How much does furniture reupholstery cost?
How much does furniture reupholstery cost?
$200 – $1,000 Average Chair Reupholstery Cost
$600 – $1,800 Average Couch Reupholstery Cost
Furniture reupholstery cost
Furniture reupholstery costs $400 to $1,700 on average, depending on the piece. The cost to reupholster a two-cushion couch is $600 to $1,500, and a large sectional sofa runs $1,500 to $4,000. Reupholstering dining room chairs costs $150 to $600 each, and a recliner or wingback chair is $600 to $1,500.
Prices depend on the size of the piece, fabric, repairs, finishes, and labor.
Upholstery fabric costs $30 to $60 per yard on average.
Labor charges are $50 to $100 per hour.
| Furniture | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Couch | $600 – $1,800 |
| Chaise Lounge | $700 – $1,500 |
| Sectional Sofa | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Side Chair or Slip Seat | $100 – $250 |
| Dining Room Chair | $150 – $600 |
| Wingback Chair | $600 – $1,500 |
| Recliner | $600 – $2,000 |
| Bar Stool | $60 – $250 |
| Sofa & Couch Cushions | $70 – $200 each |
| Outdoor Cushions | $80 – $300 each |
| Restuffing Cushions | $100 – $200 each |
| Leather Chair | $800 – $2,000 |
| Leather Couch | $1,200 – $5,000 |
| Ottoman | $300 – $1,000 |
| Bed | $350 – $800 |
| Headboard | $200 – $1,000 |
| Car Seats | $200 – $750 per seat |
| Restaurant Booths | $200 – $500 each |
| Custom Slipcover | $200 – $1,000 per seat |
*Prices include labor, supplies, and average fabric at $30 to $60 per yard.
Extra fees apply for matching patterns, working with white, leather, shiny, or patterned fabrics, furniture transportation, in-home service, restuffing sofa cushions, and additional pillows.
Furniture recovering finishes like welting, tufting, skirts, or decorative nail heads take more time and cost more.
Is It Cheaper to Reupholster or Buy New?
Reupholstery tends to cost more than buying new furniture, but it's worth it for antiques or modern, high-quality pieces.
The choice to reupholster or buy new depends on if the piece has a well-made frame, or if it's cheaply built furniture that’s not structurally sound.
When To Reupholster
You have an irreplaceable family heirloom, antique, or furniture you love that has sentimental value.
You have older furniture with a solid, handcrafted wood frame that was built to last longer than cheaper, mass-produced furniture does today.
Your furniture is out of style, or it doesn’t match the rest of the home.
You want to completely customize the look, feel, and style of your existing furniture.
Your reupholstering estimate is less than the total cost of buying a new piece, which typically includes protection plans, delivery, and assembly fees.
You own an expensive or customized piece of furniture like a La-Z-Boy recliner with a wireless remote.
The fabric or padding is worn out, or pets destroyed the furniture.
You can’t get stains, old smells of smoke, or mildew out of the cushions.
When To Buy New
The furniture was cheap and low-quality to begin with, or you don't like the style.
Your furniture holds no sentimental value or is too large or too small for your home.
The frame isn’t well-built or has significant structural damage.
You're on a limited budget.
Upholstery Price Guide
Most homeowners spend $400 to $1,700 per piece for reupholstery. Upholstery shops list prices for labor charges only.
| National Average Cost | $850 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $5,000 |
| Average Range | $400 to $1,700 |
Cost To Reupholster A Couch
The average cost to reupholster a couch is $600 to $2,400 depending on the size, style, fabric, and labor. Reupholstering a two-cushion sofa costs $600 to $2,000, while a large sectional sofa costs $2,000 to $4,000 for labor and upholstery fabric.
