How much does it cost to reupholster a chair?

Antique furniture can last you a lifetime if properly cared for. You're bound to encounter some wear and tear on old chairs and couches, but thankfully, you can preserve your family heirloom pieces by hiring professional upholsterers. 

On average, chair upholstery will set you back around $250 a piece, inclusive of labour and materials. Of course, the cost of upholstery will vary, depending on other factors. Read on to learn more.

Chair upholstery price list

Here's a quick look at how much it costs to reupholster a chair and other furniture in Australia:

Factors affecting the cost of reupholstering a chair

In general, chair upholstery costs are based on these factors:

Furniture size, type, and condition

It's understandable that the bigger the furniture, the more expensive it is to reupholster. A dining room chair is easier to work on than a recliner or padded armchair. Furniture condition also affects chair upholstery costs. Simply put, damaged furniture will cost more to restore and reupholster. 

Material or fabric type

The material or fabric used also affects the overall chair reupholstering cost. From delicate fabrics and natural fabrics like wool, cotton, and leather to synthetic fabrics such as rayon, nylon, and polyester, you have many options for your dining chairs. A natural fabric usually costs more than synthetic ones but is more comfortable. 

On the other hand, synthetic fabrics are less expensive and easier to maintain (they can be stain resistant) but might lack quality and texture. Your Tasker will know how much fabric is needed for your furniture reupholstery project.

Cushion and paddings

Adding or replacing cushion foam contributes to the overall chair upholstery cost of your favorite chair. Common materials like cushion foam, fillings, and paddings will generally wear out and flatten over time. A good upholsterer usually replaces or adds filling to make the item seem like a new chair. 

Job size and additional services

Note that job complexity will affect the total cost of reupholstering a chair. Since most professionals charge per piece or have hourly rates, the more furniture you have, the higher the price. Not to mention if you ask for additional services, such as upholstery cleaning and furniture repair, re-painting, or re-varnishing.

Reducing chair reupholstering costs

To reduce the typical cost of reupholstering chairs, you could do the following: 

1. Use your own fabric, cushion foam, or paddings

Since new fabric and cushions might be expensive for Taskers, providing these materials could reduce the overall service cost. Find fabric and cushions on sale. Then, the chair reupholstering cost will only include labour. 

2. Have the job done in your home

Instead of having your furniture picked up and taken to your professional's workshop, ask if they can work and complete the job in your home. This will save you from additional fees for delivery or petrol. An at-home service will work if you have the space for professionals to do the job correctly.

3. Take care of your furniture

If you plan to preserve your new furniture, taking proper care of it over the years minimizes repairs and chair upholstery costs. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance will go a long way.

Hire a professional upholsterer on Airtasker

Quality furniture is worth reupholstering, especially pieces handed down through generations or those with artistic and sentimental value. Even a mass-produced chair can become a family heirloom, so it's practical to preserve your favourite pieces through upholstery services. 

To find the right professionals, log on to Airtasker and post a task. The next step is to review offers from Taskers near you. You can choose the best service provider with Airtasker's simple review and rating system.