How much does it cost to reupholster a chair?
How much does it cost to reupholster a chair?
$200 – $1,500 average total cost
Cost to reupholster a chair
The cost to reupholster a chair is $200 to $1,500 on average, depending on the size, style, and fabric. The cost to reupholster a dining chair is $100 to $250. The cost to simply recover a chair is less than chair reupholstery cost, which includes replacing the fabric, padding, and support systems.
| National Average Cost | $900 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,000 |
| Average Range | $200 to $1,500 |
Cost to reupholster a chair by type
The cost to reupholster a chair depends on the type. Armchairs, wingback chairs, recliners, or any chair made with leather will cost more to reupholster than a simple barstool or dining chair.
| Chair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Armchair | $300 – $1,500 |
| Barstool | $50 – $300 |
| Bergère chair | $200 – $450 |
| Club chair | $300 – $900 |
| Dining chair | $100 – $250 |
| Footstool | $70 – $500 |
| Leather chair | $800 – $2,000 |
| Office chair | $200 – $700 |
| Parsons chair | $200 – $600 |
| Recliner | $450 – $1,500 |
| Slipper chair | $250 – $800 |
| Tub or barrel chair | $400 – $800 |
| Wingback chair | $400 – $2,000 |
Armchair
Armchairs cost $300 to $1,500 to reupholster and are available in many sizes, shapes, and styles. The larger the armchair, the more expensive it will be to reupholster. Reupholstering an armchair typically requires 3 to 5 yards of fabric, depending on whether it has roll arms, pillow tops, or cushions.
Barstool
Reupholstering a bar stool costs $50 to $300, depending on the size and the amount of fabric and padding needed. Barstools with a padded back or armrest cost more than stools with a simple padded seat.
Bergère chair
A bergère chair costs $200 to $450 to reupholster and usually needs 2 to 3 yards of fabric. A French bergère chair is an armchair with an upholstered back and closed armrests. Many bergère chairs are antiques, so they require extra time and care.
Club chair
Club chairs cost $300 to $900 to reupholster and usually need 3 to 5 yards of fabric. Club chairs, also called smoking chairs, are usually made of leather. Some club chairs have buttons that take a while to remove and replace, which increases labor costs.
Dining chair
The cost to upholster dining chairs is $100 to $250 each, depending on the size and type of fabric. Some dining room chairs have only a cushioned seat covered in fabric, while some have upholstered backs. Reupholstering a dining chair seat usually requires half a yard of fabric.
Footstool
Reupholstering a footstool costs $70 to $500, depending on the style. A footstool with only an upholstered top costs less to reupholster than a footstool with material and padding surrounding the entire stool, which would need 2 to 3 yards of fabric.
Leather chair
Leather chair reupholstery costs $800 to $2,000, depending on the size and style. Leather is more expensive than other fabrics but can last for many years with proper care. Homeowners with pets should consider avoiding leather furniture because dog or cat claws easily damage the material, resulting in costly repairs.
Office chair
The cost to reupholster an office chair is $200 to $700. Larger office chairs with heavily padded backs, armrests, and seats require more material and cost more to reupholster than simple office chairs that just have a padded seat.
Parsons chair
A Parsons chair costs $200 to $600 to reupholster and is a type of armless dining room chair with a padded back and seat. Reupholstering Parsons chairs typically requires 2 to 4 yards of fabric. The clean lines and sharp angles of the design make these chairs somewhat difficult to reupholster.
Recliner
Reupholstering a recliner costs $450 to $1,500, depending on the size, style, and fabric. Reupholstering a recliner is time-consuming and requires more padding and fabric than average to cover the chair, footrest, and additional cushions. Reupholstering a recliner takes 6 to 10 yards of fabric.
Slipper chair
A slipper chair costs $250 to $800 to reupholster and is a wide chair with a high back, no arms, and short legs. Slipper chairs often have more cushioning than average, which requires additional material to reupholster.
Tub chair
Tub chairs, also called barrel chairs, cost $400 to $800 to reupholster. This chair has a curved back that wraps around the seat to form the armrests. Reupholstering tub chairs typically takes 2 to 4 yards of fabric, depending on the amount of padding.
Wingback chair
Wingback chairs cost $400 to $2,000 to reupholster. These chairs have curved “wings” on the side to shield from drafts and typically need 6 to 8 yards of fabric to reupholster. Wingback chairs can cost much more than other chairs because they’re usually larger, older, and have more ornate detailing.
Ask the reupholsterer if they offer any discounts for bundling. If your couch or other chairs need to be reupholstered, you could save money by getting them done at the same time.
Cost to reupholster a chair by fabric
Reupholstering a chair costs $10 to $100 per yard for fabric alone. This does not include labor or other materials like padding, buttons, caning, or trim.
| Fabric type | Price per yard (materials only) |
|---|---|
| Acrylic | $40 – $70 |
| Bamboo | $25 – $50 |
| Chenille | $20 – $45 |
| Cotton | $10 – $30 |
| Cotton blend | $25 – $60 |
| Crypton | $20 – $40 |
| Denim | $25 – $50 |
| Faux leather | $10 – $20 |
| Faux suede | $15 – $25 |
| Leather | $40 – $70 |
| Linen | $20 – $35 |
| Linen blend | $15 – $30 |
| Mohair | $20 – $80 |
| Nylon | $10 – $15 |
| Olefin | $15 – $35 |
| Polyester | $10 – $45 |
| Rayon | $40 – $60 |
| Silk | $60 – $100 |
| Suede | $25 – $40 |
| Sunbrella | $25 – $45 |
| Twill | $30 – $60 |
| Velvet | $50 – $70 |
| Wool | $60 – $100 |
Natural vs. synthetic reupholstery fabrics
Natural fabrics include cotton, linen, silk, denim, bamboo, wool, leather, suede, and mohair. Silk, wool, and leather typically cost more or require a professional who knows how to handle such fabrics. Cotton and cotton blends are durable and easy to maintain.