| Sofa Type | Yardage | Labor & Fabric Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 6' Sofa | 12 – 14 | $600 – $1,500 |
| 7' Sofa | 14 – 16 | $800 – $1,800 |
| 9' Sofa | 16 – 18 | $1,000 – $2,200 |
| Loveseat | 10 – 18 | $600 – $1,600 |
| Settee | 6 – 8 | $700 – $1,000 |
| Chaise Lounge | 10 – 12 | $700 – $1,500 |
| French Provincial | 10 – 12 | $800 – $1,300 |
| Loose Cushion | 15 – 25 | $800 – $2,000 |
| Tufted Back | 16 – 20 | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Camelback or Tight Back | 11 – 14 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Semi-Attached Back | 14 – 18 | $1,300 – $2,000 |
| Hide-a-bed Sofa | 18 – 25 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Sectional | 25 – 35 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
*Based on average fabric costs of $30 to $60 per yard. Prices vary drastically by location, fabric quality and type, and labor charges.
Cost To Reupholster A Chair
The average cost to reupholster a chair is $200 to $1,500 depending on the size, quality of fabric, and labor.
Dining room chair reupholstery costs $100 to $250 per chair depending on if it has a back.
The cost to reupholster a recliner or wingback chair is $450 to $1,500.
| Type | Yardage | Labor & Fabric Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Round Bar Stool | 1 | $60 – $100 |
| Swivel Bar Stool | 2 | $120 – $250 |
| Flat or Boxed Slip Seat | ½ | $100 – $200 |
| Side Chair Seat | 1 | $150 – $250 |
| Side Chair Seat and Back | 2 – 3 | $300 – $550 |
| Seat with Springs | 1 | $250 – $350 |
| Seat & Back with Springs | 1 | $350 – $500 |
| Attached (Tight) Seat | 1 | $250 – $350 |
| Attached (Tight) Seat, Back & Cording | 2 | $300 – $500 |
| Open Arm Chair | 2 – 3 | $250 – $550 |
| Open Arm Chair + Cushion | 3 – 4 | $500 – $800 |
| Closed-Arm Chair | 3 – 4 | $500 – $700 |
| Dining Room or Occasional Chair | 1 – 2 | $150 – $300 |
| Dining Room or Occasional Chair w/ Back | 2 – 4 | $400 – $600 |
| Parson's Chair | 2 – 4 | $350 – $700 |
| Balloon Back Arm Chair | 5 – 6 | $600 – $1,000 |
| Panel Arm, Barrel, or Club Chair | 5 – 6 | $600 – $1,000 |
| Wingback Chair | 6 – 8 | $600 – $1,500 |
| Rolled Arm Chair | 6 – 8 | $700 – $1,200 |
| Skirted Club Chair | 7 – 9 | $700 – $1,200 |
| Recliner or La-Z-Boy | 7 – 10 | $600 – $2,000 |
*Based on average fabric costs of $30 to $60 per yard. Prices vary drastically by location, fabric quality and type, and labor charges.
Cost To Reupholster A Recliner
The average cost to reupholster a recliner is $600 to $2,000 depending on if it's a plain style or high-end La-Z-Boy. Reupholstering a “lazy boy” recliner costs $1,000 to $2,000 in labor alone due to their complex connecting mechanisms and structure, plus 8 to 10 yards of fabric.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Plain Recliner | $600 – $1,200 |
| High-end or Antique Recliner | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Eames Chair | $500 – $700 |
| Pillows or Pockets | + $40 – $80 each |
Seat Upholstery Cost
Flat of boxed slip seat upholstery costs $100 to $200 each, while a side chair or attached seat runs $150 to $550 depending on if it has a back and cording.
The average cost to reupholster a bench seat is $400 to $800, depending on if it has a back or skirt.
Cost To Reupholster A Bar Stool
The cost to reupholster a plain round bar stool is $60 to $100, while a swivel bar stool with a seat back runs $120 to $250 for both labor and materials. A bar stool needs 1 to 2 yards of upholstery fabric.
Cost To Reupholster Dining Room Chairs
Dining room chair reupholstery costs $150 to $300 each, or $400 to $600 each with a cushioned chair backing.
