Learn about the average cost to reupholster a chair to save your money. Reupholstering is the ideal way to save your favorite, coziest recliner or give an outdated dining room set new life. So, how much does it cost to reupholster a chair?
The cost to reupholster a chair ranges from $200 to $2,000, or around $800 on average. This price includes labor at $40 to $100 per hour and about $50 to $70 per yard in fabric.
This article will give you a detailed breakdown of the prices involved in reupholstering various types of chairs in your house. After reading, you’ll have a good idea of the cost and be confident in your decision to reupholster or not.
How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster Furniture on Average?
The national average cost to reupholster furniture is $715 per item but can be as low as $50 and as high as $4,000 depending on the repairs involved. The price for materials will typically be between $50 and $70 per yard, and labor will range from $40 to $100 per hour.
Average Cost to Reupholster a Chair by Type
Depending on the type, reupholstering a chair can cost a lot of money. Higher material costs will be associated with larger, more padded chairs. Additionally, some designs are more challenging and complex, which drives up labor costs.
Armchair Cost
Armchair reupholstery costs from $800 to $1,500 on average. Armchairs come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles; the more padded and roomy the chair, the more expensive it will be. The price is further increased by the additional fabric required for roll arms and pillow tops.
Wingback Chair
Wingback chair reupholstery costs $1,000 to $2,000. Due to the size and excess padding of these chairs, the additional materials will increase your costs. A skirt, loose cushions, cording, and other additional details will also cost more.
Dining Chair
The cost to reupholster a dining chair usually ranges from $50 to $250. The kind and quantity of fabric required will affect the cost. Per yard of fabric, you might be able to reupholster several chairs, which would reduce your overall material costs.
Bar Stools
Bar stools cost $50 to $500 to reupholster. The least expensive bar stools will have no backs, while those with padded arms and backs can run up to a lot more in price. The cost is primarily determined by the quantity of fabric required, similar to dining chairs and individual cushions.
Parsons Chair
Upholstering a Parsons chair can cost anywhere from $150 to $500. The back and seat cushion of this traditional armless dining chair are upholstered. Compared to other chair types, labor costs may be higher due to the unusual shape and angles of this piece.
Bergère Chair
Reupholstering a bergère chair typically costs between $200 and $450. The additional time and care required to preserve them will increase labor costs because many chairs in this style are antiques. The cost of upholstering newer models will be less than that of old ones.
Tub Chair
Reupholstering a tub or barrel chair typically costs $400 to $800. These chairs lack separate arms and have a semi-circular back; instead, the rounded back wraps around both sides to serve as an armrest. The size of the chair and the amount of padding affect the cost of the upholstery.
Slipper Chair
Reupholstering a slipper chair generally ranges from $250 to $400. These armless chairs require additional material because of the additional cushioning they have. As a result of the project’s unusual shape and rounded corners, labor costs could be higher.
Leather Chair
The price to reupholster a chair in leather runs from $800 to $2,000. Leather costs around $40 to $60 per yard, but it may be available in smaller pieces. When properly maintained, leather is an expensive option for reupholstery but it also lasts a very long time. The material is easily ripped through by claws, so households with pets ought to think about other choices.
Office Chair
Reupholstering an office chair costs around $200 to $700. Depending on the fabric selected and required quantity, prices change. The least expensive models will be armless, while larger, more padded models will cost more.
Recliner
Reupholstering a recliner costs $400 to $1,500, depending on the style, fabric, and size. These chairs typically require more material because they are overstuffed, which raises the price. Chairs with skirts or pillow tops are higher.
La-Z-Boy Recliner
The cost to reupholster a La-Z-Boy recliner generally ranges from $600 to $1,500. Because these recliners frequently have a lot of cushioning, the cost of the materials will be higher. The cost of labor will be higher because they also have a more complicated structure that requires a variety of workarounds. Larger sizes and cushions with partial attachments tend to cost more.
