Hicks Upholstery Shop in Baltimore: Custom Reupholstery Without the Chain-Store Timeline

Hicks Upholstery Shop is a full-service fabric and frame restoration business in Baltimore that handles residential and light commercial pieces, from dining chairs to sectionals, with turnaround times that typically run 6 to 10 weeks depending on complexity and fabric availability.

What Hicks Upholstery Shop actually is

A single-location, owner-operated workshop rather than a franchise or high-volume production facility. The shop handles fabric selection, frame repair, cushion work, and complete disassembly-to-assembly reupholstery. It does not refinish wood or do leather conservation; those are separate disciplines. Most pieces that come through the door are mid-range vintage furniture, inherited pieces in need of restoration, or relatively new items where the original upholstery has worn through high-traffic use. Hicks accepts walk-ins for estimates but works primarily by appointment, since the shop itself is small and the owner typically works on one or two pieces at a time rather than managing a production line.

Services and pricing

Reupholstery costs depend on the size of the piece, the number of cushions, frame condition, and fabric choice. A basic dining chair typically runs $250 to $450 in labor; a two-cushion sofa ranges from $600 to $1,200 depending on whether the frame needs reinforcement or repair. Fabric costs are separate and are charged at the retail price of the material you select, plus approximately 10 to 15 percent for backing, piping, or trim. The shop carries sample books from several mid-range suppliers (Crypton, Sunbrella performance fabrics, traditional mohairs and velvets), but you can also bring your own fabric if you source it elsewhere, which sometimes saves money for customers buying from online retailers. Hicks also offers frame repair (tightening joints, replacing webbing, addressing sagging springs) as a standalone service, starting at $75 to $150 per piece, useful for pieces that need structural work before or instead of new upholstery. Cushion replacement or re-stuffing runs $40 to $120 per cushion depending on size and fill choice (polyester, high-density foam, or natural latex).

How it compares to other Baltimore options

Hicks operates at a different pace and price point than larger upholstery chains or department-store programs. Places like Ritz Upholstery (also Baltimore-based, slightly larger operation with multiple staff) typically quote shorter timelines (4 to 8 weeks) for standard pieces, but may carry a 10 to 15 percent premium on labor for that speed. Fabric-focused retailers like Calico Corners or independent fabric houses will give you more design range and sometimes lower fabric costs if you buy direct, but they do not always have in-house upholsterers; you coordinate separately. Hicks suits you if you want a transparent conversation with the person actually doing the work, are willing to wait for careful craftsmanship, and have one or two pieces rather than a room full of reupholstery. It does not suit you if you need a sofa done in three weeks or want to choose from a curated interior-design fabric collection; in those cases, a larger shop or interior designer's network makes more sense.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Ideal clients include homeowners with inherited or vintage furniture they want to preserve, people living in older Baltimore rowhouses with chairs or settees too large to easily replace, and customers who already know their fabric choice or want help finding something specific (a performance fabric pet-friendly, a particular color match). It suits budget-conscious people well because frame repair can extend a piece's life for another decade instead of requiring replacement. It does not suit high-volume renovators, people who prioritize speed over craft, or anyone who needs a piece that matches a retailer's fabric line exactly. It also is not the right fit if your piece requires specialized conservation (antique museum-quality restoration, hand-tufting, or leather recoloring); Hicks works on everyday furniture, not museum pieces.

What the first visit involves

Call or walk in with photos of the piece and details about any structural issues you have noticed (wobbly legs, sagging cushions, torn fabric underneath). The owner will ask about your timeline, budget range, and whether you have fabric selected or want recommendations. If you proceed, a deposit (usually 25 to 40 percent of estimated cost) is due to order fabric and secure your spot on the schedule. You can view the work in progress at scheduled checkpoints. Final payment is due on pickup.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The shop operates Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. Parking is street parking on the surrounding blocks, typical for Baltimore workshops in mixed-use neighborhoods. Confirm current hours by phone or email before your first visit, as holiday schedules and owner availability do shift. Delivery can sometimes be arranged for a fee; otherwise, you handle pickup. The shop cannot hold pieces indefinitely after completion, so expect a pickup deadline of about two weeks.

Hicks fills a practical role in Baltimore's furniture market by keeping older pieces in use and offering direct communication with craftspeople rather than a transaction through a middleman.