piece is very old and the wood is rotting, or the cost of repairs approaches the price of new furniture. Don Green can advise you on whether a piece is worth restoring or if you'd be better off starting fresh.

Contacting Don Green and What to Bring

Don Green Upholstery is located in Charleston. You can contact the shop by phone or visit in person to discuss your project, see fabric samples, and get a sense of their work. Bring photos of the piece if you're calling ahead, or bring the piece itself if you're ready to drop it off for assessment.

Before you go, measure your furniture and note any damage or stains you want addressed. If you already have fabric you'd like to use, bring a swatch or the full bolt. The shop will let you know what they need to move forward and when they can start your project based on their current schedule.

Why Local Reupholstery Matters in Charleston

Charleston's furniture culture runs deep—the city has a long history of fine craftsmanship and a strong market for quality pieces, both antiques and contemporary. Local upholsterers like Don Green keep that tradition alive by preserving well-made furniture that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Reupholstering also supports the local economy and keeps skilled trades alive in the community.

For residents and visitors who have inherited family furniture or found a vintage piece they love, local upholsterers offer a way to restore and personalize those items. It's also more sustainable than buying new—extending the life of a well-made piece reduces waste and often costs less than purchasing replacement furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reupholstering usually take?

Most projects take several weeks from drop-off to pickup, depending on the shop's workload and the complexity of the piece. Simple chairs may be faster; large sofas or pieces needing frame repair may take longer. The shop will give you a timeline estimate when you drop off your furniture.

Can I bring my own fabric?

Yes. Many upholsterers, including Don Green, allow customers to bring their own material. Bring enough yardage for the piece—the shop can advise on how much you need. Some shops charge a small fee for using outside fabric, so ask when you contact them.

What if my furniture has a broken frame or loose joints?

Don Green can repair frame damage as part of the reupholstering process. The upholsterer will assess the damage during the initial evaluation and include frame repair in the quote. This adds to the cost and timeline but ensures the piece is structurally sound when you get it back.

Is reupholstering cheaper than buying new furniture?

Often yes, especially for quality pieces with solid frames. A well-made sofa from a good furniture maker may cost less to reupholster than to replace with new furniture of similar quality. However, if the frame is severely damaged or the piece is very old, replacement may be the better option. The shop can advise based on your specific piece.

Do you work on antique furniture?

Many upholsterers work on antiques, though some specialize in it. Contact Don Green to ask about their experience with the specific type and age of your piece. Antique furniture may require special techniques or materials to preserve its value and authenticity.