Is it worth it to reupholster a sofa?

Yes, It is always worth reupholstering your furniture if your frame isn't broken or damaged. You support local workroom professionals, and save potentially perfect furniture from a landfill. This is a more sustainable approach to furniture than buying new every time your fabric is damaged or worn out. 

The best way to know if your sofa is worth reupholstering is to talk to a local upholsterer near you. They can best evaluate if your furniture is worth saving or if it’s time to buy a completely new sofa. Ask the upholsterer to quote the reupholstery job and then cross reference the reupholstery quote with what your sofa would be to purchase new. When it’s cheaper to reupholster, it's worth reupholstering. That's how you know if it's worth reupholstering your existing sofa or to buy a new one.

How can I reupholster my sofa?

The best way to reupholster your sofa is to get on google and search “upholstery near me.” You will then find upholstery shops closest to you in your area. They will be able to reupholster your sofa cheaper than you would yourself. Upholstery is a lifelong profession that takes years of experience to be fully trained in furniture making, repair, and reupholstery. Let the professionals reupholster your sofa to save you time, money , and stress. 

Is it better to reupholster or buy new? 

The main things to consider when reupholstering a sofa is to evaluate the space in which the sofa will reside. This will help you get an understanding if you should reupholster that sofa or not. Are you looking to change the fabric of your existing sofa, but love the way it sits? Then the answer is yes to reupholstering. Another reason to reupholster is maybe the foam in the cushions aren't as supportive as you would like them to be. Reupholstery would be a great option to get a more firm foam while keeping your existing couch. Reupholstery is a great way to keep your existing sofa with fresh new fabric or cushion foam. 

 Here are some things to consider before purchasing a new sofa . If you want to upgrade or increase the seating capacity of the couch in your living room, I’d consider purchasing a new sofa. While some upholsterers may be able to expand your current sofa, the best answer to getting larger sofa to fit the whole family is buying new. If your furniture frame is so broken that the upholsterer thinks they can't repair it, I would say it’s time to buy a new couch. If your current couch isn't big enough, or cant be repaired, it’s time to start looking for a brand new one. 

Cost to Reupholster Sofa

How much does it cost to reupholster a sofa?

Sofas cost between $500 and $4500 to reupholster. The average cost of reupholstering a sofa is $1800. This includes your new fabric cost and labor costs associated with reupholstering. Usually fabric ranges from $10-$70 a yard with labor cost ranging from $40-$100 per hour.

If you need to refresh your sofa, reupholstery is the way to go. Here are some things to consider before reupholstering.

Average Cost to Reupholster a Sofa

Low Cost - $500

Average Cost - $1800

High Cost - $4500

Average Cost of Reupholster by Sofa Type

Sectional - $1800-$4500

Love Seat – $500-$2000

Sofa Cushions -$150-$800

Leather Sofa - $600-$4500

Outdoor Cushions – $100-$600

Chaise -$800-$2000

Loveseat Reupholstery Cost

Loveseats cost $500-$2000 to reupholster. Loveseats take usually take 8-12 yards to reupholster. Depending on the type of loveseat you have, it could mean more fabric. It’s best to consult an upholstery professional before ordering fabric for reupholstery. They will be able to tell you the exact amount of yardage needed to reupholster your exact love seat.

Leather Couch Reupholstery Cost

The price to reupholster a leather sofa costs $600-$4500, depending on the size and cushion types. Leather loveseats will be less expensive than larger multi piece sectionals. The quality of leather also matters. High end leather will cost you $200-$750 per hide. Real leather is durable, strong and should last 5-25 years on the sofa. Fake leather is a cheaper way to avoid the added costs of real and high end leather, but doesn’t hold up as well. Fake leather is known to “delaminate” or “peel”. It’s best to consult an upholstery professional before ordering leather hides for your sofa reupholstery. They’ll be able to tell you the exact amount of hides needed, and costs, to reupholster your leather sofa.  

Sectional Sofa Reupholstery Cost

Reupholstering your sectional will cost you $1800-$4500. Sectionals usually have more than one dimension to them which means more cushions. More cushions means more fabric and labor which it’s one of the more expensive couches to reupholster. Sectionals typically need 28-45 yards of fabric, depending on the dimensions of your sectional. Before ordering fabric or leather for a sectional, consult an upholstery professional near you.

Sofa Cushion Reupholstery Cost

The price to reupholster each cushion will cost you $150-$800 depending on the size, fabric used, welt chord, and foam. The best way to get your couch cushions reupholstered is to contact your local upholsterer. When you meet your upholstery professional, bring your couch cushions so they can be measured. You’ll then need to pick out a fabric that fits both your budget and style. The upholstery professional will either quote the whole upholstery job or per cushion price.

Outdoor Cushion Reupholstery Cost

Reupholstering your outdoor cushions will cost you $100-$600 per cushion, depending on the size of the cushion, outdoor fabric used, foam replacement cost, and zipper selection. Expect to pay more on outdoor sectional cushion reupholstery than you would thin chair outdoor cushions. The best way to get started on outdoor cushion reupholstery is to contact an upholstery professional near you.

Chaise Reupholstery Cost

Reupholstering your chaise will cost you $800-$2000 depending on the fabric, foam, nails and other supplies needed to refresh your chaise. High back chaises, with arms, will cost you more than those without arms and low backs. The larger the piece, the more fabric and supplies needed to reupholster, which will increase the price of your chaise lounge.  

Sofa Reupholstery Costing Factors

Since reupholstering a Sofa can vary from $500-$4500, it might seem difficult to know exactly what you are paying for. Here are some of the factors that make your sofa reupholstery more, or less, expensive.

• Upholstery Fabric can cost you 10-$150 per yard, depending on the type, quality, and brand
• Condition of the couch –expect to pay more if the frame is broken or damaged
• Transportation Expense – some upholstery shops will pick up and deliver for free. Others will make you drop and pick up at your sofa at your own expense. Be sure to consult with your local upholsterer to make sure they understand your project needs
• Extras – nails, tufting, welt chording, and replacement foam could be some extra costs associated with your sofa reupholstery.

 If you are wondering how many yards of fabric you'll need for your exact sofa, check out our our upholstery fabric calculator.  

Thanks for reading - James