How Much Does It Cost To Reupholster A Chair? Top Full Guide 2021

This article is for you if you look to reupholster your chair but don’t know how much it costs. We will go over what types of chairs there are and the different price ranges each type has. If you’re not sure which one would suit your needs or if you want to get an idea of what the cost might be before making a purchase decision, then continue reading!

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This blog post will explore some options for reupholstering chairs and estimate how much they would cost. Focal Upright will cover all sorts of chairs (from armchairs to dining room chairs) as well as the prices associated with them. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll get ready to reupholster your chairs.

How Much Does It Cost To Reupholster A Chair?

Cost of Reupholstering a Chair from Material

Depending on the chair, the cost to reupholster it can range from $10 up to $100. Natural fibers are generally more expensive than synthetic. Natural fibers are usually made from animal products and plant-based materials. You also have the option of organic or recycled natural fibers.

Synthetic fabric is generally cheaper as it is manufactured by man and is readily available all year. The width of upholstery fabric for reupholstering chairs is usually 54 inches. It will take very little material to reupholster straight-back or dining room chairs. You can easily reupholster two of these chairs with one yard of fabric. When determining how much material is needed, measure the seat from the widest point. Consider whether synthetic or natural fabrics are best for your project when choosing an upholstery fabric.

Nylon Upholstery Fabric

When reupholstering chairs, nylon costs $10 up to 15 per yard. Nylon is a durable, affordable, and stain-resistant synthetic fabric. It is also stain-resistant. It is not durable and thin, so that it may be unsuitable for frequent use. The material can melt and burn quickly when exposed to heat or fire, making it dangerous if the chair is placed too close to a fireplace.

Crypton Upholstery Fabric

Crypton upholstery fabric is available for $10 up to 35 per yard. It is resistant to stains, microbes and makes it perfect for chairs. Its colors are durable. It is also water-resistant for five years, making it an excellent choice for patio furniture. These tough fabrics have a look and feel similar to cotton but without any disadvantages. The Crypton fabric has a lot of chemicals, which is a problem.

Cotton Upholstery

Cotton upholstery prices are $15 up to 20 per yard. Cotton upholstery is all-natural and is available in many colors. It is incredibly breathable and wicks heat and moisture away from the skin while sitting on the furniture. It is long-lasting, resistant to staining, easy to clean, and resistant to pilling. This is an excellent choice for anyone looking for natural fiber materials.

Linen Cotton Blend Upholstery Fabric

The cost of a linen-cotton blend ranges from $18 up to 25 per yard. It is hugely air-permeable and makes for a comfortable, nonsticky seat. The linen blend is made from cotton and linen fibers. It resists wrinkling and provides a smooth surface for upholstery. This material is known for its durability and resistance to wrinkles, making it an excellent choice for chair upholstery. This material is durable and can be used as chair upholstery. It is also made from natural fiber material.

Faux Suede Upholstery Fabric

Faux suede upholstery is available for $20 and 25 yards. Faux suede upholstery is more resistant to stain than genuine suede, but it will retain its smooth appearance even after repeated use. This makes it difficult to clean. It is not as durable against wear and tear as other upholstery materials, so it doesn’t have a long lifespan.

Polyester Upholstery Fabric

A chair can be made from polyester upholstery fabric at $20 or $45 per meter. There are many colors and patterns available to match any decor. It’s easy to maintain and can resist most stains. It can also collect static. Polyester can also be affected by oil. Oil stains can form on the chair’s arms or top, which are exposed to the head. These stains look ugly and are nearly impossible to clean.

Olefin Upholstery fabric

Olefin upholstery fabric is available for $25 up to 30 per yard. It is solid and resistant to stains. It is easy to clean water-based paints. The chair is naturally water-repellent, so you can simply wipe it clean. You should keep the chair out of direct sunlight as the fabric can become brittle quickly.

Linen Upholstery

The cost of linen upholstery material ranges from $25 up to 35 per yard. Linen production has been practiced for thousands of years. It is made from flax fibers. It was used in ancient Egypt as a currency. It’s durable and long-lasting and can be used on any type of chair. With proper care, linen upholstered furniture can last for many centuries. Linen is a popular fabric for chair upholstery. However, it can stain easily, so be sure to take care of the fabric.

