Reupholstery and Furniture Repair

Furniture making became more automated after water- and steam-powered tools were introduced early in the nineteenth century. The artisan's role was largely eliminated in the mainstream furniture industry, and inexpensive furniture produced by high-volume manufacturers reduced demand for labor-intensive repair services.

Renewed interest in antiques and corporate cost-consciousness during the late 1980s hiked industry activity. Many refinishing and repair shops found new demand for refurbishing high-quality case goods, seating, and other pieces designed in classic, popular styles and produced by reputable makers. Corporate buyers could save up to 70 percent over the cost of new furniture by having their office furniture and equipment revitalized, or they could buy used furniture. By 1996, total U.S. furniture repair industry sales were an estimated $1.2 billion, up from $980 million in 1992. In 2008 there were over 17,740 establishments in the industry which together employed almost 40,000 people, and revenues had increased to $1.82 billion.

Furniture Medic was the largest franchiser in furniture repair and restoration in the early twenty-first century. Founded in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1992 and acquired by ServiceMaster in 1996, Furniture Medic has a network of more than 300 locations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Furniture Medic one of the ServiceMaster Consumer Services companies, which include ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, AmeriSpec, and Terminix. ServiceMaster also owns TruGreen LawnCare. In 2008, Service Master had nearly 39,000 employees and sales of $3.3 billion.