The average cost to reupholster 6 dining chairs is $900 to $3,600, depending on the type.
Parson's chair with a unique trim costs $350 to $700 to reupholster.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Flat or Boxed Slip Seat | $100 – $200 |
| Side Chair Seat | $150 – $250 |
| Side Chair Seat & Back | $300 – $550 |
| Standard Occasional Chair | $150 – $300 |
| Occasional Chair w/ Back | $400 – $600 |
| Parson's Chair | $350 – $700 |
| 6-Dining Chairs Set | $900 – $3,600 |
Cost To Reupholster A Wingback Chair
The average cost to reupholster wingback chair is $600 to $1,500, which includes the fabric and labor. Upholstery prices for wing chairs or bergères depend on it's size, if tufting is needed, and if it's an antique with handcrafted finishes. Wingback chairs need 6 to 10 yards of upholstery fabric.
Sofa & Couch Cushion Upholstery Cost
Sofa and couch cushion upholstery costs $70 to $200 per cushion depending on the fabric, and if new fill is needed. Reupholstering outdoor cushions costs $80 to $300 each, depending on the size and material.
Re-stuffing sofa cushions with new foam costs $100 to $200 per cushion.
| Type | Average Cost Per Cushion |
|---|---|
| Indoor Cushions | $70 – $200 |
| Outdoor Cushions | $80 – $300 |
| Restuff Cushions | $100 – $200 |
Cost To Reupholster Outdoor Cushions
The average cost to reupholster outdoor cushions is $80 to $300 each depending on the size, if the cushions are loose, the fabric used, and labor. Outdoor cushions use fabrics like polyester, acrylic, olefin, PVC mesh, and marine vinyl that are durable, UV-treated, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
Cost To Reupholster A Chaise Lounge
The average cost to reupholster a chaise lounge is $700 to $1,500, depending on if it's an open-arm or closed-arm. Recovering a chaise lounge with new fabric costs $300 to $500. Curved-back styles or tufting finishes using leather or other high-quality fabrics cost more.
Lounge Suite Recovering Cost
Recovering a lounge suite costs $800 for a simple 3-piece set up to $1,200 for sets including a chaise lounge with treated, stain-repellent fabrics.
A lounge suite contains a 3-seater sofa with two armchairs.
Larger suites include a 4-seater sofa, an ottoman, chaise lounge, and a 2-seater loveseat.
Leather Upholstery Cost
Reupholstering a leather couch or sofa costs $1,200 to $5,000, and reupholstering a leather chair runs $800 to $2,000. Some leather work needs decorative nails to keep the material secured.
Leather costs $40 to $250 per yard, which is comparable to most fabrics.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Leather Chair | $800 – $2,000 |
| Leather Couch | $1,200 – $5,000 |
| Leather Fabric | $40 – $250 per yard |
Leather prices vary depending on the source, how suppliers treated it, and what finishes were applied. Leather is tough, lasts longer than most other materials, and can be damped wiped. Also, it needs to be cleaned with a leather conditioner.
Cost To Reupholster An Ottoman
Reupholstering an ottoman costs $300 to $500 without a skirt, and when using mid-grade fabrics. The average cost to reupholster a diamond tufted ottoman with nailhead trim is $500 to $1,000.
Handcrafted diamond tufting costs $150+ extra for the labor, decorative buttons, and nails.
| Type | Yardage | Labor & Fabric Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Ottoman | 2 – 3 | $300 – $500 |
| Large Ottoman | 2 – 4 | $350 – $700 |
| Ottoman with Skirt | 4 – 6 | $400 – $700 |
| Ottoman with Tufting | 4 – 6 | $500 – $1,000 |
| Foot Stool | 1 | $200 – $300 |
| Bench Seat | 2 – 5 | $400 – $800 |
Upholstering a plain footstool without any storage compartments or tailored skirts costs $60, or more if specialty fabrics are selected. A small ottoman needs 2 to 3 yards of fabric for reupholstering, or up to 6 yards when adding a skirt trim.
