Whats the average cost to reupholster a seat?
The average cost to reupholster a seat typically ranges from about $150 to $800 per seat, depending on the seat type and materials. Dining chairs are usually cheaper, while car seats and premium leathers push the price higher.
Reupholstery costs reflect more than fabric. Labor, padding, frame condition, and whether the project covers just a seat or the entire chair all influence the final price. This article breaks down typical price ranges for common seat types and the factors that drive quotes, helping readers budget and compare quotes from local shops.
Cost factors that shape the price
Several factors influence the final price. Here are the main drivers:
- Seat type and size
- Material choice (fabric, leather, performance fabrics, velvet)
- Padding and structural work (foam density, webbing, springs)
- Labor intensity (pattern matching, tufting, piping)
- Frame condition and repairs (joints, wood replacement)
- Regional labor rates and shop overhead
Understanding these factors can help you compare quotes and manage expectations for turnaround time and durability.
Average costs by seat type
Interpreting the ranges
These ranges reflect typical market prices for common seat projects. Actual quotes will vary by region, fabric choice, and the complexity of the job.
- Dining chair seat (foam cushion + fabric): $150–$350 per chair
- Upholstered dining bench or larger chair seat: $350–$650
- Armchair or accent chair seat (and often back, if done together): $300–$700
- Sofa or loveseat seat cushions (per cushion; large sofas may have multiple cushions): $350–$900 per cushion
- Full sofa or large sectional reupholstery (frame + cushions): $1,000–$3,000+ depending on size and fabric
- Car seats (upholstery on front or rear seat): $400–$1,200 per seat
- Leather or premium materials (adds material cost and potential labor for stitching): +$200–$800+ to the base per-seat price
Prices above are indicative. For a precise quote, get written estimates after a shop inspects the piece and confirms fabric, padding, and any required repairs.
How to get accurate quotes
To ensure you receive fair and comparable estimates, gather the following for each shop you contact:
- photos of the piece from multiple angles and close-ups of worn areas
- exact dimensions (seat width, depth, height) and cushion count
- desired materials (fabric type, leather grade, colors)
- whether the job includes frame repairs, tufting, piping, or pattern matching
- timeline and budget constraints
Compare at least 2–3 quotes, review a shop’s portfolio, and read customer testimonials to assess workmanship and durability.
Summary
Reupholstering a seat is a balance between material quality, project scope, and labor. Dining chairs typically cost less, often in the mid hundreds per chair, while larger chairs, sofas, or leather/high-end fabrics push prices higher. Car seats generally command the highest per-seat prices. Always seek multiple quotes, confirm what’s included (fabric, padding, repair work), and review samples to ensure you’re getting lasting value.
How much does seat reupholstery cost?
Minor upholstery repairs, such as patching small tears, often start around $50 to $150 per seat. In contrast, complete seat reupholstery can climb to $500–$1,500 per seat, depending on material and labor.
Is it worth it to reupholster a car seat?
Conclusion. Reupholstering car seats is a great option if your seats are super damaged, but it isn't the cheapest option. That's because you get what you pay for.
Is it cheaper to reupholster or buy new?
It is not always cheaper to reupholster or buy new; the decision depends on the furniture's quality and your budget. Reupholstering is often cheaper for high-quality or antique pieces that would be expensive to replace with a similar quality item, while buying new is usually more cost-effective for mass-produced furniture. For some projects, DIY reupholstering can significantly lower the cost compared to hiring a professional.
Reupholster if:
- The furniture is high-quality or antique: You can save money by reupholstering a well-made, heirloom, or antique piece instead of buying a new one of comparable quality. The cost to reupholster can be 50-60% of the cost of buying a new, high-quality equivalent.
- You want to preserve sentimental value: Reupholstering allows you to keep a piece of furniture that has sentimental or historical importance.
- You are doing it yourself: The cost of labor is a significant part of professional reupholstery. If you are willing to do the work yourself, you can cut the cost in half by just paying for materials.
Buy new if:
- The furniture is mass-produced: For ordinary, mass-produced items, buying new is almost always cheaper than reupholstering.
- You need a new style: You may want to buy new if you're looking for a completely different design and don't have a strong attachment to the old furniture's style.
- The furniture needs more than just an update: If the frame, springs, or internal padding are significantly worn out in addition to the fabric, a new piece of furniture might be a more practical and sometimes cheaper option than a comprehensive reupholstery job.
Other factors to consider:
- Project complexity: A simple armchair is much cheaper to reupholster than a large sectional sofa, which can require thousands of yards of fabric and many hours of labor.
- Fabric choice: The cost of the new fabric you choose will significantly impact the total price of reupholstering. High-end fabrics will increase the overall cost.
What do upholsterers charge per hour?
Professional upholsterers typically charge based on the total time required to complete the work, but the hourly rate works out to about $40 to $100. Fabric can cost anywhere from less than $10 per yard to over $100 per yard for luxury or custom material.