Denim Upholstery Fabric

The average cost of denim upholstery fabric per yard ranges from $25 up to 35. Denim fabric is commonly available in the classic color blue, but it can also be found in other colors. It is easy to form and bend tightly woven cotton fibers to upholster furniture. It’s a strong choice for everyday use. The fabric is not recommended for use in chairs because of its rough texture.

Chenille Upholstery Fabric

Chenille is $25 to $50 per yard. This trendy fabric adds elegance to furniture with its soft pile. It is very soft and delicate. It isn’t durable and won’t withstand repeated use. The fabric also fades quickly when exposed to sunlight. The chenille fabric can thin over time.

Bamboo Upholstery Fabric

The cost of bamboo fabric for upholstery is $30 to 50 per yard. Bamboo is a renewable and sustainable plant fiber that is highly eco-friendly. Bamboo is incredibly soft to the touch. It is hypoallergenic and antibacterial. It wicks moisture and remains cool to the touch even when placed on a chair. Bamboo fabric has two significant drawbacks. It shrinks when it gets wet and can wrinkle easily.

Twill Upholstery Fabric

Twill upholstery fabric is an economical choice. It costs $30 to $50 per yard. Its unique pattern makes it extremely sturdy and is great for heavy-duty chairs. It can be challenging to clean and is prone to stain. The pattern’s threads can twist and turn, creating imperfections. There are many colors available in twill fabric, including solid and multicolored options to match any decor.

Cotton Blend Upholstery Fabric

The average price of poly-cotton blends is $30 to $50 per yard. It is extremely strong. It is flexible and can dry quickly if there is a spillage. It is also stain-resistant. It can stick to sensitive skin and irritate. A cotton blend fabric is more durable than pure cotton fabric and lasts longer, making it appealing to some.

Rayon Upholstery Fabric

Rayon costs $45 up to $0.90 per yard. Rayon fabric is loved by many because of its silky appearance, but it’s more potent and more affordable. Rayon upholstery fabric is made from a mixture of bamboo, cotton trash, and wood pulp. This fabric is not recommended for chair reupholstered. It can be stained or soaked in water, and this can lead to significant discoloration.

Acrylic Upholstery Fabric

Acrylic upholstery fabric costs $50 to $82 per yard. Acrylic upholstery fabric has many of the same characteristics as wool, but it is lighter. It is warm and durable, making it a popular choice for many applications. Many people don’t like the chemical process used to make synthetic fabrics, such as acrylonitrile (a derivative of polypropylene), used in its manufacturing. These synthetic fibers are solid and can be used on chairs.

Silk Upholstery Fabric

Silk upholstery fabric costs an average of $60 to $70 per yard. Silk upholstery fabric is soft and luxurious, adding a sophisticated feel to furniture. It is known for being one of the strongest natural fibers on the planet. It doesn’t wrinkle, crush or crack and looks great when made into chair pads. The silk fibers will break down quickly if exposed to sunlight. Silk also shows wear and tear more quickly than other materials. Water can stain and discolor silk.

Wool Upholstery Fabric from the Yard

Wool is a popular fabric for chair upholstery. It is expensive and can be purchased from $80 up to $100 per meter. Imported wool upholster is the most costly per yard. Wool is flame-resistant and durable. Wool will smoke if it is exposed to heat or fire. Wool can last for many generations if it is appropriately treated. It does require dry cleaning. You should also consider how you intend to reupholstering furniture. Wool is vulnerable to damage by moths and other insects.

Cat Proof Upholstery Fabric

Mohair, VelvetVelvet, Suede, Faux leather, microfiber, and Sunbrella are the best upholstery fabrics for cats. These fabrics are more difficult for cats to chew through and are easier to clean. Avoid tweeds and textured fabrics, which can snag easily and are hard to remove pet hair.

Velvet Upholster

The average price of VelvetVelvet is $55 to $65 per yard. Velvet is soft and luxurious. Velvet fabric is usually solid in solid colors and is an excellent addition to any decor. The fabric easily accumulates dust. The fabric wears quickly. The fabric’s softness can be affected by any imperfections. It’s tough to clean and remove stains.

