By Leather Repair Guru
When your leather car seats or furniture show wear, you may wonder: Should I reupholster or repair? Both options can refresh your leather's look and feel. However, they differ in cost, time to complete, and long-term value.
At Leather Repair Guru, customers in London, Surrey, and Sussex count on us for top leather repairs. We use the best materials and advanced techniques for every job. We are certified specialists from Geist and The Leather Repair Company (LRC). We will guide you on the pros and cons, so you can make the right choice for your leather.
What Is Leather Repair?
Leather repair focuses on restoring existing leather. It addresses:
- Cracks
- Fading
- Scuffs and scratches
- Surface damage
- Stains or discolouration
Our team uses LRC’s top repair systems and DeVilbiss spray technology. This combination ensures a smooth, factory-quality finish. It’s fast, clean, and minimally invasive — often completed on-site at your home or workplace.
What Is Reupholstering?
Reupholstering involves completely removing the old leather and replacing it with new material. This is typically done when:
- The leather is too damaged to repair
- The structure or foam beneath is compromised
- You want a completely different colour, material, or style
Reupholstering is far more labour-intensive, requiring disassembly, pattern cutting, stitching, and reinstallation. It’s usually done off-site, takes more time, and can come at a significantly higher cost.
Cost Comparison
Service
Average Cost (Per Seat)Notes
Leather Repair£120 – £250 Covers scuffs, cracks, and re-dyeing
Reupholstering£500 – £1,000 + Material and labour intensive
Repairing is typically 3–5 times more cost-effective than reupholstering. A professional repair often makes the seat look and feel brand new—without the high cost.
Quality & Longevity
When done by certified professionals like us, repairs can last many years. We only use Leather Repair Company (LRC) products. They are trusted by luxury carmakers and restoration experts around the globe. Our colouring systems, flexible fillers, and UV-resistant sealants ensure:
- Long-lasting durability
- No cracking, peeling, or fading
- Natural look and feel
Reupholstering can last longer if the original leather is very worn. However, for most cases, a high-quality repair works well. This is especially true for lease returns, daily use vehicles, or valuable furniture.
Speed & Convenience
- Leather Repair: Typically completed within a few hours, often on-site
- Reupholstering: Can take several days to weeks, often requires item removal and transport
At Leather Repair Guru, we provide both on-site and off-site services. We choose based on the job's complexity and what works best for you. For basic seat restoration or recolouring, our team comes with mobile equipment. This way, we keep disruption to your day to a minimum.
Our Emergency Services
If you need last-minute repairs, like for leather on a lease car or rental furniture, we provide quick emergency leather repair. Our response times are fast. We aim to help you save money on end-of-tenancy or lease penalties. Our service is quick, discreet, and expert.
Why Customers Choose Leather Repair Guru
We’ve built our reputation across London, Surrey, and Sussex on:
- Certified Expertise – We are trained and accredited by Geist and The Leather Repair Company. This ensures we have top knowledge and skill.
- Quick Quotes & Fast Action – We reply to enquiries fast and often finish repairs in 24–48 hours.
- Premium Products Only – We only use LRC products. They are known for their durability and finish.
- Precision Technology – We use DeVilbiss spray systems. They provide smooth, even recolouring and expert blending.
- Excellent Customer Service – From the first contact to the final result, our team is friendly and ready to help. We always focus on quality.
- Nationwide Reach – Our main base is in the South East, but we’re expanding. We are building a network of certified leather technicians across the UK to meet demand.
Repair or Reupholster? Our Honest Advice
In 90% of the cases we see, repair is the smarter, more cost-effective solution. Reupholstering is often not needed unless the leather is fully shredded or the foam beneath is damaged.
That said, we’re not here to upsell you — just to help you make the best decision for your leather and your budget. We’ll always inspect your seats and give you a transparent, professional recommendation.
Get in Touch
If you’re unsure whether to repair or reupholster, let Leather Repair Guru take a look. We’ll give you a quick quote, explain your choices, and offer expert leather restoration. Your seats will look and feel new, all at a fraction of the cost of reupholstery.
Get in touch today to start — we’re ready to help in London, Surrey, and Sussex. We offer quick service, flexible appointments, and guaranteed satisfaction.
Contact us today at service@leatherrepairguru.co.uk