How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster a Chair in 2025?
The average cost to reupholster a chair is $750
Most chair reupholstery projects cost between $300 and $1,100
Fabric choice, chair size, and design complexity significantly impact the price
Reupholstering preserves vintage or heirloom chairs while updating their look
Hiring a pro can ensure proper frame repairs and a higher-quality finish
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Expect to spend between $300 and $1,100 to reupholster a chair, with most homeowners paying $750. A simple project can cost as little as $60, while larger pieces or antiques can cost up to $2,000 or more. This price includes labor at $40 to $100 per hour and about $15 to $100+ per yard in fabric.
Reupholstery can refresh a family heirloom, antique, or everyday armchair, but its price can rival the cost of new furniture. Review the average costs below to decide whether this project makes sense for your budget.
Chair Reupholstery Cost Factors
Several factors drive the overall cost to recover a chair. The material you select significantly impacts the total price; patterned fabrics can raise labor costs by 10% to 20%. Keep in mind that chair frame repairs can cost $250 or more, and extra service features like tufting and cording can raise the cost by 20% to 30%.
Reupholstery Cost by Chair Type
The cost to reupholster a chair varies widely based on the type. Larger chairs with more padding will have higher material costs. Certain designs are also more complex and difficult to work on, increasing labor prices.
| Chair Type | Average Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Armchair | $640–$1,550 | Larger, more padded chairs cost more; roll arms and pillow tops add to fabric needs |
| Wingback chair | $500–$1,750 | Typically large and overstuffed; extra for cushions, skirts, and decorative details |
| Dining chair | $100–$550 | Costs vary by fabric; multiple chairs may be upholstered per yard of fabric |
| Bergère chair | $200–$450 | Antiques require extra care, increasing labor; newer models cost less |
| Tub/barrel chair | $400–$800 | Rounded back design; cost depends on size and padding level |
| Slipper chair | $250–$400 | Armless but heavily cushioned; unusual shape adds labor cost |
| Leather chair | $800–$2,000 | Leather costs $40–$60 per yard; durable but pricey and pet-prone |
| Recliner | $520–$1,720 | Overstuffed design needs more fabric; pillow tops or skirting increase cost |
| La-Z-Boy recliner | $600–$1,500 | Extra cushioning and mechanisms make reupholstery more complex |
Cost to Reupholster a Chair by Material
The type of material you choose significantly impacts the final price. Below are the most common materials for reupholstering chairs and their typical cost.
| Type of Upholstery Material | Average Cost per Yard |
|---|---|
| Nylon | $7–$15 |
| Faux leather | $10–$20 |
| Leather | $50–$100 |
| Cotton | $5–$20 |
| Linen blend | $10–$30 |
| Linen | $20–$35 |
| Polyester | $10–$45 |
| Faux suede | $10–$25 |
| Suede | $20–$40 |
| Mohair | $20–$80 |
| Denim | $20–$50 |
| Bamboo | $20–$50 |
| Velvet | $40–$70 |
| Silk | $60–$80 |
| Wool | $60–$100 |
| Acrylic | $40–$70 |
| Rayon | $40–$90 |
| Twill | $30–$60 |
Yards of Fabric to Reupholster a Chair
Upholstery materials cost $50 to $70 per yard on average. Chairs require 1 to 10 yards, depending on the style. Here’s how much material you’ll need for these styles:
| Chair Type | Amount Needed (Yards) |
|---|---|
| Wingback chari | 6–10 |
| Recliner | 6–10 |
| Dining room chair | ½ |
| Tub chair | 2–4 |
Add-Ons and Enhancements
You can further customize your project with these optional add-on services, each of which comes with an additional fee:
Restuffing padding
Recaning (replacing broken weaving)
Vintage restoration (replacing missing buttons, embellishments, etc.)
Adding decorative trim
Structural repairs
Ongoing Costs of Chair Reupholstery
Although reupholstering is usually a one-time project, there are a few ongoing expenses to consider if you want to preserve your chair’s look and extend its life.
Maintenance
Regular upkeep helps your reupholstered chair stay in top condition. Simple steps like vacuuming, blotting spills quickly, and rotating cushions go a long way toward preventing wear. Professional upholstery cleaning typically runs $90 to $190 per chair, depending on the fabric and location. You can also invest in stain-resistant treatments, which cost around $30 to $100, to help guard against spills and fading. Keeping the chair out of direct sunlight is another low-cost way to protect the fabric over time.
Repairs
Even high-quality upholstery may need small touch-ups eventually. Loose seams, thinning fabric, or cushions losing their shape are common issues. Minor upholstery repairs generally cost $25 to $200 per chair. If the chair is valuable or gets heavy use, a warranty or service plan may be worth considering.
Insurance
Most homeowners insurance covers upholstered furniture in the event of fire, theft, or certain natural disasters. However, high-value or antique pieces might require extra coverage based on an appraisal. If your reupholstered chair is especially valuable—or a family heirloom—ask your provider about adding specialized protection.
DIY Chair Reupholstery vs. Hiring a Professional
Deciding whether to reupholster a chair yourself or hire a pro depends on your budget, skill set, and the type of chair.
DIY reupholstery can be cost-effective for straightforward projects like dining or accent chairs. With basic tools—such as a staple gun, pliers, upholstery needles, and scissors—you’ll mainly pay for materials, which usually range from $100 to $400. However, more complex chairs require advanced skills, significant time, and patience, making DIY less practical.
Professional reupholstery costs more, but you’re paying for experience, durability, and a polished finish. Pros are best for antiques, intricate designs, or valuable pieces where mistakes would be costly. In many cases, the higher upfront price results in longer-lasting results and a chair that looks brand new. When in doubt, hire a professional furniture reupholsterer near you to ensure the job is done to your satisfaction.
Ways to Save When Reupholstering a Chair
Reupholstering doesn’t have to break the bank—smart decisions can help you keep costs down while still getting a quality result.
Collect quotes from several upholsterers so you can compare pricing, turnaround times, and included services.
Select sturdy, affordable fabrics that balance durability with cost.
Keep your existing foam or padding if it’s still supportive and in good shape.
Do the prep work yourself by stripping old fabric and pulling staples before dropping the chair off.
Stick to straightforward designs and avoid extras like tufting, piping, or decorative nailheads that add to labor costs.
Have multiple chairs done at once to qualify for bulk discounts.
If your chair only needs a refresh in certain spots, consider reupholstering just the seat or back instead of the entire piece.
By combining these strategies, you can stretch your budget further and still enjoy a polished, professional finish.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