Sunbrella Upholster

Sunbrella upholstery fabric is $35 to $50 per yard. This fabric is famous for patio furniture. It is made to last even in direct sunlight. It is three times more durable than other outdoor fabrics. The material is made using tenara sewing thread which is made from Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The fabric’s only problem is its plastic-like texture, which many people find rough.

Mohair Upholstery

Mohair chair upholstery fabric ranges from $20 up to $82. This is because the quality of the material can vary greatly. The fabric is highly resistant to stains. Theater chairs are often upholstered in mohair. Mohair is stain-resistant and doesn’t fade. It is valuable and lackluster, which many people dislike.

Faux Leather Upholstery

Leather upholstery is only $10 up to 15 per yard. Leather upholstery is resistant to scratches and other abrasions. It is soft and cool, which is why most people love it. It can also be wiped clean. The laminated surface of this material will crack and become creased over time. It is not resistant to penetration and can easily be punctured by cat claws or other sharp objects.

Reupholster leather chair

Leather furniture is a trendy choice for reupholstery. It costs $45 to $50 per yard. The leather chair is warm and durable. Leather gives furniture a sophisticated look. If you like the velvety feel of suede, you can also choose to use it. If you have cats or pets, leather can easily be damaged. Leather needs regular oiling and care to keep its appearance. Water can stain suede leather finishes. For ethical reasons, many people are against leather.

Suede Upholstery Fabric

The average price of suede is $35 to 40 per yard. The softness and smell of leather, when it is used in a chair, are very popular. The leather is strong and can withstand water spots. The suede’s velvety texture will become smooth over time. The oils on the head and hands can cause discoloration. Regular use can cause marks. It is challenging to clean suede and should be cleaned by professionals.

Labor Costs to Recover Chair by Type

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Upholsterers charge $50-$100 per hour depending on their experience and the job’s difficulty. In-Home Reupholstering charges $75 to $120 and $100 to $300 to transport work. Labor costs $500 to $900 for a sofa and $250 to $600 for a living room chair.

Cost to Reupholster Bar Stool

A bar stool can be reupholstered for $40 up to $100, depending on its design. The cheapest bar stool is a round stool with a padded seat. A bar stool that has padded arms or a back can be more expensive. The chair’s form also has an impact on the price. Barstools that aren’t round may be rectangular or elliptical. This means they require more time and materials to reupholster.

Cost to Reupholster Dining Chair

Reupholstering a dining chair can cost from $40 up to $100. The price depends on many factors, including the material used and the type of chair. A majority of dining chairs only have one padded seat. This means that they require approximately half a yard. These chairs are easy to reupholster and don’t take much time. You can determine the amount of padding needed to finish the job. Sometimes, a dining room chair may have a fabric back that must be reupholstered.

Cost to Reupholster Office Chair

Reupholstering an office chair costs $40 up to $100. The price of reupholstering an office chair falls at the lower end if only the bottom is padded. If the back, sides, arms, and back are padded and upholstered, the price will rise because more material is required to complete the job. The final cost of a chair will also be affected by the padding. There are many office chairs, from small to large models, that can hold much weight to more spacious ones.

Cost to Reupholster Footstool

A footstool can be reupholstered for as little as $40 or as much as $100. The style and price of the footstool will affect the cost. A stool with a large amount of padding requires more material than one with wooden legs and a top only. Other factors that increase the cost of reupholstery are buttons and nails. It takes longer to reupholster antique footstools to preserve their vintage character and appearance.

Cost to Reupholster a Tub Chair

A tub chair can be reupholstered for as little as $100 or $200. The tub chair is usually small and round with a cushioned back and arm and cushioned seat. It can take up to 4 yards depending on the style. It’s easy to reupholster, so it doesn’t take much time. The amount of padding and the size of cushions will also impact the cost. The task will require more material if the chair has more padding.

Cost to Reupholster Parsons Chair

A Parsons chair can be reupholstered for an average of $100 to 200. Although it may seem straightforward, the chair requires material for both the chair seat and back. It is a difficult task due to the angles of its design. Depending on how oversized the chair is, it will typically take between two and four yards to complete the job. Parsons chairs can have unique trim, which must be upholstered to match. This increases the price.