Outdoor Chair Cushions
The cost to reupholster outdoor chair cushions typically ranges from $50 to $300. The price of indoor chair cushions is frequently comparable. The cost depends on the fabric type, cushion depth, and required quantity.
Cost to Reupholster Chairs in Different Types of Rooms
Dining Room Chairs
A dining room is a crucial social area in a home. It is where you gather with family and friends for meals and special occasions. It’s crucial that your preferences for comfort and style are consistently reflected in this area.
Reupholstering the dining room chairs can be a great way to revitalize your time spent there if your dining room feels dated or worn.
On average, the cost to reupholster a dining room chair costs between $150 to $300 each. If the chair has cushioned backing, the cost of reupholstering ranges from $400 to $600 each.
Additionally, a wooden parsons chair with unique trim would cost $350 to $700 to reupholster.
There are six chairs at a standard dining room table. In this case, you are looking at $900 to $3,600 in cost.
Living Room Chair
The living room serves as the home’s focal point. It’s where you spend time unwinding and interacting with loved ones. You can also relax there after a long day by kicking up your feet. Since so much time is spent in this space, it’s critical to be surrounded by comfortable furniture that also reflects your personal style.
Instead of buying new chairs for your living room, you might think about having them reupholstered to bring the space up to date. Depending on the type of living room chair being reupholstered, the price can change.
Cost to Reupholster Leather Chairs
Chairs covered in leather may cost more to reupholster than chairs covered in fabric. Leather costs between $40 to $250 per yard.
A piece of leather’s price will vary depending on where it came from, how suppliers handled it, and what finishing techniques are used. For instance, to secure the thick material, many leather-upholstered products are finished with decorative nails.
On average, the cost to reupholster a leather chair costs $800 to $2,000.
Leather upholstery can be quite expensive, but it typically costs less over time. Leather is a thick, durable material that holds up well even under heavy use.
Labour Costs of Reupholstery
No matter what type of furniture is being reupholstered, labor expenses can account for a sizable portion of the total cost.
Upholsterers typically charge $50 to $100 per hour. The complexity of the job and the upholsterer’s experience will determine how much they decide to charge.
You might be responsible for service call charges if the upholsterer repairs the furniture inside your house. These fees range from $70 to $120.
Alternatively, if the reupholstered works on the furniture in their own workshop, you may have to pay for transportation fees ranging from $100 to $300.
Factors That Impact the Cost to Recover a Chair
The size, fabric, labor, and state of the piece of furniture are just a few factors that affect how much it will cost to reupholster it.
Fabric Prices
The average cost for fabric will be between $50 to $70 per yard. Affordable options like polyester can be as little as $10 per yard, whereas pricier options like silk or velvet can be as much as $100 per yard.
Existing Condition
The overall cost of repairs is also influenced by the condition of a piece of furniture. You’re likely to pay more if there is more wear and tear. The cost of cleaning or refinishing services may also go up. Your local upholstery cleaning business can assist in ensuring that your furniture is in excellent condition all year long.
- Cost to clean upholstery: $125–$225
- Cost to refinish furniture: $350–$900
Furniture Transportation
Depending on the size of the furniture, transportation to and from a reupholstering facility can be very different. It can be much less expensive to move it yourself if you have access to a car, though you run the risk of further harming your favorite ottoman if you don’t pack it carefully. Expect to pay between $100 and $300 to have it professionally moved.
Structural Repairs
Among the most expensive things to repair are framing, tufting, and nail heads. The price per will be as follows.
- Repairing the frame: $200–$400
- Fixing tufting and nailheads: an additional $100–$500 on top of the $715 national average.
Labor
Professional reupholstery services cost between $40 and $100 per hour of work. Larger furniture repairs can take up to a month, but smaller items, like chairs and outdoor cushions, can be finished in as little as a week. For the average chair or couch, you’ll pay between $500 and $1,000.
