Yes. Not every job needs a full strip and recover. We're happy to look at repairs, whether that's a broken seam, a worn section of fabric, damaged foam or a loose fitting.

If it's worth repairing, we'll tell you. If it's not, we'll tell you that too.

While we cover a wide range of upholstery and trimming work, there are a few things outside of our scope.

We don't work on clothing, garments, footwear, rattan or cane chairs, yurts and extra large size tents, non-canvas tents, umbrellas, suitcases, backpacks, dog collars or equestrian equipment. We also generally don't work with animal pelts or hides such as cowhides or possum skins as they can contaminate the workshop. We do ask that any outdoor or boat covers are clean before drop-off — we're not able to accept items that haven't been washed first.

If you're unsure whether your project is something we can help with, just get in touch.

No. Our tools and equipment are for workshop use only and are not available for loan.

When considering reupholstering your furniture there are a few things you should take into account to decide if it is worth taking the plunge.

• Quality Older pieces of furniture were made to last, quality over quantity. These items have “good bones” and will likely have another few life cycles in them.

• Practical That item that fits into your space perfectly, is the most comfortable and you just cannot find anything new suitable to replace it.

• Sentimental An item from your childhood or that belonged to a cherished relative, full of memories or emotional connection.

• Sustainability Reupholstering reduces landfill waste, decreases carbon footprints, minimises the demand for new materials and in turn conserves natural resources used in the manufacture of new materials.

These are all important points to reflect on to determine if your particular piece of furniture is worthy of the investment to prolong its life and love it and honour the memories for many years to come.

As upholstery is labour intensive, buying new can be cheaper compared to reupholstering.

This is generally due to factories relying on mass production, automation, lower cost or quality materials and lower cost of labour with factory workers. Typically, older furniture features hardwood frames, and superior joinery that cannot be found in budget-friendly modern pieces and these can be the items that are worth the investment. An accomplished professional in any field will not only include the cost of a particular project in their labour pricing, but their years of knowledge, skill and experience to be able ask the right questions, know how to execute and complete the project to a high standard. This goes right down to a small project or repair.

Any “off the shelf” items will usually be less expensive than bespoke pieces customised specifically for you and your space for these reasons.

To put that in perspective, fabric alone for a single armchair typically starts from $300–$560 before labour — so it pays to go in with realistic expectations.

Because each project is unique and there are so many factors that go into pricing, we prefer to have a good idea of all details of individual projects before quoting to be sure everyone is on the same page and we can provide a more accurate price. Usually, a photo, approximate measurements and any desired design features are a minimum.

As a rough guide, fabric for a single armchair typically requires 5–7 metres. At average fabric prices of $60–$80 per metre, that's $300–$560 in fabric alone — before labour. Every job is different, but this gives you a starting point.

See all the ways you can request a quote from us on our Contact Us page.

Pricing is based on the type and complexity of the job. Once we have all the details we need, we'll put together an itemised quote.

Worth knowing — sometimes internal repairs aren't visible until we open a piece up. If anything unexpected comes up during the job, we'll talk to you before proceeding.

If you'd like to request a quote, visit our Contact Us page for ways to get in touch.

Yes. We're happy to provide quotes for insurance purposes. Please note that a quoting fee applies for insurance work, which covers the time involved in assessing the job and liaising with you and your insurer.

If your claim is approved and the work goes ahead with us, the quoting fee is deducted from your final invoice. In most cases, the fee can also be included as part of your insurance claim - worth checking with your insurer when you lodge it.

Yes. We have a selection of samples in the workshop, and can order in additional samples or cuttings on request. Our full range of suppliers is listed on our Fabrics and Supplies page. Feel free to get in touch to arrange a time to come in and have a look.

We'll always do our best. For partial repairs or extensions to existing work, we can often source fabrics that are a close or exact match. For automotive and classic car work, sourcing period-correct materials is something Bevan has a lot of experience with.

Get in touch with photos and details and we'll let you know what's possible.

Yes. We supply fabrics and materials for personal and DIY projects, not just trade work. Head to our Fabrics and Supplies page to see the suppliers we work with, or get in touch to discuss what you're looking for.

Yes. For customers who choose to supply their own fabric we do charge a COM (customer’s own materials) fee, which is calculated as 15% of the labour. It is essentially a handling/cutting fee which would normally be covered if we were to supply the fabric. The purpose of the fee is to account for loss of profit margin, logistics (receiving, inspecting and storing), calculating meterage and confirming the correct fabric and meterage has arrived, and assuming the risk inspecting for damaged or flawed fabric.

We have accounts with most major fabric suppliers in New Zealand and have a selection of fabric samples in the workshop. If we don’t have something you like, we can always order in samples or cuttings for you. See our Fabrics and Supplies page for some websites to browse.

No. For marine covers, we need the actual vessel here with us. Covers are made to fit the specific contours of a boat and require several fittings throughout the process. An existing cover won't give us the accuracy we need, and travelling to the boat multiple times isn't practical. If you're after a new cover, get in touch and we'll arrange a time for you to bring your boat in.

Care depends largely on the fabric or material used. We can let you know the best approach for your particular job at the time of completion. As a general rule, prompt attention to spills, avoiding prolonged direct sunlight and regular light vacuuming will go a long way toward keeping your piece looking its best.

The easiest way is to send us a photo and a brief description of your project via email or our contact form. If you have approximate measurements and any ideas around fabric or finish, include those too — the more detail the better. From there we'll come back to you with any questions and, where possible, a quote. We aim to reply within 1-2 business days.

Visit our Contact Us page for all the ways to get in touch.

After the discussions, decisions and quoting, the labour side can be quite intensive.

For existing furniture, the frame is completely stripped down, to the foam, all existing fabric and staples removed in reverse order to how they will be replaced.

An inspection of the internal components of the frame is conducted including the timber frame itself, webbing or springs and foam.

The fabric is removed carefully to allow patterns to be made off existing fabric panels.

Patterns are arranged on the fabric allowing for pattern repeats and any new panels, such as for piping, are measured out while ensuring all panels are aligned with consistent fabric grain direction.

The fabric is marked, cut and if necessary overlocked as well. The required panels are then sewn together and begun to be replaced on to frame after any repairs have taken place. The last fabric panel that was removed, is first panel replaced.

For a new item such as a boat cover, outdoor furniture covers or squab, the fabric must be measured marked and cut by hand without patterns.

Finishing touches, including upholstery nails, refitting the legs and installing marine fittings are the final steps.

Once we have quoted your project, confirmed all the final details and received a deposit we can schedule you in and order your materials. These first steps can be completed with 24 hours of first contact if we have all the required information and you are a quick decision maker. We aim to reply to emails within 1-2 business days.

Depending on the size and complexity of the project you should expect your project to be completed within 1 week of your scheduled date.

If you have a specific date you need your project completed by please let us know at time of quoting. We will endeavour to schedule you in and have your project completed within your time frame.

Yes — we're based in Hawea Flat and welcome visitors by appointment. If you'd like to come in to discuss your project, see fabric samples or drop off a piece, just get in touch to arrange a time.

In many cases, yes. If needed, we can arrange to come to you by appointment. This is something we'll work out with you once we have the details of your project — get in touch and we'll figure out the best approach.

Yes. While we're based in Wanaka, we work with clients across the Southern Lakes region and beyond, including Queenstown, Cromwell and further afield. Pick up and delivery can be arranged — see our pick up and delivery FAQ for details.

In most cases, yes. Pricing for pick up and delivery will depend on your location and the size and type of project. On occasion we may use professional removalists to undertake this task on our behalf. If you would like this included in your quote, please let us know.