Synthetic fabrics include polyester, acrylic, vinyl, olefin, nylon, and faux leather. Some synthetic fabrics are budget-friendly, stain-resistant, and more durable than natural fabrics, but some are prone to pilling and cracking. Vinyl fabric is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like dining rooms and kitchens.
Buying your own fabric can help save money on material markups and ensure you get a pattern or style you like.
Chair reupholstery cost factors
The following factors affect the overall reupholstery cost:
Fabric amount – Reupholstering chairs typically takes 1 to 10 yards of fabric, depending on the type and size of the chair. The more material needed, the more the reupholstery job will cost.
Antiques – Antique chair upholstery can save quality furniture from the landfill. However, it takes extra time and care, leading to higher prices.
Transportation – The upholstery shop may charge a travel fee if your chair is too large to fit into your car and needs to be transported to and from the shop. Having it professionally moved can cost $100 to $300 extra.
Padding – Flattened, worn out padding costs $25 to $75 per cushion to replace, depending on the size and fill material.
Recovering vs. reupholstering – Recovering furniture means simply removing the old fabric and putting on new fabric without replacing anything else. Reupholstering means replacing the fabric, padding, and support systems.
Bundling – You may be able to get a better deal if you bundle reupholstery services.
Reupholstering a couch costs $600 to $2,000 for a two-cushion couch or $2,000 to $4,000 for a large sectional.
Other furniture reupholstery costs $400 to $1,700 on average.
Labor
Upholstery professionals charge $40 and $100 per hour for labor, depending on the chair type, material, and the level of difficulty. This fee typically includes:
Tear down
Minor frame repair
Adding new support systems
Retying springs
Replacing the padding and fabric
Other reupholstery & repair services
Professional upholsterers often offer additional services, both structural and decorative. Furniture repair costs $100 to $500 for chairs and may include multiple services like fabric cleaning, frame refinishing, and spring or padding replacement. The final cost depends on the changes made or the extent of the damage.
| Repair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Refinishing chair frames | $150 – $200 |
| Retying seat springs (living room chairs) | $100 – $300 |
| Regluing dining room or kitchen chairs | $100 – $150 |
| Replacing cushion stuffing (goose down) | $100 – $200 |
| Replacing cushion stuffing (foam) | $25 – $75 |
Chair reupholstery FAQs
How many yards of fabric does it take to reupholster a chair?
Reupholstering a chair or stool takes 1 to 10 yards of fabric, depending on the style:
| Chair type | Fabric needed (yards) |
|---|---|
| Armchairs | 3 – 5 |
| Bergere | 2 – 3 |
| Club | 3 – 5 |
| Parsons | 2 – 4 |
| Recliner | 6 – 10 |
| Stools | 1 – 3 |
| Tub/barrel | 2 – 4 |
| Wingback | 6 – 8 |
Is it worth it to reupholster a chair?
Reupholstering a chair is worth it if the chair is in good condition, or if it would cost more to replace it than have it reupholstered. This includes high-end furniture, antiques, or family heirlooms. Chairs with sturdy frames that don’t need any other repairs are excellent candidates for reupholstery.
Reupholstering your chair often costs less than buying new and allows you to customize your space, restore antiques, and use furniture for longer periods of time.
How long does it take to reupholster a chair?
Reupholstering a chair takes 1 to 10 hours on average. However, some professionals are in high demand and could take 2 to 3 weeks or more to complete your project. If your reupholstery job is time-sensitive, consider buying new furniture or temporarily using a chair cover.
How long does chair upholstery last?
Chair upholstery lasts 7 to 15 years, depending on the material quality and how often it’s used. High-quality chairs with solid wood frames and dense cushions last longer than average.
Where can I get a chair reupholstered?
You can get a chair reupholstered at a professional upholstery shop. You can find independent upholstery shops and services near you online. Some major furniture retailers offer reupholstery services, too.
Can I DIY chair upholstery?
DIY chair upholstery is possible but requires considerable skill and patience. Beginners may be able to reupholster a dining chair seat or a backless barstool but may struggle with a wingback chair or recliner.
Getting estimates from chair reupholstery professionals
When looking for an upholstery company near you, follow these steps:
Ask about their experience and qualifications.
Request a list of references from past clients.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Compare 3+ quotes from different companies.
Make sure their availability matches your desired timeframe.
Never pay in full until the job is completed.
Questions to ask a reupholstery professional
Ask these questions to find the best possible reupholstery professional:
Are you licensed and insured?
How long have you been in the reupholstery business?
What are your rates?
Do you have a portfolio of projects you’ve completed?
Have you worked on chairs similar to this one?
Is it possible for you to match the fabric on the chair?
Is this chair a suitable candidate for reupholstery?
What kind of repairs might the chair need?
Is the chair’s structure in good condition?
How long will it take for you to finish the reupholstery?
Will you reuse or replace the existing cushions?
What are my options for customizations?
What is your payment plan?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.