Reupholster Bed Cost
Reupholstering a bed frame costs $350 to $800 on average, depending on the size and quality of the fabric used. Reupholstering a hide-a-bed sofa costs $1,500 to $3,000. It takes around 6 yards of fabric to cover the bed frame of a large single to small double bed.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bed Frame | $350 – $800 |
| Headboard | $200 – $600 |
| Hide-A-Bed Sofa | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Reupholster Headboard Cost
The average cost to reupholster a headboard is $200 to $600, or $1,000 and up for custom finishes and exclusive fabrics. Prices depend on the size of the frame, and the quality of fabric used.
Discounts may apply if your headboard is included as part of a larger bed reupholstery job.
Restaurant Booth Recovering Cost
The average cost to reupholster a restaurant booth is $200 to $500, which is about the same price as purchasing new. Upholstery shops advise against patching tears and punctures as they are temporary at best.
Make sure the wood booth frames were constructed with hardwood components. If cheap plywood was used, it's difficult to salvage and likely not worth reupholstering.
Car Seat Upholstery Cost
Car seat upholstery costs $200 to $750 per seat or between $1,000 and $2,500 for both the front and rear seats.
Reupholstering the dashboard trim costs $500 to $1,000.
Recovering the steering wheel runs $250 to $500.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Front Seats | $200 – $750 per seat |
| Front Bucket Seats | $250 – $1,000 per seat |
| Front & Rear Seats | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Dashboard Trim | $500 – $1,000 |
| Steering Wheel | $250 – $500 |
Furniture Recovering Cost Factors
Furniture recovering costs depend on the size of the item, the quality of fabric selected, tufting and welting options, labor charges, repairs needed, and transportation fees.
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Labor Charges | $50 – $100 per hour |
| In-home Service Call | $70 – $120 |
| Pickup & Delivery Fees | $100 – $300 |
| Pillows | $30 – $60 each |
| Welting & Cording | $200 – $700 |
| Tufting & Decorative Nail Heads | $120 – $550 |
| Padding & Supplies | $100 – $300 |
| Filling Cushions | $50 – $200 per cushion |
| Fabric | $40 – $60 per yard |
| Repairs | $200 – $500 |
Upholstery Labor Charges
Upholsterers charge $50 to $100 per hour, depending on their expertise and the job's difficulty. Labor costs $500 to $900 for a sofa and $250 to $600 for a living room chair.
Service call fees are $70 to $120 for in-home reupholstering.
Transportation fees are $100 to $300 for in-shop work.
| Furniture | Average Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| Loveseat | $400 – $750 |
| Sofa | $500 – $900 |
| Recliner | $400 – $600 |
| Living Room Chair | $250 – $600 |
| Dining Room Chair | $25 – $90 |
| Parson's Chair | $120 – $220 |
| Wingback Chair | $350 – $600 |
| Round Bar Stool | $30 – $50 |
| Swivel Bar Stool | $80 – $170 |
| Ottoman | $250 – $600 |
| Footstool | $80 – $250 |
*Prices are based on using plain pattern fabrics and do not include fabric, supplies, or new foam. Estimate upholstery labor times here.
Extra charges may apply for supplies, matching patterns, working with white or shiny fabrics, adding a liner over the padding, frame and spring repairs, new foam, working with the customer's own materials, or any extra pillows or cushions.
| Furniture | Average Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Cushions & Chair Pads | $25 – $70 |
| Rocker Cushion Sets | $80 – $130 |
| Tailored Skirt | $60 – $150 |
| Diamond Tufting | $7 – $15 per button |
| Seat Spring Tying - Chair | $50 – $130 |
| Seat Spring Tying - Sofa | $120 – $275 |
| Channel Back | $7 – $15 per channel |
| Attached Arm, Back, & Seat Pillows | $30 – $70 each |
| Outer Arm Pockets | $30 – $50 each |
| Button Designs | $3 – $10 per button |
In-Home Reupholstering
In-home reupholstering has service-call fees of $70 to $120 apply for a consultation up to 30 minutes, plus labor charges of $50 to $100 per hour after that. In-home work is preferred for large or antique furniture that's expensive to transport.
