How Much Does Furniture Reupholstery Cost?

Reupholstery Price Guide

Upholstery labor prices range from $40 to $100 per hour, not including fabric. Pros usually estimate a total that includes all the work, instead of an hourly rate. For the average chair or couch, you can expect to pay around $500 to $1,000 per piece in labor.

Couch Reupholstery Costs

Chair Reupholstery Costs

The price to reupholster a chair ranges from $50 to $2,000. How much to reupholster a chair depends mostly on the size of the piece. Dining room seats cost $50 to $250, while a wingback chair runs $1,000 to $2,000.

Average Cost to Reupholster Outdoor Cushions

Reupholstering outdoor cushions costs $50 to $500, related to size and materials. If your patio seating resembles a couch with several loose cushions, you can expect to pay more. Moisture-resistant fabrics or a stain guard may add to the total.

Reupholster Ottoman Cost

The price to reupholster an ottoman is $300 to $700. A small piece with little decoration costs the least. Premium fabrics or features, like diamond tufting, run more.

Reupholster Chaise Lounge Cost

Putting new upholstery on a chaise lounge costs $900 to $1,500. These pieces average less than couches because they often don’t have a back or loose cushions. Antique styles with a curved back or tufting usually fall on the higher end.

Leather Upholstery Cost

Reupholstering a couch or chair in leather costs about the same as most fabrics. Leather typically runs $30 to $60 per yard, similar to the $50 to $70 per yard average for other materials.

Because real leather isn’t woven, it often comes in smaller pieces priced at $4 to $15 per square foot. Be sure to find out whether the manufacturer sets prices by the yard or by the foot since that can dramatically affect the total cost.

Cost to Reupholster Restaurant Booths

The price to reupholster restaurant booths ranges from $100 to $500. Seating with a wood or metal back runs $100 to $200, while a padded back and seat costs $200 to $500. Fabrics that are puncture-resistant or easy to wipe clean may add $50 to $100 to the total.

Headboards

Headboard reupholstery costs $200 to $2,000. Small frames with a basic shape and inexpensive fabric run less. By comparison, a large or complex design may reach the top of the range.

Cost Factors to Recovering Furniture

For most homeowners, the cost of the project determines whether or not they do it. The average is about $675 per piece, but what you pay depends on factors like size, fabric choice, and the condition of the frame.

Upholstery Fabric Prices

Fabric costs per yard average $50 to $70 per yard. More affordable or pricier options range from $10 to $200 per yard.

Material choice creates the biggest variation in the total expense. If you need 12 yards of fabric at $50 per yard to cover the average couch, you’ll pay $600. Selecting a high-end option at $100 per yard will cost you $1,200, not including labor.

Existing Condition

Reupholstery often requires cleaning or repairs that may increase the total. Here are a few services you might need before you can start this project:

• Cost to clean upholstery: $125–$225

• Price to refinish furniture: $350–$900

• Cost to repair furniture: $125–$275

Material Choices

Your fabric choice can add to the price beyond the estimate for material. Add $50 to $100 in labor if you select a pattern that requires extra time for cutting and matching. If you’re on a tight budget, pick something in a solid color without texture.

Some pros will reupholster a piece in fabric you bought separately. Confirm that you know which materials to buy before you start shopping.

Transporting the Furniture

Reupholstering furniture can take up to a month, so you’ll typically need to transport it to the shop. Some pros will do it for you at $100 to $300 per piece. This may not include delivery once the work is complete.

If you decide to move it yourself, make sure you know how to lift and carry furniture without damaging it. Breaking a chair leg or gouging a wood armrest could add $200 to $300 to the total.

Repairing the Frame

Repairing the frame costs $200 to $400. Once you remove the fabric and padding, you may discover damage that needs fixing.

Many upholsterers provide this service for an extra charge. If they don’t, you may need to hire a carpenter.

Fixing Tufting & Nail Heads

Adding decorative tufting or nail heads can cost $100 to $500 more than the $675 average. The extra work takes longer, which raises the total labor price. It can also increase the amount of fabric needed by 20% to 30%.

Upholstering Pillows

Upholstering pillows to match your sofa or chair costs $50 to $125, not including the price of materials. If you end up with extra fabric, this can be a great way to use it while adding comfort and style.

Upholstering Antique Furniture

Upholstering antique furniture may cost thousands more than the average. Antique wood framing often needs special treatments to avoid removing the original stain or repair cracks. If you want to use a classic fabric like chintz or silk, you may pay $100 to $200 per yard.

Although upholsterers are accustomed to working with old furniture, not all pros know how to handle antiques. To avoid causing permanent damage, make sure the one you hire has experience taking care of pieces the same age and style as yours.

Is It More Affordable to Reupholster or Buy New?

Reupholstering may be environmentally friendly, but it’s usually not as kind to your wallet. This project often costs more than replacing the furniture. Here are a few reasons it may be a good choice:

Reasons to Reupholster

• Older, handcrafted pieces often last longer.

• Hardwood frames may have better construction.

• You love the piece and want to keep it.

When to Buy New

Since reupholstery usually costs more, there are times when you might be better off buying new:

• It’s large (a sectional or living room set).

• The padding costs too much to replace.

• You have limited funds.

• You don't like the style.

• It has structural damage.

DIY vs. Hiring a Reupholstering Professional

With labor costs ranging from $500 to $1,000 for the average piece, you might wonder if it’s better to DIY or hire a professional upholsterer. Most of the time, you’ll want to have a pro do the work. Fabric can make up more than half of the total, so hiring a professional may not be much more expensive than DIY.

Some projects, like a single dining chair seat, may be relatively simple for a handy homeowner. Others, like a couch with loose cushions, can be difficult and take you days to complete.

After you find a few furniture upholstery services near you, be sure to:

1. Show pictures of the piece from multiple angles.

2. Describe in detail what you want done.

3. Get at least three quotes.

FAQs

What is reupholstery?

Reupholstery is the process of removing and replacing fabric on a piece of furniture. The pro:

• Strips old material and padding.

• Examines frame and springs for damage.

• Repairs or replaces hardware.

• Places new padding.

• Applies new fabric and trim.

Who reupholsters furniture?

Professional upholsterers provide this service. They may operate as independent contractors or in an upholstery company.

How much do upholsterers charge per hour?

Upholsterers charge $40 to $100 per hour. Some aspects of the work cost more than others, so your estimate often includes a total labor charge instead of an hourly rate.

Is reupholstering furniture expensive?

Reupholstering furniture costs $675 on average. Except for antique pieces, it tends to be more expensive than replacement.

Is it worth it to reupholster?

The value of reupholstery depends on the piece and your preferences. If you love it and it’s in good condition, it’s probably worth it.

How much does furniture repair cost?

Furniture repair costs $125 to $275.

How much do custom slipcovers cost?

Custom slipcovers cost $200 to $1,000 for a chair or couch. They usually run less than reupholstery but more than a ready-made slipcover.