Type of furniture, fabric, labor, additional details like tufting and nail heads
Cost Considerations
Reupholstery vs. buying new, cost of high-end fabric, labor costs
$200 – $1,000 Average Chair Reupholstery Cost
$600 – $1,800 Average Couch Reupholstery Cost
Furniture Reupholstery Cost
Reupholstery costs can vary significantly depending on the type of furniture and the materials used. The following table provides a general overview of average costs for various types of furniture:
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
Is It Cheaper to Reupholster or Buy New?
The decision to reupholster or buy new furniture depends on several factors, including the sentimental value of the furniture, the cost of reupholstery vs. buying new, and the quality and condition of the existing furniture.
When To Reupholster
Reupholstering may be the better option when:
The frame of the furniture is in good shape.
The furniture has sentimental or antique value.
Custom upholstery is desired for a unique look.
The cost of reupholstery is less than buying a high-quality new piece.
When To Buy New
Buying new furniture might be the best choice when:
The structure of the existing furniture is damaged.
The cost of reupholstery is comparable to or higher than new furniture.
A fresh, new style is desired without custom upholstery.
Upholstery Price Guide
Average Upholstery Prices
National Average Cost
$850
Minimum Cost
$100
Maximum Cost
$5,000
Average Range
$400 to $1,700
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
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
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
Cost To Reupholster A Bar Stool
The cost to reupholster a bar stool typically falls within the lower range of reupholstery projects due to the smaller size and simpler structure.
Type
Average Cost
Round Bar Stool
$60 – $100
Swivel Bar Stool
$120 – $250
Cost To Reupholster Dining Room Chairs
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
Wingback chairs are known for their unique design and comfort. They require more fabric and labor due to their intricate shape and will typically range between $600 to $1,500.
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
Outdoor cushions must withstand various weather conditions, which can affect the choice of fabric and the price. Costs typically range $80 to $300 each.
Cost To Reupholster A Chaise Lounge
Chaise lounges offer elegance and comfort, and their reupholstery cost reflects the intricate work required. Expect to spend $700 to $1,500.
Lounge Suite Recovering Cost
Recovering an entire lounge suite can be an extensive project. The cost will vary depending on the size and complexity but generally falls in the range of $1,500 to $4,000 for larger suites.
Leather Upholstery Cost
Type
Average Cost
Leather Chair
$800 – $2,000
Leather Couch
$1,200 – $5,000
Leather Fabric
$40 – $250 per yard
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
Reupholster Bed Cost
Item
Average Cost
Bed Frame
$350 – $800
Headboard
$200 – $600
Reupholster Headboard Cost
Reupholstering a headboard can add a personalized touch to your bedroom. Costs typically range from $200 to $600, depending on size and fabric.
Restaurant Booth Recovering Cost
Recovering restaurant booths not only enhances the aesthetics but also increases comfort for patrons. Costs typically range from $200 to $500 each.
Car Seat Upholstery Cost
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
Various factors influence the cost of recovering furniture. These include labor charges, in-home service calls, pickup and delivery fees, and additional detailing like pillows, welting, and cording.
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
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
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
In-Home Reupholstering
In-home reupholstering services allow for a more convenient option, eliminating the need to transport large furniture. However, it may come at a premium cost.
Furniture Transportation
If the upholsterer doesn’t offer pickup and delivery services, you may need to arrange the transportation of your furniture, which can incur additional costs.
Repairing The Frame
Repairs to the furniture frame can add to the total cost but are necessary for restoring structural integrity.
Upholstering Pillows
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
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 and fabric cords are often used as decorative elements that enhance the furniture’s appearance.
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
—
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
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.