Furniture Transportation
Furniture transportation costs $100 to $300 on average for both pick-up and delivery if you live within 20 miles of the upholstery shop. Some shops arrange free transportation for larger orders, while smaller orders have a minimum fee of $60 to $75 each way.
Repairing The Frame
Frame repair for a sofa or love seat costs $200 to $500 extra on average. Applying epoxy to repair chair bases costs $75, and fixing the joints in a chair costs up to $125. Some frame repairs require re-springing the sofa for $200 to $400.
Signs you may have structural damage:
The seat base is sagging.
The whole frame wobbles when you move it.
Chair or couch creaks every time you sit on it.
Upholstering Pillows
Upholstering pillows costs $30 to $60 each when using matching fabric from the upholsterer. Custom pillows cost $90 or more for new filling and designer fabrics. Shops typically include pillows in the total estimate, but may charge hourly for custom welting and other special finishes.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Pillow | $30 – $60 each |
| Throw Pillow Cover | $15 – $40 |
| Attached Arm, Back, & Seat Pillows | $30 – $70 each |
| Attached Pillow Backs | $50 – $125 |
| Standard Loose Filler | + $10 – $30 |
| Zipper | + $5 – $15 each |
Cost To Restuff Sofa Cushions
The average cost to restuff sofa cushions is $100 to $200 per cushion depending on the size, thickness, and density of the foam. Restuffing couch cushions includes cutting the foam, adhering Dacron batting, stuffing the new insert into the cover, and steaming the finished product.
| Cushion Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 36” | $100 – $175 |
| 36” – 60” | $110 – $185 |
| 60” – 80” | $120 – $200 |
| Over 80” | $150 – $350 |
| Back Cushion Wrap | $80 – $170 |
Welting & Fabric Cords
Welting or decorative gimp costs $100 to $400 for the cushions, arm panel, and top of skirt, or $450 to $900 for cords all over. Welting, also called piping or cording, is cord covered by fabric that's sewn into the seams and edges for strength.
| Furniture | Cushions, Arm Panel, Top of Skirt | All Over |
|---|---|---|
| Chairs or Ottoman | $90 – $225 | up to $450 |
| Loveseat, Chaise, Settee, or Wedge | $120 – $375 | up to $750 |
| Sofa or Bed | $120 – $450 | up to $900 |
| Seat Cushion, Throw or Back Pillows | $75 – $150 each | -- |
Welting requires 1 to 2 yards of fabric, plus cord, and extra stitching work to attach it by hand. Upholsterers sometimes use double welting, which takes three times as long to cut and sew.
Tufting & Decorative Nail Heads
Tufting or adding decorative nail heads costs $120 to $550 extra. Some upholstery shops charge $7 to $15 per tuft segment, while others charge $60 per yard of fabric that they attach with decorative nails. Tufting requires an additional 3 to 5 yards of fabric and 2 to 4 hours of labor.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Decorative Nails | $60 per yard of fabric used |
| Tufting for Ottoman | $120 – $250 |
| Tufting for Sofa or Large Bed | $400 – $550 |
| Covered Buttons | + $3.50 each |
Upholstery Fabric Prices
The average cost of upholstery fabric is $30 to $60 per yard. Low-cost upholstery fabric costs $10 to $20 per yard, while designer or classic fabrics run $100 to $200 per yard.
The average couch requires 14 yards of fabric at $500 to $900 total.