Cost to Reupholster Bergere Chair

A Bergere chair can be reupholstered for an average cost of $200 up to 400. Price is affected by the amount of padding used in the back and cushion. The back and one cushion of the chair will usually need to be reupholstered. It is a rare piece of furniture that has been used for many years. This means it takes longer to reupholster to preserve its craftsmanship. It usually takes between two and three yards to make the chair. It is generally easier to reupholster newer models than older ones of the Bergere chairs.

Cost to Reupholster Slipper Chair

A slipper chair can be reupholstered for as little as $250 or $350. The classic slipper chair does not have arms, but it is highly cushioned and requires more reupholster than other chairs. The slipper chair usually requires two to four yards worth of fabric. The chair’s swooping design means it falls into the medium difficulty category. It takes time to finish the upholstery job and make it acceptable.

Cost to Reupholster Armchairs at a Reasonable

The cost of reupholstering an arms chair ranges between $300 and 350. An oversized cushioned chair with arms and pillows requires yards of fabric. It can take three to five yards to cover a chair, depending on its size. It is difficult because of the curves of the chair, the padding, and how much it weighs. This chair is more expensive than the typical dining chair because it takes longer to reupholster.

Cost to Reupholster a Club Chair

For reupholstery, a club chair is often called a skirted club chair. It costs $300 to 400. Because the chair’s larger dimensions require more fabric, it is more expensive. Because of its square shape, the task is medium-difficult. Depending on the size of the club chair and how much padding is used, it takes between three and five yards to complete the job. The design of the club chair is usually very sturdy and has buttons that allow for quick reupholstery.

Cost of Reupholstering a Wingback Chair

A wingback chair can be reupholstered for an average of $360 or 500. Because the chair is often very heavy and bulky, it will need plenty of material to cover its weight. To complete most wingback chairs, it takes six to eight yards of fabric. It can be very intricately framed and detailed, depending on the design. This makes the upholstery process time-consuming and difficult. It is common for an antique wingback chair to take longer to finish.

Recliner Reupholstery Cost

A lazy boy recliner, or a standard recliner, will cost you $660 to reupholster. Many recliners have more than one cushion. This means that it takes a lot of fabric to complete the task. Material is also used to cover the footrest and internal mechanisms. A recliner can be reupholstered with six to ten yards of fabric. This is a time-consuming and challenging task. It is a difficult task to reupholster a chair that has buttons, rivets, and nailheads.

The Average Cost To Reupholster A Chair

$100 an hour was charged by a quality upholsterer for his services in many areas. You must also consider the fee of material, which can range from $10 up to $100/yard. A single-seat padded back cushion armchair can be reupholstered for $350 labor and another $60 to get three yards of cotton.

Reupholstering a single chair cushion can take less than an hour, while a recliner may take up to ten hours. The chair may need to be reupholstered with high-end fabrics, which can increase the job’s cost. The cost of upholstery usually includes disposal. A professional upholsterer will ensure that the job is done quickly and with high-quality furniture. It is better to hire a professional to do reupholstery work.

How Many Yards Of Fabric Are Needed To Reupholster A Chair?

It takes time to restore a chair. This will affect the cost. Reupholstering an oversized chair like a recliner takes more material than a smaller dining room chair. Some chairs have more padding than others. To complete the job, they require more fabric, so make sure the material isn’t stretched over the stuffing too much. Some chairs require matching fabric reupholstery, so even buttons may need to be replaced. Below is a table that shows the cost of the most common chair reupholstery tasks and how much fabric is required to complete them.

Is It Worth Reupholstering A Chair?

When you decide whether to buy a new chair or reupholster your existing one, there are many things to consider. Reupholstering a chair that has sentimental value is a good option. You should consider the condition and age of the chair. It might be too old or far gone to make it worth the investment. Reupholstering a chair can be cheaper than buying a new one and is better for the environment than throwing it away.

Furniture upholstery is often cheaper than buying new furniture. You can also update the furniture’s style by changing the color or pattern, giving your home a fresh look. It extends the furniture’s life span and can be exceptionally sentimental as people often feel emotionally attached to items that have been part of their family for many years.

