pew upholstery
23 January

Key Differences Between Pew Repair and New Pews

Norman McPhailChurch Pew Restoration, Church Pew UpholsteryNo Comments

Pros and Cons to Repairing Your Pews

Pros

• Cost-effective: Repairs are typically less expensive than purchasing new pews.
• Preserves history: Maintains the original craftsmanship, which is especially valuable for historic or sentimental pieces.
• Sustainability: Reusing materials reduces waste and supports eco-friendly practices.
• Customization: Allows for targeted updates, such as reupholstering or refinishing, to match new décor or requirements.

Cons

• Limited lifespan: Depending on the condition of the original structure, repaired pews may not last as long as brand-new pews.
• Structural limitations: Severely damaged pews might not be salvageable or may lose their integrity over time.
• Less modern design: Repairs may not fully update the aesthetic or comfort to match current standards.

Repairing pews and buying new ones both have great benefits and negatives that are important to consider. If the main factor in refreshing your sanctuary seating is cost, then refurbishing your pews through repairs or reupholstery is the way to go. But, if it fits your budget to have new pews made that will help you bring the vision you have for your church to life, go with the new!

Regardless of which you choose, McPhail Church Services is here to help, just as we have been since the early 1990s. While we specialize in reupholstery, repairs, and wood restoration, we have a large network of pew manufacturers to make sure you get the exact ones you’re looking for and experience top-class service.

If you want to learn more about buying new pews (continue reading for more information) or repairing old ones fill out the form below or give us a call at to talk to our expert team who will give you the best option based on your situation!

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    Pros and Cons to Buying New Pews

    Pros

    • Customizable design: Offers complete freedom to select materials, finishes, and configurations tailored to your space and needs.
    • Durability: Modern pews are designed to last longer with updated construction techniques and materials.
    • Warranty options: New pews often come with warranties for long-term peace of mind.
    • Improved comfort: Includes upgraded ergonomics and seating options for enhanced user experience.

    Cons

    • Higher upfront cost: Significantly more expensive than repairs, especially for custom designs.
    • Loss of historic value: Replacing old pews removes the character and heritage of the originals.
    • Environmental impact: New materials and production processes may not be as eco-friendly.
    • Longer lead times: Custom pews may take weeks or months to manufacture and install. Both options depend on factors such as budget, the historical value of existing pews, and the desired aesthetic and functionality.

    church pew upholstery after
    18 September

     Furnish Your Church Plant

    MOD MarketingChurch Pew UpholsteryNo Comments
    pew restoration

    McPhail Church Services can furnish your Church Plant!

    As your congregation pursues Christ’s call to grow the church and build disciples, often that can mean planning for a church plant – a separate campus where the body of Christ can be rooted and flourish in and underserved area.  While planting a new church home is an exciting time, the logistics can be daunting.

    McPhail Church Services can help!  One of the services we offer is church furniture transporting, assembly, and installation.  For instance, if you purchase used furniture from another organization, and need it moved into your new church plant space, our team is happy to handle all the details:  from un-installing the pews at their existing location, to transporting them to your new location, and then installing them to your specifications. Our McPhail teams have installed literally thousands of church pews in sanctuaries, and trust us- this is NOT a project you want to tackle yourself, especially if you’re moving antique or used wooden pews. Our specialists can handle the entire process, making it a seamless transition.

    If you’re interested in saving money by purchasing used furniture, but don’t know where to start, McPhail Church Services also sells used church furniture, which is always an attractive, affordable option for church plants.  First, we make sure any used church furniture we sell has been restored to tip-top shape. For more than 30 years, we’ve been the go-to provider for these kinds of services, offering reupholstery, padding replacement, solid wood refinishing, veneer repairs and more.  We can even customize some features of your refurbished church furniture, to make the best fit possible for your new church space. The right furniture can truly be transformative for your new space. You can see examples of our refinishing/refurbishing work on our `Before & After’ page.

    If you’re moving into an existing church space, our repair service can help with sprucing up any existing worn or damaged church pews. We also carry a wide range of church pew parts and have vast experience working with used church furniture from every manufacturer in America.

