How much does it cost to reupholster a couch?
How much does it cost to reupholster a couch?
$600 – $2,000 total cost (small to average couch)
$2,000 – $4,000 total cost (large sectional couch)
Average cost to reupholster a couch
The average cost to reupholster a couch is $600 to $2,000 for loveseats or smaller couches. Sectional and large sofa reupholstery costs $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the fabric and shape. The cost of reupholstering a sofa is typically higher if it's an antique, made with leather, or has tufted back cushions.
| National Average Cost | $2,300 |
| Minimum Cost | $500 |
| Maximum Cost | $4,500 |
| Average Range | $600 to $4,000 |
Cost to reupholster a couch by type
The cost to reupholster a couch depends on the type. Small loveseats and sofas cost less to reupholster than a large sectional or leather couch.
| Couch type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Loveseat | $600 – $2,000 |
| Sectional | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Chaise lounge | $900 – $1,500 |
| French provincial | $800 – $1,500 |
| Camelback sofa | $1,000 – $1,200 |
| Tight back sofa | $1,000 – $1,200 |
| Semi-attached back sofa | $1,100 – $1,300 |
| Tufted back sofa | $1,400 – $1,500 |
| Leather couch | $1,000 – $4,000 |
Loveseat
Loveseats cost $600 to $2,000 to reupholster, depending on the size, number of cushions, and how easy it is to remove the cushions. Loveseats are smaller than standard sofas and cost less to reupholster.
Sectional
Reupholstering a sectional costs $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the size and complexity of the design. Sectionals typically have 2 to 9 sections with attached cushions, requiring more fabric and labor to reupholster than an average sofa.
Chaise lounge
Chaise lounges cost $900 to $1,500 to reupholster and are essentially chairs that are long enough to lay down on. This sofa style doesn’t have any backing or loose cushions, so it costs less to reupholster. Some chaise lounges have ornate details, which are harder and more expensive to reupholster.
French provincial
French provincial couches cost $800 to $1,500 to reupholster and are a type of sofa with wood frames, minimal padding, and intricate details. Many French provincial sofas are antiques and require extra care and attention during the reupholstery.
Camelback sofa
The cost to reupholster a camelback sofa is $1,000 to $1,200. This sofa type has a single or double curved back that resembles the humps on a camel’s back. Camelback sofas may also have intricate details that complicate the reupholstery process.
Tight back sofa
Reupholstering a tight back sofa costs $1,000 to $1,200. Tight back sofas have built-in back cushions instead of loose cushions, which makes the reupholstery process slightly easier and less time-consuming.
Semi-attached back sofa
Semi-attached back sofa reupholstery costs $1,100 to $1,300, depending on the size and style. These sofas have back cushions that are only attached along the top or side of the sofa, sometimes with a zipper.
Tufted back sofa
A tufted back sofa costs $1,400 to $1,500 to reupholster and features an attached back cushion with decorative buttons. The tufted back is sometimes time-consuming and tricky to get right, so these sofas tend to cost more to reupholster.
Leather couch
The cost to reupholster a leather couch is $1,000 to $4,000. Leather is a durable material but tends to cost more than other fabrics. Though reupholstering a leather couch is expensive, it’s typically cheaper than buying a new leather couch.
Cost to reupholster a couch by fabric
Reupholstering a couch costs $10 to $100 per yard for fabric, not including labor or other materials such as 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 couch fabrics include cotton, linen, silk, denim, bamboo, wool, leather, suede, and mohair. Silk, wool, and leather cost more and may require a professional who knows how to handle such fabrics. Cotton and cotton blends are durable and low maintenance.
Synthetic fabrics include polyester, acrylic, vinyl, olefin, nylon, and faux leather. Some synthetic fabrics are stain-resistant and more durable than natural fabrics, while others are prone to pilling and cracking.
Buying your own fabric separately can help you save money on material markups and ensure you get a pattern or style you like.