The total upholstery expense varies drastically based on the choice of material.
| Fabric | Average Cost Per Yard | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Velvet | $40 – $300 | Durable, strong, with a plush feel and sheen. |
| Linen | $40 – $180 | Wrinkles easy. Doesn't withstand heavy wear. Resists pilling and fading. |
| Cotton | $30 – $100 | Great resistance to wear, fading and pilling. Not very resistant to wrinkling. Durability depends on the weave and finish. |
| Chenille | $30 – $180 | Tough, fuzzy fabric sometimes made from either cotton or rayon and olefin. |
| Denim/Twill | $40 – $200 | Weave has diagonal lines. Durable and comfortable. |
| Faux Leather or Suede | $30 – $200 | Synthetic leather. High-wear, repels moisture. |
| Leather | $40 – $250 | Tough. Can be damp wiped. Clean only with a leather conditioner. |
| Mohair | $50 – $220 | Plush, durable, resilient fabric. Resistant to moisture-wicking, stretching, and creasing. Flame resistant. |
| Outdoor | $50 – $150 | Strong, durable, resilience, dries quickly. Resistance to UV, wrinkling, shrinking, fading, mildew, and fungus. |
| Silk | $50 – $200 | Delicate fabric. Not great for kids and pets. Suitable for formal living rooms. |
| Wool | $50 – $200 | Sturdy, durable, easy to clean. Resists pilling, fading, and wrinkling. |
| -- Synthetic Fabrics -- | ||
| Acetate | $30 – $110 | Imitation silk. Can wear, wrinkle and fade with sunlight. Doesn't pill or shrink. |
| Acrylic | $15 – $60 | Imitation wool. Doesn't wear, wrinkle, or soil. Color fades easily. Usually doesn't pill, especially if it's high quality. |
| Olefin | $15 – $50 | Strong material. Great for places that will undergo heavy wear. |
| Polyester | $10 – $20 | Usually blended with other fibers. Generally very strong. |
| Rayon | $10 – $40 | Used as imitation silk, cotton, and linen. Durable but wrinkles. |
| Crypton | $10 – $60 | High-performance fabric used in hospitals. |
| Ultrasuede | $75 – $110 | High-performance fabric made from recycled materials. |
| Sunbrella | $20 – $45 | Canvas-like, high-performance fabric. |
Cat Proof Upholstery Fabric
The best upholstery fabrics to use for cats are velvet, mohair, Ultrasuede, leather, microfiber, or Sunbrella. These tight weave fabrics are harder for cat claws to penetrate and easier to clean.
Avoid using tweeds or textured fabrics that snag easily and are difficult to clean off pet hair.
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Velvet | Tight weave that’s hard for cat claws to penetrate. |
| Microfiber & Microsuede | Nearly impenetrable weave. Needs cleaning often since fur sticks to it. |
| Sunbrella | Resist stains, fur, and scratches. |
| Performance Weave | High-Performance treated weave fabrics are popular and easy to clean. |
| Denim | Durable and often made from natural cotton fibers. |
Furniture Repair Cost
Furniture repairs cost $100 to $500 on average, depending on the extent of the damage. Common repairs include frame refinishing, replacing the cushion filling, installing new springs, or cleaning.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Re-Glue Kitchen or Dining Room Chairs | $100 – $140 |
| Stripping, Sanding & Refinishing Chair Frames | $130 – $180 |
| Repairing Outdoor Wrought Iron Chairs | $125 – $160 each |
| Repairing Outdoor Wrought Iron Tables | $200 – $300 |
| Repairing Frame on Sofa or Loveseat | $200 – $500 |
| Stripping, Sanding & Refinishing Sofas or Loveseats | $250 – $450 |
| Re-Tie Springs on Sofas or Loveseats | $150 – $400 |
| Seat-Spring Tying For Living Room Chairs | $90 – $130 |
| Re-tying Springs on Wingback Chair | $200 – $300 |
| Stripping, Sanding & Refinishing Wingback Chair | $125 – $200 |
| Replacing Old Cushion Fill with Foam | $40 – $50 each |
| Replacing Old Cushion Fill with Goose Down | $30 per pound $150 per cushion |
Custom Slipcover Cost
Custom slipcovers cost $200 to $1,000 for a sofa or loveseat, and $150 to $450 for a chair or ottoman. Custom slipcovers are cheaper than reupholstering, but can be the same price when using high-quality fabrics. Upholsterers advise using denim, sailcloth, cotton blend, or twill for slipcovers.