    Partner with McPhail Church Services for your new church!

    We’d be happy to come sit down with your church plant team and help you work through your options, and the logistics of outfitting your new space, while respecting your budget and timeline.  Contact us today to set up a free consultation and price quote.  We look forward to working with your church plant team!

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      refinishing church pews
      27 July

      How to Make Your Church a Home

      MOD MarketingChurch Pew Upholstery

      When you’re a member of a church you love, you refer to it like you would a family:  it’s your ‘church home’, and it’s where you meet up with your ‘church family’. A successful church is one that recognizes that the brothers and sisters in Christ who gather there are a spiritual family, where you can rely on one another, share life together, and spend time together. That’s why, just like any home, it’s important that your church building and furnishings are welcoming, and people and guests can be comfortable. 

      For decades, McPhail Church Services has partnered with thousands of churches across the country to make theirs an inviting, comfortable space that serves their worship and fellowship needs.

       

      Our North Carolina based family-owned business specializes in church pew upholstery, restoration, and repair. We’ve built our business by offering on-site pew upholstery and restoration, which is a huge help to churches that are trying to be efficient with a limited budget or are concerned about how much time would be involved sending their seating away to be refurbished. That’s why at McPhail’s, we come to you- from our home to yours- to offer top notch expertise where you need it most.

      We work directly with your committee to make sure you have an end product your team is happy with. If refurbishing is not an option, we can provide a complete pew replacement for your sanctuary.

      Pew Refurbishing from McPhail Church Services

      For about a third of the cost of new pews, McPhail can beautify your existing furniture within a few days, bringing new life to your church seating, be it pews, pulpit chairs, or supplemental seating.  We work on any size project, and work around your church schedule, even the busy schedule of new church plants, so services aren’t disrupted. Most of our work is done by our McPhail reupholstery team on site, with minimum disruption to your church family. And all services are completed by us without outside contractors, allowing us to make the process as simple and affordable as possible.

       

               Why choose McPhail for pew reupholstery?

      McPhail Church Services has a proprietary upholstery/reupholstery process that is highly valued by thousands of churches around the country. We’re so confident you’ll love our services that we offer a 15-year warranty on our church pew upholstery. You can see examples of our fine craftsmanship to get an idea of what we can do for your sanctuary seating.

      We also have long and trusted relationships with the best fabric mills in the country, so we can provide you with the finest choices in upholstery fabric that is attractive, durable, and reasonably priced.   All our fabrics are woven in the U.S., using domestic yarns. We even warranty the fabric, which is designed to stand up to years of commercial use.

      Our upholstery teams use top of the line high density upholstery foam (LUX foam) that is renowned for durability, comfort, and its ability to retain its shape for years despite repeated use. Both the compression and size of the foam affect comfort, so we’ll work with you to determine the best choice for your congregation. 

      McPhail offers the finishings touches for your church home

      McPhail Church Services also offers church pew refinishing, wood restoration, and we provide church pew parts and repair. We also manufacture and sell lay-in pew cushions for an affordable option to traditional upholstered pews. 

      Please contact us today for a free quote on our various church products and services, and allow us the privilege of helping you make your church building your congregation’s home away from home.

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        church pew upholstery after
        30 June

        Church Seating For Church Plants

        MOD MarketingChurch Pew Upholstery

        As one of the foremost church services in the country, we’ve been lucky to work with some of our dearest churches to furnish plants in our community. 

        McPhail Church Services Inc. has provided furniture and church pews to churches around the country for decades now. We’re known for the quality of our work and our schedule flexibility. Our main priority is to ensure that church service isn’t affected at all, so we work around your convenience and timing.

        If you’ve been planning to furnish a church plant, we’re confident that we can be the ideal partner for you on this journey.

        Below we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about furnishing church plants:

        What services can McPhail Church Services provide for my church?

        Think of us if you want fantastic quality for an affordable price in relation to any of the following:

        What should I consider while furnishing my church plant? 

        The most important thing to consider is seating arrangements for the congregation. We excel in church pews crafted to ensure not just maximum comfort, but also maximum efficiency while keeping your space in mind.

