Furniture reupholstery costs from $200 to $1,000 for an average chair or $600 to $1,800 for an average couch. Prices depend on the fabric and the extent of the damage, with pieces needing extensive repairs taking more labor hours.

Reupholstery costs include $50 to $100 per hour for labor, plus materials and supplies used for the repair. Upholstery fabric costs range from $30 to $60 per yard, on average. Extra fees apply for matching patterns across the piece and working with white, leather, shiny, or patterned fabrics. Other fees include transportation, restuffing cushions, and covering additional pillows.

Boat upholstery repairs cost from $100 to $300 for a simple seat cushion or about twice that cost for a captain's chair with arms. Here are some tips for preventing these costly repairs:

• Remove and store cushions when not in use.
• Keep the seats clean with regular washing using mild soap and water.
• Towel dry cushions after every use to prevent mold and mildew.
• Make sure you have adequate ventilation where you store your boat.
• Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals which damage the vinyl stitches and reduce the cushion's life span.

Car upholstery repairs cost from $200 to $750 per seat or around $2,500 for a full car interior. Matching car upholstery is difficult, so even minor repairs may result in both seats or even a full car interior reupholstery if you are concerned with a perfect match.

Car reupholstery will help you maintain or improve the value of your car since dealers tend to lowball the car value when the interior of the car is worn, faded, or torn.

Vinyl upholstery scratches and tears can be repaired using adhesive and a patch of matching vinyl. Faded or cracked vinyl can be fixed using special restoration materials, even in cars or boats suffering from sun or water damage.

Leather upholstery can be repaired but is best handled by a skilled professional, especially if the damage is extensive. Minor tears can be patched with a leather repair kit, but the results can be disappointing. Consult with a professional leather repair service to avoid mismatched colors or obvious repairs.

Reupholstery is a great way to bring new life to your furniture, car, or boat seats. Before investing in reupholstery services, be sure to follow these recommendations:

• Look for upholstery shops that have been in business for several years.
• Check online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Look for experienced upholsterers who have completed an apprenticeship, vocational training, or have earned a journeyman's card.
• Request a contract in writing detailing the materials, deadlines, and payment terms.

A professional reupholstery service should explain the entire process and answer all of your questions. Asking the following questions is a great way to gauge their knowledge and experience:

• How many reupholstery jobs do you finish yearly?
• What types of furniture do you work on?
• Do you have a portfolio of completed pieces I can see?
• Can I supply my own fabric?
• Do you repair structural damage?
• What is included in the estimate?