The Average Cost to Reupholster a Couch

Fabric Costs

• The largest cost associated with reupholstering is the cost of fabric, ranging from about $40 to more than $150 a yard from specialty stores. Depending on the type of material you choose and where you purchase it from, this could be a costly investment. The amount of fabric you need is also a cost consideration. For example, covering a love seat will require less fabric and therefore cost less than covering a sectional sofa. If you have access to wholesale fabric suppliers or can afford to buy in bulk, it is always cost-effective to use these resources as opposed to buying at full retail cost.

Foam and Batting

• Upholstery foam is another area in which costs can accrue during the project. Depending on the size of the foam needed, this can range from a $50 to a $200 or more investment. Layering inexpensive foam and supplementing with cotton batting is more cost-effective, but it will not be as durable as high-quality foam.

Tools and Supplies

• Upholstering requires only a few basic supplies, but if you do not already own them or have access to them, this can be a hefty addition to your upholstery costs. You will need a staple gun ($20 to $100) and plenty of staples, pliers ($10 to $25), and a utility knife for cutting foam ($20 to $50). A hot-glue gun ($20 or less) is also a necessary investment for adding piping or detailed work. If you are sewing new cushions, you will need a sewing machine, which can be upwards of $200. Of course, renting or borrowing these tools is much more cost-effective.

Repairs

• The state of the sofa can effect costs. For example, if the couch needs to be sanded or varnished, if the springs need to be tightened or frame pieces replaced, these are not only extra costs but involve considerably more time and effort. This is especially the case if you are having the couch upholstered by a professional, because repairs will add substantially to the labor cost, which can average $50 to $100 per hour.

Professional Reupholstering

• Having your couch reupholstered by a professional is a much different cost average than doing the work yourself. In fact, having a sofa professionally reupholstered can cost upwards of $400 to $1,000 depending on the material, the labor required or simply who you hire to do the job. However, if the quality of the end result is what matters to you, this may be an investment worth making. Though, sometimes the cost of having a sofa professionally reupholstering could be as much as purchasing a brand-new piece, so it depends on if the frame of the sofa is what matters or the cost.