        Can I move older church pews over to the plant?

        We can help you with that, no problem. We offer church pew installation services to all our clients in many different states. We’ll pick up pews from your current location and install them at your church on your schedule and around your convenience.

        Does McPhail offer church pew upholstery services?

        We offer easy church pew upholstery and pew padding services. They’re quick, affordable, and highly customizable. You can choose the fabric and stains while having your pews designed to match your plant’s overall aesthetic and style.

        What makes McPhail’s services special?

        At McPhail Church Services, we’ve been installing and refinishing church pews for decades. We have a proprietary process for our projects that we’ve developed with a lot of effort, research, and input from our clients. We’re so confident you’ll love our services, we offer a 15-year warranty on our church pew upholstery.

        Where can I learn more?

        You can call us at (910) 322-5673 to speak to a McPhail expert, or you can drop us a message for a quote. You’re also welcome to fill out this form, and someone at our end will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

        We’re looking forward to working with you on your next project.Can I 

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          new church pew upholstery
          1 November

          Cost to Reupholster a Church Pew in 2025

          Norman McPhailChurch Pew Restoration, Church Pew UpholsteryNo Comments

          If you are planning on redesigning or updating your church, then you may have thought about changing the upholstery of your pews. The seating of any church is essential for the community to worship and say their prayers. The seats should be easily approachable and comfortable for all members.

          We will be giving complete details on the cost to reupholster a church pew – both one single pew and the all of the pews in the congregation – and whether it’s more cost effective to get replace or reupholster pews.

          Let’s find out! 

          Get a Free Quote

          2025 Church Pew Reupholstery Pricing

          Before deciding to reupholster your church furniture, there are a few important things to consider. Costs can vary quite a bit, mainly depending on the type of fabric you choose.

          There are plenty of upholstery options, including moisture-resistant, stain-resistant, and even dust-repelling fabrics. Since churchgoers often sit for long periods, providing comfortable seating is a thoughtful gesture. However, high-quality, cushy upholstery may come at a higher price.

          If you’re updating or restoring pews, don’t forget that replacing the old upholstery is a must. Pairing fresh, polished pews with worn-out fabric would take away from the beauty of the new furniture.

          What Affects the Cost of Church Pew Reupholstery?
          Several factors influence the cost of reupholstering church pews, including:

          • Fabric Choice – Premium fabrics like stain-resistant or moisture-repelling materials tend to cost more than basic options.
          • Cushion Thickness – The more padding you add for comfort, the higher the price.
          • Pew Size & Quantity – Larger pews and more seating require more material and labor.
          • Labor Costs – Professional reupholstery services charge based on time, expertise, and complexity.
          • Additional Repairs – If the pews need structural repairs or refinishing, that will add to the total cost.

           

          Average Cost of Reupholstering a Single Church Pew

          If you have only one damaged pew, it is significantly less in terms of expense. The minimum cost of reupholstering a single church pew is $16-$17 per foot, but can cost up to about $26 per foot. The cost adds up when you go for intricately detailed materials or expensive rich-looking fabrics, or you decide to reupholster with i-clean materials that are anti-spill, anti-stain or anti-dust.

          Another aspect to keep in mind is how much upholstery you need on your pew.  Some pews only have upholstery on the bench, while others have it on the bench and seat back, etc.  The more upholstery you use obviously drives up the cost as the amount of material increases as well.

          Do You Need to Reupholster Every Church Pew?

          After years of use, upholstery loses its brilliance and comfort, so it’s wise to change it after a while. But, if your upholstery is in good condition, there is no need to reupholster every single pew in the church.

          If there is one pew that has been damaged for some reason or the material has got torn, you should think of changing that. It is not necessary to reupholster the entire church pew. That could waste a lot of money and waste suitable materials that could still be used.

          Reupholster vs. Replace a Pew

          Reupholstering the pews of the church is an excellent way to refresh and refurbish your church’s space without having to spend a lot of money on an entirely new set of pews. It’s best to have proper and professional help to ensure that the pews come out in the best condition.  Although tedious and time consuming, there is also the DIY route – however, this leaves more room for error.