Extra fees apply for matching patterns, working with white, leather, shiny, or patterned fabrics, furniture transportation, in-home service, restuffing sofa cushions, and additional pillows. Recovering furniture finishes like welting, tufting, skirts, or decorative nail heads take more time and cost more.

Cost of Reupholstering Chair Cushions

Custom chairs can be reupholstered for as little as $70 or $200, depending on how much fabric is needed. The additional filling can increase the cost of a cushion. Sometimes, a chair cushion may need new foam to replace its lost padding or form. The cost of new foam can range from $100 up to $200 depending on what type of plush recliner you want. Reupholster outdoor cushions have the same cost as indoor seat cushions.

Chair Upholstery Repair

The cost of a chair varies greatly from $40 up to $750 depending upon the type of chair and the amount and type of upholstery material used. It is often cheaper to repair upholstery on valuable chairs than to reupholster the whole thing. It is much easier to fix a chair than to replace or reupholster the entire dining room set. It is easy for chair repair to having a stain or tear. You can reupholster furniture that isn’t too big for your home if it fits comfortably.

Additional Considerations and Costs

DIY. There is no reason why you can’t attempt to reupholster a chair yourself, but keep in mind that it requires special skills and equipment. When you figure in the cost of tools, supplies, and the time to study and learn, hiring a professional to reupholster your chair often makes more sense.

Incentives. Make sure to talk with your upholsterer before buying any fabric for your chair. Some may offer incentives for purchasing material through them, such as discounted yardage. Others may not care where the fabric comes from, but make sure to buy plenty. If the upholsterer tells you the chair needs two-and-a-half yards, you should buy three just to be safe.

Estimates. You should always get additional estimates from professional upholstery services. The calculations give you an idea of the cost and what services are being provided by each company. It will help you learn the different options available to pick a reputable company that provides the services you are seeking.

Pick-up or delivery. You need to figure out how to get the chair to and from the upholsterer’s shop. Some professionals offer pick-up and delivery as part of their service, within a specified distance, and often charge a fee ranging from $0.60 to $1.50 per mile to a flat rate of $50 to $150. If you are responsible for transporting the chair, you may need to rent a truck for the task.

Buy your own fabric. If you find a deal on fabric at a local fabric store or a second-hand marketplace, you can often buy the material and take it to the professional upholstery shop to have them place it on the chair. In such a case, the upholstery shop will typically only charge you for labor because you have already provided the material.

Bold vs. patterned fabric. You’ll want to look at your home’s decor when trying to decide between bold or patterned fabric. Remember, the aggressive material fits in a wide array of home styles, but a patterned fabric is often hard to match if the other furnishings in the house do not have the same pattern. Things can easily clash. Most people opt to go with a bold but subtle color when reupholstering so that everything complements each other.

Cost to cane a chair. The price to cane a chair typically costs around $60 per hour for labor, and the cost of material averages $20 to $40 depending on the kind of reed being used to complete the weaving process. Regaining a chair quickly takes several days to complete depending on the type of weaving being used. Antique cane back chairs that underdo hand weaving are costly.

Reupholstering a chair vs. buying new. Reupholstering a chair is often a cheaper option than buying a new chair. Also, you might need to reupholster the chair because you have a dining set with six chairs, but only one needs reupholstering. In many cases, you simply cannot buy a new matching chair. Also, some people opt to reupholster due to sentimental feelings towards the chair.

Cat-proof upholstery fabric. If you have cats, you know it is a constant battle to keep the kitty from viewing the chair as a possible scratching post. A cat’s claws can quickly shred leather and other material. The best cat-proof upholstery is often faux leather which doesn’t appeal to the kitty as natural leather. Wool is a durable option that usually doesn’t show damage from the claws. Any type of microfiber or synthetic material is less appealing than raw materials.

Conclusion

You may be wondering how much it will cost to reupholster a chair. It is difficult to give you an exact price because so many factors come into play, including the size of your furniture and what material it is made out of. We hope that this article has given you some idea for approaching pricing when considering upholstering projects in the future!

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