How much to reupholster a chair? Costs, factors, and tips to consider

Chairs see a lot of wear and tear over the years. But if the frame is still solid, reupholstering can bring the chair back to life while keeping the memories and quality that made it worth holding onto in the first place.

That raises an important question: What is the cost to reupholster a chair?  Understanding the costs involved can help you plan more effectively and determine if it’s the right move.

Keep reading to discover how much to reupholster a chair, key factors to consider before reupholstering, and tips to help you save money.

What is chair reupholstery?

Chair reupholstery is the process of stripping down a chair to its bare frame and rebuilding it with new materials. It’s a full refresh inside and out. The process begins with removing the existing fabric, foam, padding, and sometimes even the springs, and then carefully replacing each layer to restore both comfort and structure. 

Chair reupholstery is often confused with chair recovering, but they are distinct processes. When you recover a chair, you're simply replacing the old fabric with new material, without touching the inner padding or support.

Many people choose to reupholster their chairs for different reasons: sometimes the chair holds sentimental value, whether it’s a family heirloom, a wedding gift, or a piece that holds special memories.

Others opt for reupholstery because the chair is built better than most modern furniture. Many older pieces feature solid wood frames and high-quality craftsmanship that is difficult to replicate. Reupholstery also allows you to customize the chair to match your style and home decor by choosing the exact fabric, color, and texture you desire.

Average cost to reupholster a chair

The average cost to reupholster a chair typically ranges from $200 to $1,500. The final price depends on several factors, including the type of chair, the fabric you choose, the amount of labor required, your location, and any repairs or special details involved.

• Fabric is one of the most significant cost drivers. The cost can range from $10 to $100 per yard, depending on the type, while the amount of fabric required varies based on the chair's size and shape. 
• Labor is another major factor. The cost can range from $50 to $800 per chair, depending on the complexity of the piece. 
• The overall condition of the chair is also essential. If the frame is solid and the support system is still in good condition, costs will remain lower. However, if the springs are sagging or the frame is loose, it’ll incur additional costs for repairs. 
• Where you live also affects pricing, as upholstery services tend to be more expensive in large cities or areas with high demand. 
• Finally, added features like decorative trim, buttons, or piping can increase the cost due to the extra time and precision they require.

Labor cost vs. material cost

Labor costs make up a big part of chair reupholstery. Professional upholsterers typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour. The more complex the chair, the longer it takes, and the higher the labor cost. 

For instance, a small job like reupholstering a seat cushion or bar stool might only take an hour, keeping labor costs low. However, larger chairs, like armchairs or recliners, can take several hours to complete. 

Material costs, especially fabric, also have a significant impact. Fabric prices range from $10 to $100 per yard. Additionally, the amount of fabric needed depends on the type of chair. A dining chair seat typically requires 0.5 to 1 yard, while a large lounge or accent chair requires 6 to 10 yards.

Chair reupholstery cost by chair type

Another determining factor in the cost of chair reupholstery is the type of chair being reupholstered. Simple dining chairs are usually the most affordable to reupholster, as they’re smaller, have straight lines, and often only require new fabric for the seat. Recliners, wingback chairs, and armchairs cost more because they’re larger, more detailed, and need more time to work on.

The size, shape, and decorative features of the chair also play a significant role in determining the price. A larger chair requires more fabric and takes more time to disassemble, repair, and reassemble. Curved edges, rolled arms, or high backs add complexity and increase labor time. Decorative features, such as tufting, nailhead trim, piping, or buttons, also increase the cost, as they require extra effort and precision to recreate.

Cost to reupholster common chair types

Dining chairs, barstools, and footstools require minimal effort and only a small amount of fabric, so you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250 per chair.

Chairs with a larger surface area, such as armchairs, club chairs, barrel chairs, and office chairs, need more padding, more fabric, and more time to complete. As such, reupholstering one of these can cost between $300 and $900, depending on the size and design of the piece.

At the higher end are complex or oversized chairs, such as wingbacks, recliners, and leather chairs. They’re more challenging to disassemble and rebuild, and often require more fabric, intricate stitching, extra padding, and significantly more time. The cost to reupholster these chairs can range from $400 to $1,500.

Fabric choices and their impact on price

The price, durability, and maintenance depend on the fabric you choose. Synthetic fabrics are more affordable, durable, and easier to clean than natural fabrics. They’re also more resistant to stains, fading, and everyday wear. However, synthetic fabrics can feel less soft or breathable, and they lack the natural texture, warmth, and eco-friendliness that some people prefer.

On the other hand, natural fabrics are more expensive and require more care, but they’re softer, more breathable, better at regulating temperature, more comfortable, and offer a more luxurious look and feel.

Synthetic materials range from $10 to $70 per yard while natural fabrics range from $10 to $100 per yard. Here’s a full breakdown:

How many yards of fabric do you need?

The amount of fabric you need to reupholster a chair depends on the chair’s size and style. Armchairs and club chairs typically require 3 to 5 yards of fabric due to their wider arms and padded backs. A simple dining chair requires only half a yard for the seat. Larger and more complex chairs, such as wingbacks and recliners, need around 6 to 10 yards due to their high backs, curves, and extra padding. 

For other common styles, such as slipper chairs, Parsons chairs, bergere chairs, and tub chairs, you’ll likely need between 2 and 4 yards.

It’s always a good idea to buy a little more fabric than you think you need to give yourself a safety buffer in case of cutting mistakes, pattern mismatches, or fabric flaws. It also gives you something to work with in the future if you ever need to patch or repair a damaged area.

Tips for saving money on chair reupholstery

There are several ways to save money when reupholstering a chair, especially if you're working with a budget but still want quality results.

• Choose affordable yet durable fabrics: Go for fabrics like cotton blends, linen blends, and denim. They offer good durability at a lower price point compared to wool, leather, or silk.
• Bundle multiple pieces to reduce costs: If you have more than one chair or piece of furniture, you might qualify for a bulk discount if you reupholster them all at once. Some upholsterers also offer first-time customer deals. Be sure to ask about any discounts or special offers they have and take advantage of them.
• Provide your fabric or transport the chair yourself: Buying your fabric from a discount source or dropping off and picking up the chair yourself can help you avoid markups and delivery fees.

• Consider partial upholstery: If only part of the chair is worn out, like the seat or backrest, reupholstering just that section can save both time and money.

• Select simpler designs: If you’re on a budget, avoid decorative details like tufting, piping, or nailhead trim, as these details take more time to complete and increase labor costs.

• Ask for detailed quotes upfront: A clear, itemized quote helps you understand what you're paying for and avoids unexpected costs later on. It also makes it easier to compare different upholsterers for the best price and value for money.

Is chair reupholstery the right choice for you?

Reupholstering chairs can be a worthwhile investment if the piece has strong bones, sentimental value, or a design you love. Many older chairs are made with solid wood frames and craftsmanship that’s hard to find in most furniture today. 

To make the most of your investment, select a durable fabric that matches how often the chair will be used. Pair it with high-quality foam or padding to ensure the seat remains comfortable over time, and most importantly, work with an experienced upholsterer.

That said, it’s essential to take a step back and assess the value and condition of your chair. If the chair is poorly built, heavily damaged, or uncomfortable, even with new padding, it is better to replace it rather than repair it.