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How Much Does Furniture Reupholstery Cost?

$200 – $1,000 Average Chair
$600 – $1,800 Average Couch

Furniture reupholstery costs $388 to $1,702 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. Get free estimates from upholstery shops near you or view our cost guide below.

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HomeGuide / Cost Guides / Furniture Reupholstery Cost

Furniture Reupholstery Cost

The average cost to reupholster furniture is $200 to $1,000 for chairs and $600 to $1,800 for a couch or sofa. Prices depend on the size of the piece, fabric, repairs, finishes, and labor. Upholstery fabric costs $30 to $60 per yard on average, and labor charges are $50 to $100 per hour.

Furniture Reupholstery Cost - Chair & Couch Chart

Furniture Reupholstery Cost
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.

Table of Contents

  1. Furniture Reupholstery Cost
  2. Is It Cheaper to Reupholster or Buy New?
  3. Upholstery Price Guide
  4. Furniture Recovering Cost Factors
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
  6. Hiring A Furniture Upholstery Shop
  7. Upholstery Near Me

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

  1. The furniture was cheap and low-quality to begin with, or you don't like the style.
  2. Your furniture holds no sentimental value or is too large or too small for your home.
  3. The frame isn’t well-built or has significant structural damage.
  4. You're on a limited budget.
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Upholstery Price Guide

Most homeowners spend $388 to $1,702 per piece for reupholstery. Upholstery shops list prices for labor charges only. Our upholstery price guide includes both labor and fabric costs, which shows a total estimate you can expect to pay. The amount of fabric each piece needs is also included.

Average Upholstery Prices
National Average Cost $851
Minimum Cost $100
Maximum Cost $5,000
Average Range $388 to $1,702

Cost To Reupholster A Couch

The average cost to reupholster a couch is $600 to $1,800 depending on the size, style, fabric, and labor. Reupholstering a two-cushion sofa costs $600 to $1,500, while a large sectional sofa costs $1,500 to $4,000 for labor and upholstery fabric.

Couch Reupholstery Cost - Loveseat, Chaise Lounge, Sectional Sofa Chart

Cost To Reupholster A Couch
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 $1,000 depending on the size, quality of fabric, and labor. Dining room chair reupholstery costs $150 to $600 per chair depending on if it has a back. The cost to reupholster a recliner or wingback chair is $600 to $1,500.

Cost To Reupholster A Chair - Dining, Open-Arm, Wingback, Recliner Chart

Cost To Reupholster A Chair
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.

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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.

Cost To Reupholster A Recliner Chart

Cost To Reupholster A Recliner
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 between $400 and $600 each with a cushioned chair backing. The average cost to reupholster 6 dining chairs is $900 to $3,600, depending on the type. A wooden Parson's chair with a unique trim costs $350 to $700 to reupholster.

Dining Room Chair Reupholstery Cost
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

Professional Reupholstering Seat of Dining Room Chair

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. Restuffing sofa cushions with new foam costs $100 to $200 per cushion.

Sofa and Couch Cushion Upholstery Cost Chart

Sofa & Couch Cushion Upholstery Cost
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. Leather costs $40 to $250 per yard, which is comparable to most fabrics. Some leatherwork needs decorative nails to keep the material secured.

Leather Upholstery Cost Chart

Leather Upholstery Cost
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.

Cost To Reupholster An Ottoman Chart

Cost To Reupholster An Ottoman
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.

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Reupholster Bed Cost

Reupholstering a bed frame costs $350 to $800 on average, depending on the size and quality of the fabric used. It takes around 6 yards of fabric to cover the bed frame of a large single to small double bed. Reupholstering a hide-a-bed sofa costs $1,500 to $3,000.

Reupholster Bed, Headboard Cost Chart

Reupholster Bed Cost
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, and recovering the steering wheel runs $250 to $500.

Car Seat Upholstery Cost Chart

Car Upholstery Costs
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

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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.

Furniture Recovering Costs
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. Service call fees of $70 to $120 apply for in-home reupholstering, and transportation fees are $100 to $300 for in-shop work. Labor costs $500 to $900 for a sofa and $250 to $600 for a living room chair.

Upholstery Estimate Chart
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.

Upholsterer Recovering Antique Chair and Cutting Fabric

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.

Extra Upholstery Labor Charges
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
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In-Home Reupholstering

In-home reupholstering is preferred for large or antique furniture that's expensive to transport. 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. Upholsterers may refuse to perform complicated repairs outside of their workshop.

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:

  1. The seat base is sagging.
  2. The whole frame wobbles when you move it.
  3. Chair or couch creaks every time you sit on it.

Chair Frame Repair and Seat Restuffing

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 by the hour for custom welting and other special finishes.

Pillow Upholstering Cost
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.

Cost To Restuff Sofa Cushions Chart

Cost To Restuff Sofa Cushions
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 between $450 and $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.

Welting & Fabric Cords
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.

Tufting & Decorative Nail Heads
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

Blue Antique Wood Sofa Reupholstered and Tufted

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.

Upholstery Fabric Prices
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.

Cat Proof Upholstery Fabric
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, with most homeowners spending $214 on average, depending on the extent of the damage. Common repairs include frame refinishing, replacing the cushion filling, installing new springs, or cleaning.

Furniture Repair Cost
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
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Custom Slipcover Cost

Custom slipcovers cost $200 to $1,000 for a sofa or loveseat, and from $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.

Custom Slipcover Cost Chart

Custom Slipcover Cost
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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

  1. Remove all existing upholstery down to the bare wood
  2. Inspect the frame, tighten joints, and make structural repairs
  3. Replace springs, webs, and hardware
  4. Add new padding and stuffing
  5. 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.

Still have questions? Ask a reupholstery pro. View Pros

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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. To get the most accurate quotes from upholstery shops near you, be sure to:

  1. Send pictures of the piece(s) and seat cushions from multiple angles and include the dimensions.
  2. Describe if you want a simple recovering or a full reupholstery.
  3. Provide fabric samples of patterns and styles you like.
  4. Get at least three quotes and ask them:

Questions To Ask

  1. What kind of reupholstery training do you have? Do you have a license or vocational certificate?

    2. Look for experienced upholsterers who have completed an apprenticeship, vocational training, or earned a journeyman’s card.

  2. How long has your company been in business?

    3. Professionals have a vast catalog of their past work and can provide references of their previous clients. They can give upfront estimates by simply looking at a photo with the dimensions provided.

  3. Does your company have insurance?

    4. At a minimum, upholstery shops should have general liability insurance to pay for any accidental damages or stolen furniture.

  4. Will you provide a written estimate?

    5. Always get a contract in writing detailing the labor, materials, supplies, deadlines, stipulations, and terms of payment.

  5. Does your shop offer a guarantee or warranty?

    6. Many shops only offer 3-year warranties when working with the fabrics they supply. Supplying your own fabric may void your warranty.

  6. Do you check and repair structural damage or only replace the fabric?

    7. Recovering furniture is only putting on new fabric, while reupholstering includes a complete teardown, replacing all padding, fabric, and reinforcing the frame.

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.

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