          Now, it’s evident that choosing to only reupholster saves significantly more money than replacing the entire church’s pews with new ones. But still, if you want to replace every pew, that is also an option. Before investing in anything, ask the following questions to yourself:

              • Is the seat falling off?

              • Is the seat uncomfortable, or do you feel the hard surface underneath?

              • Has the pew upholstery gone bumpy or have lumps?

              • When you are sitting, are you able to hear cracking sounds from stressed woods?

              • Does the pew rock when sat down upon?

              • Is the pew collapsing, or can you feel cracks when touching it?

            If you are not nodding your head while reading the questions, then it may be best to replace the entire pew rather than just the upholstery.  If the pew is falling apart, then the upholstery cannot fix the foundational imperfections of the wood itself.

            McPhail Church Services, Inc.

            Reupholstering can be a tedious and lengthy process, but McPhail Church Services has got you covered. Our services are super quick and affordable as well. We service North Carolina, the East Coast, and every state as far west as Texas! 

            Pew upholstery is our most popular service not only in churches but also in synagogues and other sanctuaries; if you are looking to give your pews an upgrade, McPhail Church Services is the industry leader of pew reupholstery nationwide – we even offer a 15-year warranty on our upholstery. Please contact us today to get a free quote on the cost of your pew reupholstery.  We look forward to speaking with you soon.

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              old church pews
              7 September

              How To Choose Between New Or Used Pews

              Norman McPhailChurch Pew Restoration, Church Pew UpholsteryNo Comments

              Most people don’t realize that used or refurbished church furniture is often more cost-effective than new. Most church furniture from ‘back in the day” is of a higher quality and constructed in the “built-to-last” spirit.

              Have you ever noticed how tables, chairs, cabinets and dressers that your parents/ grandparents owned are still in use today? These pieces lasted because they were built with solid hardwoods and not with pressed chipboard with a veneer coating. Now that’s not to say veneer with the proper care will not last, rather, that modern advancements in plywood have not produced a lumber that is stronger than solid hardwoods.

              Just keep in mind big box retail store furniture and think to yourself that it is inexpensive, but probably will not last. The same thing applies to church furniture. However with only a few manufactures providing this specialty product they can often demand premium prices for what most would consider “knock down” church furniture.

              Enter the world of refurbished church seating. At less than a third of the price it is possible to fill your sanctuary, courthouse and funeral home with VERY high quality, solid wood seating. Few places sell used church furniture but the ones that do will usually repair, re-upholster and restore.

              Keep in mind also that solid oak pews over a decade or two old are considered vintage and increase in value every day. When a congregation decides to update their church seating it is very common for them to have no idea what to do with their existing pews and sadly some have just disposed of them.

              Why let something with so much history go to waste when it can bring joy to others for years to come. Consider refurbished/used pews today and bring a custom look to your facility at less than a third of the price. We can help with that! Click the following and request a phone call TODAY –> Used Pews

              pew upholstery project
              29 August

              Old Church Pew Cushions: Keep Them or Dump Them?!

              Norman McPhailChurch Pew UpholsteryNo Comments

              “Pew cushions”, “pew padding,”pew upholstery” – call it what you will, answers don’t come in black and white. So if you ask us, “Can I keep my old church cushions? What can I do to save money on my worship seating reupholstery?” Get comfortable because we’ll have some questions for you!

              If you just NOW started doing your research, I want to offer you some tips so that you can ask the RIGHT QUESTIONS when you make that first call.

              Your options are pretty cut and dry:

                 

                  1. Trade in your old pews for new pews

                  1. Dump the old pews and BUY new ones

                  1. Dump the old pews and BUY refurbished/used pews

                  1. Restore/re-upholster existing pews and other church seating

                Option #4 is normally the most economical, but the cost can be cut down even further if you decide to go that route. Here’s how:

                KEEP IT OR DUMP IT?

