How much does it cost to reupholster a couch?

Couches are found in almost every living room, but after years of wear and tear, they inevitably become worn and outdated. Not only do they look old-fashioned but they also become uncomfortable, losing their cushiony feel. Instead of buying a new couch, which can cost an astronomical amount, you can reupholster it.

The average price to reupholster a standard size couch (6-8 feet long) with three cushions ranges from $850 to $1,500.

Pros and cons

Consumers spend billions on new furniture every year. What happens when they buy something new? Old pieces tend to end up in landfills. There are many reasons to consider reupholstering a couch instead of buying a new one.

Cost factors

• Size and type of the couch. The larger it is, the more it will cost. A standard 8-foot couch will cost more to reupholster than a 6-foot couch, and both would likely cost less than a sectional. For a full-size couch, reupholstering costs range from $850 to $1,250.
• Couches with more cushions will also cost more since each single standard size cushion costs about $60-$80 each to reupholster without new filling.
• The type of fabric you choose also affects the price. You will need at least 18-20 yards of fabric for a standard size couch. Fabric comes in a wide variety of both color choices and levels of durability and can cost anywhere between $10 and $40 a yard, or more for a natural material like leather. Higher-quality fabric with stain resistance, for example, will cost more than a fabric with less durability.
• The cost of living in your area affects price of labor, which is between $80-$120 per hour on average.
• Labor costs also depend on your service provider, as some charge more than others. Labor costs average about $100 per hour.
• Whether the couch or sofa will be picked-up and delivered or you can drop it off adds an additional $50-$100 on average. This depends on location, distance, and furniture size.

Materials

There are different types of fabric to choose between for your new look, either natural or synthetic. Cotton, a natural fabric, and polyester, a synthetic fabric, are the most common types of fabric used. Cotton comes from plant fibers of the cotton plant that grows naturally, while polyester is man-made from products like petroleum, coal, and water. Prices vary widely for natural and synthetic fabrics and it is all personal preference.

Natural fabrics

Natural fabrics are either plant or animal-based materials. Each one has very different characteristics and price:

Synthetic fabrics

Synthetic fabrics are man-made from chemicals. The table below might help you decide which one suits your needs best:

Labor

When reupholstering your couch you should factor in labor costs. Reupholstering a couch doesn’t have to be scary or time-consuming. In fact, picking new fabrics and other materials, and deciding on the final design is part of the fun for many people.

The upholsterer will remove and dispose of old fabric. Before adding new padding, cushioning, and fabric they will repair any damage to the frame. While you can try to do it yourself, having a professional do the work means you will get a great quality refurbished piece of furniture. A professional has all the tools and equipment to handle and fix any issues that arise. Professional labor prices for a couch on average cost $100 per hour and take between 4 and 9 hours of labor. The total labor cost can be anywhere from $400-$900, depending on the location of the upholsterer and any details added into the couch. Service can take a couple of weeks to complete depending on the professional.

Maintenance

Once you receive your newly reupholstered couch you will want to perform regular maintenance on it. Keep your fabrics looking new by completing the following:

• Protect it from stains, scratches, tears, and other wear and tear with protective products. Reapply often as they will wear off.
• Clean the couch regularly with cleaning materials made for your couch fabric. Some products are only made for certain materials–cleaning leather vs. cleaning cotton fabric requires a very different approach.
• As you use your couch, rotate and turn cushions to prevent wear on just one part.
• Vacuum your couch and under the cushions often, as much once a week.
• Avoid sunlight and airborne pollutants.

Replacing vs. reupholstering a couch

It is hard to determine if reupholstering or replacing your couch is the right option. Buying a new couch can often cost thousands of dollars, while paying for reupholstering can take more time and mean you go without a couch for a while.

Considerations for reupholstering your couch should include the quality of the frame and the type of material used for padding. If your couch is sturdy or has sentimental value, reupholstering it is a great option. If, on the other hand, it isn't standing up to the test of time, the frame is too broken to fix, or you don't have the time to wait, reupholstering might not be the best option.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Replace padding

You may need to refill and replace the padding under the fabric, which will add to the cost and labor. Extra filling averages around $25.00. New foam pads cost between $40-$75 per cushion.

Repair frame

The original couch frame could need to be repaired which will increase labor costs. Minor repairs are often needed once the old fabric is removed. However major repairs can add around $100 an hour for the additional labor time. Materials may cost more.

Decorative features

Adding decorative features and embellishments such as tufting or buttons will also increase the cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on details.

Additional considerations and costs

• Some companies will require you to purchase fabric directly from them. Others might not care where you buy your fabric, as long as it is quality material. It may be cheaper to buy your own fabric from a local source or online instead of purchasing from an upholsterer.
• You can reupholster your couch at home yourself. However, consider the cost of the materials, the equipment, and the potential books and classes you will have to buy or take to learn how to do it properly before deciding to DIY.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others