| Piece | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 2-Cushion Sofa or Loveseat | $200 – $750 |
| 3-Cushion Sofa | $300 – $1,000 |
| Arm, Club, or Wingback Chair | $150 – $450 |
| Ottoman | $150 – $350 |
*Specialty welting with contrasting colors and adding tailored skirts around the bottom of slipcovers cost $40 to $140 extra.
Furniture reupholstery FAQs
What Is Reupholstery?
Reupholstery is the process of providing furniture with new framing, padding, springs, webbing, fabric, and trim. Furniture recovering is only adding new fabric to pieces with a durable frame that doesn't need any structural repairs or new padding.
Upholstery Process
Remove all existing upholstery down to the bare wood.
Inspect the frame, tighten joints, and make structural repairs.
Replace springs, webs, and hardware.
Add new padding and stuffing.
Recover the furniture in new fabric and trim.
Who Does Furniture Upholstery?
A person who does furniture upholstery is called an upholsterer.
An apprentice in training is called a trimmer or outsider.
Marine fabricators do upholstery repairs on a boat, and auto trimmers restore car interiors.
Is It Worth Reupholstering A Sofa, Couch, or Chair?
Reupholstery gives your old furniture a new life, but typically costs more than buying new furniture. Reupholstering is worth it for antiques, family heirlooms, or high-end pieces with a well-made frame.
You can also customize the fabric and details; plus, it's environmentally friendly.
Hiring A Furniture Upholstery Shop
Professional upholsterers can help select a high-quality fabric and suggest the right type of furniture recovery for your project.
Before hiring a furniture upholsterer near you, be sure to:
Send pictures of the piece(s) and seat cushions from multiple angles and include the dimensions.
Describe if you want a simple recovering or a full reupholstery.
Provide fabric samples of patterns and styles you like.
Get at least three quotes from those with 5+ years of experience.
Look for experienced upholsterers who have completed an apprenticeship, vocational training, or earned a journeyman’s card.
At a minimum, upholstery shops should have general liability insurance to pay for any accidental damages or stolen furniture.
Always get a contract in writing detailing the labor, materials, supplies, deadlines, stipulations, and terms of payment.
Questions To Ask
How many reupholstery jobs have you done?
What types of furniture do you work on, and can I see your portfolio?
Does your shop offer a guarantee or warranty?
Can I supply my own fabric?
Do you check and repair structural damage or only replace the fabric?
Does this estimate include all materials, labor, and cleanup?
Tips & How To Save on Reupholstering
Supply your own fabric – Fabric costs $10 per yard for cotton up to $200 per yard for Hermes print, and some shops apply a significant markup. However, bringing in a cheap, weak fabric may void your warranty and increase labor charges since it's harder to work with.
Take in your favorite fabric samples – Shops provide matching options that ensure you get a high-quality fabric that looks good and lasts longer. Otherwise, they’ll let you know how much of that fabric to bring.
Choose solid fabric– Simpler fabric designs without tufting, custom welting, and elaborate printed patterns require less yardage, are cheaper, and take less time and skill to align.
Consider faux leather – Faux leather is much cheaper than the real thing. Consider choosing vinyl instead.
Volume discounts are offered for reupholstering multiple pieces at once, such as a lounge suite or dining room set.
For cushions and filling, opt for a foam core with a down-and-feather wrap. This soft combination keeps its shape and is less expensive. When going with a down-and-feather, ask the upholsterer for 60% down and 40% feathers.
Deliver and pick-up your own furniture to save on hauling costs.
DIY pillow reupholstery with matching fabric is the easiest and quickest project you can do to save money.