                FIRST OF ALL you can ask about reusing your old foam. Keep in mind that this can ONLY be accomplished if your pews have fixed upholstery already. Foam (or cushion) in pews is a petroleum-based product and is one the largest expenses in the pew refurbishing process. On most occasions the foam in your seating will out last the life of your fabric, and will certainly outlast its currency with modern fabric trends. This all depends on the density of the foam.

                Take a seat in your pew. Do you feel like you bottom out or feel like you’re almost sitting directly on the wood? This is an indication that it is probably a good time to update your foam. However if there is still a degree of support, you may want to considering reusing it.

                BUT REMEMBER to weigh-out your immediate savings with the the possibility of having to get this whole process done again in five years instead of the standard 10-20!

                This is NOT an easy decision. We know!

                 

                Contact McPhail Church Services

                Need New Cushions or Pews?

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                  ADD SUPPORT TO YOUR PEWS VERSUS COMPLETE REPLACEMENT

                   

                   

                  Let’s consider that you feel you have a solid 8+ years left in your foam. You may be able to increase that time by having the upholsterers bolster the old pew foam with a narrow strip of new pew foam underneath. This small addition makes a world of difference and even provides a degree of wrinkle protection in your pew upholstery.

                   

                   

                  McPhail Church Services is one of very few (if not the ONLY) company in our service region that offers this level of customizable services. The main reason for this is that we don’t do subcontracting our pew restoration services. We do it all ourselves! So we can personalize your quote over the phone without having to seek-out approval from any servicing companies.

                   

                   

                  Negotiating your foam, can save you up to $4/foot. If you have 200 feet worth of pews, that’s already $800! If you’re looking for a quote or have additional questions about this topic, call us using the number at the top of this page OR request a phone call by clicking on the following link: Pew Upholstery and Services QUOTES

                  church pew work
                  1 August

                  Reupholster Church Pews OR Replace Them?

                  Norman McPhailChurch Pew UpholsteryNo Comments

                  We get this question quite often and the truth is, you don’t need a salesman or on-site pew consultant to tell you what you need – you can determine for yourself if you need to replace your church pews or just “freshen it up” a bit with pew reupholstering!

                  First, inspect your pews and pulpit seating AS a member of your congregation or as the pastor (respectively). Take notice of a few things:

                  1. Is the seat failing?
                  2. When you sit down, are you making contact with the hard surface below?
                  3. Do you feel significant inconsistencies in the pew padding?
                  4. Are you hearing cracking or stresses in the wood?
                  5. Are the seats rocking every time someone sits, stands or fidgets?
                  6. Are there cracks on the legs that may or may not eventually completely falter and cause the pew to collapse? This one is an extreme example, but you can’t be too careful with guest safety sometimes.

                  At the end of the day, most church furniture issues can be resolved with upgrades, church pew upholstery, restorations or repairs. Going with these options will save you money more often than not when compared to purchasing an entirely new seating system.

                  We can help you do the math!

                  Pew Repairs and Upgrades

                  Let’s say you decide, “Ok, I don’t want to buy new church furniture. What can we do instead to address the deficiencies in what I already own?”

                  Well, let’s begin with the wood itself. When the fabric and foam are removed and the seat frame is exposed, plywood can be added for additional support. This fix can add many years to the life of church seating.

                  If you find that your pew legs are cracking or in danger or falling apart in some way, it is important that you contract a company that will make replacement legs for you either on-site or prior to arriving to do the job. Many companies will outsource this service causing the completion of the job to be delayed by weeks in some cases. Be careful and make sure that the company you hire GUARANTEES the entire job will be done on location! Otherwise, you can expect significant delays.

                  Reupholstery of existing pews with new high density foam is the most economical way to upgrade the beauty of your sanctuary seating for about half the cost of new pews with no disruption of services. One of the things our customers love is that we do a sample as soon as we arrive!

                  Whether you hire us or not, we want to help. Call or contact McPhail Church Services with your questions or concerns and we’ll give you some helpful tips on how to deal with your service providers and on how to cross-check the information they give you. And if we feel we can give you a better deal, we’d love the opportunity to give you a quote as well.

                  Thank you and good luck!