The furniture repair industry is experiencing significant transformation in 2026, driven by sustainability trends, rising furniture costs, and changing consumer preferences. For restoration professionals, understanding the key furniture repair statistics that shape your business is essential for growth and profitability.
Whether you specialize in antique restoration, upholstery repair, or wood refinishing, these 15 critical statistics reveal opportunities to capture more customers and increase revenue—particularly through better phone management.
Market Size and Industry Growth Statistics
1. The Furniture Repair Industry Is Worth $7.2 Billion
According to IBISWorld’s 2025 industry report, the U.S. furniture repair and restoration market has grown to $7.2 billion in annual revenue. This represents steady 3.4% annual growth over the past five years, driven by consumers seeking sustainable alternatives to replacement and the rising cost of new furniture.
Source: IBISWorld Furniture Repair Services Industry Report, 2025
2. Average Furniture Repair Job Value: $850
HomeAdvisor data shows the average furniture repair job now generates $850 in revenue, up from $720 in 2023. Complex antique restorations and full reupholstery projects often exceed $2,000, while simple repairs average $150-$400. This upholstery business data demonstrates the high-value nature of repair services.
Source: HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide, 2025
3. 68% of Consumers Now Prefer Repair Over Replacement
A landmark Furniture Today consumer survey found that 68% of furniture owners prefer repairing quality pieces rather than replacing them—a dramatic shift from just 47% in 2020. Environmental concerns, nostalgia for inherited pieces, and the inability to find comparable quality in new furniture drive this preference.
Source: Furniture Today Consumer Trends Report, 2025
4. Antique Restoration Market Growing 5.8% Annually
The antique restoration market is outpacing general furniture repair with 5.8% annual growth. IBISWorld attributes this to millennials inheriting family heirlooms and seeking professional restoration to preserve both sentimental and monetary value. Average antique restoration projects command premium pricing of $1,200-$3,500.
Source: IBISWorld Antique Restoration Specialty Report, 2025
Phone and Customer Communication Statistics
5. 73% of Furniture Repair Customers Avoid Leaving Voicemails
Perhaps the most critical statistic for restoration businesses: 73% of potential customers who reach voicemail will not leave a message. Instead, they immediately call a competitor. For an industry where the average job is worth $850, each missed call represents substantial lost revenue.
Source: HomeAdvisor Service Professional Communication Study, 2025
6. 82% of Repair Inquiries Come by Phone
Despite digital booking options, 82% of furniture repair inquiries still originate from phone calls. Customers prefer calling because they need to describe complex damage, ask questions about restoration possibilities, and discuss whether their piece is worth repairing. This makes repair shop calls the lifeblood of your business.
Source: Furniture Today Industry Communications Survey, 2025
7. Response Time Under 5 Minutes Increases Conversion 340%
HomeAdvisor research reveals that furniture repair businesses responding to inquiries within 5 minutes are 340% more likely to book the job compared to those responding within an hour. In the refinishing industry stats, speed-to-response is the single biggest factor in winning competitive bids.
Source: HomeAdvisor Lead Response Study, 2025
8. 47% of Calls Come During Active Restoration Work
Nearly half of all incoming calls to furniture repair shops arrive while technicians are actively working on projects. This creates a fundamental conflict: answer the phone and interrupt delicate restoration work, or miss the call and lose potential business. This challenge is particularly acute for solo operators and small shops.
Source: IBISWorld Small Business Operations Survey, 2025
Revenue and Business Impact Statistics
9. Average Repair Shop Misses 12 Calls Per Week
Industry analysis shows the typical furniture repair business misses approximately 12 calls per week due to being busy with hands-on work, after-hours inquiries, or high call volumes. At an $850 average job value, even converting 30% of these missed calls would add over $150,000 in annual revenue.
Source: HomeAdvisor Service Business Analytics, 2025
10. 61% of Restoration Customers Request Evening Consultations
More than 61% of furniture repair customers prefer scheduling consultations or discussing projects during evening hours (after 5 PM), when most shops have closed for the day. This mismatch between customer availability and business hours represents significant lost opportunity.
Source: Furniture Today Consumer Behavior Study, 2025
11. Reupholstery Services Average 42% Profit Margin
Among all furniture repair services, reupholstery delivers the highest profit margins at approximately 42%. Wood refinishing follows at 38%, while structural repairs average 35%. Understanding these margins helps restorers prioritize which services to promote when handling inquiries.