Couch reupholstery cost factors
The following factors affect the overall reupholstery cost:
Cushion reupholstery – Reupholstering loose sofa cushions costs $200 to $500 each or $50 to $500 per cushion for outdoor furniture.
Fabric amount – Reupholstering couches typically takes 5 to 18 yards of fabric for small to medium sofas and 18 to 36 yards for sectionals and large couches. The more material needed, the more the reupholstery job will cost.
Antiques – Antique couch upholstery can save quality furniture from going to the landfill. However, it takes extra time and care, which leads to higher prices.
Transportation – Many upholstery companies charge a travel fee if you need assistance getting the couch to and from the upholstery shop. Having it professionally moved can cost $100 to $300 per trip.
Recovering vs. reupholstering – Recovering furniture means removing the old fabric and putting on new fabric without replacing anything else. Reupholstering, on the other hand, typically 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 chair costs $200 to $1,500 on average.
Labor
Upholstery professionals charge $40 and $100 per hour for labor, depending on the couch type, material, and the level of difficulty. Labor costs fall on the higher end for antique or heirloom couches. Labor fees typically include:
Tear down
Minor frame repair
Adding new support systems
Retying springs
Replacing padding and fabric
Other reupholstery services
Furniture repair costs $250 to $1,000 for couches and may include several services like cleaning, frame refinishing, and spring replacement. The final cost depends on the extent of the damage.
Replacing padding in the couch’s arms or back costs $10 to $20 per square foot. Restuffing flattened, condensed padding in couch cushions is typically covered under the total reupholstery cost. Confirm with your professional or ask for an itemized estimate to be sure.
| Repair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Frame repair | $150 – $250 |
| Seat spring replacement | $220 – $400 |
| Replacing cushion stuffing (foam) | $100 – $200 |
| Replacing cushion stuffing (down) | $200 – $1,200 |
Couch reupholstery FAQs
How many yards of fabric does it take to reupholster a couch?
Reupholstering a couch typically takes 5 to 18 yards of fabric for loveseats and smaller couches and 18 to 36 yards for larger couches and sectionals.
Is it worth it to reupholster a couch?
Reupholstering a couch is worth it if the couch 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. Couches that have sturdy frames and don’t need any other repairs are good candidates for reupholstery.
Reupholstering your couch often costs less than buying new, allows you to customize your space, and helps your furniture last longer.
How long does it take to reupholster a couch?
Reupholstering a couch takes 5 to 25 hours, depending on the size and type. However, some professionals are in high demand and could take 2 to 4 weeks to finish your project. If your reupholstery job is time-sensitive, consider buying a new couch or temporarily using a cover.
Where can I get a couch reupholstered?
You can get a couch reupholstered at a professional upholstery shop or select furniture retailers. You can find local upholstery shops and services online.
Can I reupholster my own couch?
DIY couch reupholstery is possible but requires skill and patience. Beginners may be able to reupholster a basic loveseat or cushion but will probably struggle with a large sectional or complex-shaped sofa. Keep in mind that DIY projects may turn out uneven or loose compared to professional reupholstery jobs.
Getting estimates for couch reupholstery service
When looking for a couch reupholstery company near you, follow these steps:
Ask about their professional experience and qualifications.
Ask for a list of references from past clients.
Read their company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Compare three or more quotes from different companies.
Make sure their availability matches your preferred timeframe.
Never pay in full until the job is done.
Questions to ask a reupholstery professional
Ask these questions to find the best professional possible:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been in the furniture reupholstery business?
What are your current rates?
Do you have a portfolio of projects you’ve completed recently?
Have you worked on couches similar to this one?
Is it possible for you to match the fabric on the couch?
Is this couch a suitable candidate for reupholstery?
What kind of repairs might the couch need?
Is the couch’s frame in good condition?
How long will it take to finish the reupholstery?
Will you reuse or replace the existing couch cushions?
Do I have any options for customizations?
What is your payment plan structure?
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.