Recovering Vs Reupholstering Furniture
Learning how to reupholster furniture means learning all the steps…not just shortcuts
Recovering furniture refers simply to the process of removing the old fabric and putting on new fabric. But doing nothing but leaving the outdated padding is ineffective. More on this later..
Reupholstering furniture includes a complete tear down of the piece, removing all fabric, padding, and the support systems. The end result is guaranteed to be better thanks to this process, both in terms of appearance and quality. Once it’s done, you’ll have a brand-new item that’s spotless both inside and out and ready for many more years of use.
Reupholstering a Chair Vs. Buying New
There are several things to think about when deciding whether to reupholster a chair or purchase a new one. These key ideas will aid you in deciding what to do next.
When to Reupholster a Chair
For family heirlooms or antiques, investing in reupholstery is a great way to keep your furniture item looking pristine for years to come. Reupholstering might be an option if you like the chair and aren’t interested in replacing it because the cost will be the same either way. The chair is a good candidate for reupholstery if it has a sturdy frame and is in good condition.
When to Buy New
People on a limited budget should think about buying new furniture instead of reupholstering existing pieces. Upholstering chairs that require nine or more yards of fabric will be more expensive than purchasing a new chair. Timing is another factor to think about; if you need the chair right away (within a week), you’re better off buying new.
How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster Furniture Near You?
State-to-state variations in furniture reupholstery costs are minimal. Here is a brief breakdown of the costs associated with hiring a local company to reupholster furniture.
Alabama: $250–$500
Arizona: $390–$1,025
California: $400–$1,520
Colorado: $290–$1,060
Kansas: $395–$825
Michigan: $270–$520
New York: $425–$1,240
North Carolina: $270–$700
Pennsylvania: $355–$1,275
Texas: $425–$830
FAQs
Can I DIY Chair Upholstery?
Although difficult and time-consuming, DIY chair upholstery is feasible. Backless barstools and armless dining chairs with no back upholstery are easier DIY projects for beginners than wingback chairs and recliners, which can be very difficult. Additionally, you’ll have to absorb those costs and find a substitute if you buy your materials but are unable to get the desired result.
How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster Six Dining Chair Seats?
Reupholstering six dining chair seats usually costs between $300 to $1,500. The cost is determined by how much fabric is required. The cost of materials will drop because one yard of fabric might be sufficient to cover several items.
How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster a Chair and Ottoman?
The cost to reupholster furniture like an ottoman typically costs between $300 to $700. With a chair, the total range comes to $350 to $2,700.
How Much is It to Upholster a Couch?
Reupholstering a couch costs$600 to $4,000. You’ll pay closer to $600 for a small loveseat and $2,000 to $4,000 for a sectional.
How Much Does Chair Repair Or Refinishing Cost?
Chair refinishing costs around $350 to $950. Furniture repair prices typically fall between $125 and $275, depending on the nature of the repair.
Where Can I Get a Chair Reupholstered?
A project at the advanced level is reupholstering. To reupholster your chair with new fabric, padding, and detailing, you’ll need a professional’s skills. There are many independently owned upholstery businesses. Additionally, reupholstery services are provided by many large furniture retailers.
How Long Does It Take to Reupholster a Chair?
It can take anywhere from one to ten hours to completely reupholster a chair. However, some professionals might have a busy production schedule that could take two to three weeks or longer due to high demand. Instead, think about buying a new piece of furniture if you’re short on time.
So, How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster a Chair?
Reupholstering is an alternative to purchasing brand-new items, whether it’s a family heirloom, a priceless antique, or a cozy armchair. Reupholstering, however, can be comparable to buying new furniture, so it might not result in the desired cost savings for those on a tight budget. If you’re debating whether to reupholster a chair, take a look at these typical costs.
The cost to reupholster a chair ranges from $200 to $2,000, or around $800 on average. This price includes labor at $40 to $100 per hour and about $50 to $70 per yard in fabric.
Thank you for reading.