Source: IBISWorld Furniture Repair Profitability Analysis, 2025
12. Repeat Customers Account for 45% of Revenue
Loyal repeat customers generate 45% of total revenue for established furniture repair businesses. These customers typically spend 2.3x more per visit than first-time clients and refer an average of 3 new customers per year. Excellent phone service builds the relationships that create this loyalty.
Source: HomeAdvisor Customer Retention Study, 2025
Industry Trend Statistics
13. Sustainability Drives 58% of Repair Decisions
Environmental consciousness now influences 58% of furniture repair decisions. Customers specifically cite reducing landfill waste and avoiding the environmental cost of new furniture manufacturing as key motivations. Smart restorers highlight these benefits during customer conversations.
Source: Furniture Today Sustainability Impact Report, 2025
14. 34% of Shops Now Use AI-Powered Phone Systems
Forward-thinking furniture repair businesses are embracing technology: 34% now use AI-powered phone systems to handle calls during busy periods, after hours, and when technicians can’t step away from delicate work. These shops report 40% higher lead capture rates and improved customer satisfaction.
Source: IBISWorld Service Industry Technology Adoption Survey, 2025
15. Insurance Restoration Work Growing 7.2% Annually
Insurance-related furniture restoration (fire, water, and storm damage) is the fastest-growing segment at 7.2% annual growth. These jobs average $1,400 and often lead to additional restoration work. However, insurance adjusters expect immediate phone response—making reliable call handling essential for this lucrative niche.
Source: IBISWorld Insurance Restoration Services Report, 2025
What These Statistics Mean for Your Furniture Repair Business
The furniture repair statistics paint a clear picture: demand for restoration services is strong and growing, but capturing that demand requires excellent phone management. With 73% of callers avoiding voicemail and the average job worth $850, every missed call has real financial impact.
The challenge is uniquely difficult for furniture restorers. Unlike other service businesses, you can’t simply pause a delicate refinishing process or set down a partially reupholstered chair to answer the phone. Yet customers expect immediate response and will call competitors if they can’t reach you.
This is exactly why more restoration professionals are turning to AI phone solutions. An intelligent system can answer every call, understand what the customer needs, provide accurate information about your services, and schedule consultations—all while you focus on the craftsmanship that defines your business.
Ready to stop missing calls and start capturing more of the growing furniture repair market? Book a demo to see how AgentZap can handle your calls while you handle the restoration work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of furniture repair?
According to HomeAdvisor data, the average furniture repair job costs $850 in 2025. Simple repairs range from $150-$400, while complex antique restorations and full reupholstery projects often exceed $2,000. The exact cost depends on the type of repair, materials needed, and complexity of the piece.
Is furniture repair a growing industry?
Yes, the furniture repair industry is experiencing steady growth. IBISWorld reports the U.S. market is worth $7.2 billion with 3.4% annual growth. The antique restoration segment is growing even faster at 5.8% annually. Sustainability trends and rising new furniture costs are driving this growth.
Why do customers prefer repair over replacement?
Furniture Today research shows 68% of consumers now prefer repairing furniture rather than replacing it. Key reasons include environmental concerns (58% cite sustainability), inability to find comparable quality in new furniture, sentimental value of inherited pieces, and the high cost of quality new furniture.
How many calls do furniture repair shops typically miss?
The average furniture repair business misses approximately 12 calls per week due to being busy with hands-on work, after-hours inquiries, or high call volumes. With 73% of callers unwilling to leave voicemails, this represents significant lost revenue potential.
What are the most profitable furniture repair services?
According to IBISWorld, reupholstery services offer the highest profit margins at 42%, followed by wood refinishing at 38% and structural repairs at 35%. Insurance restoration work is the fastest-growing segment at 7.2% annual growth with average job values of $1,400.
How important is phone response time for furniture repair businesses?
Extremely important. HomeAdvisor research shows that businesses responding within 5 minutes are 340% more likely to book the job compared to those responding within an hour. With 82% of repair inquiries coming by phone, fast response is critical for winning business.
Maximize Your Restoration Business Potential
These furniture repair statistics reveal both the opportunity and the challenge facing restoration professionals in 2026. The market is growing, customers prefer repair over replacement, and job values are strong. But capturing this demand requires being available when customers call.
Don’t let your craftsmanship be undermined by missed calls. Learn more about AI phone solutions for furniture repair businesses or explore our pricing options to find the right fit for your shop.
Every call is an opportunity. Make sure you never miss another one.