How much does it cost to reupholster a chair?

Well-maintained antique furniture can be a lifelong treasure. Unfortunately, wear and tear are inescapable, though professional upholsterers can keep your heirloom pieces in top condition. 

Dining chair upholstery averages about £40 to £80 per piece, including labour and materials. Meanwhile, for armchairs and wingback chairs, prices range from £480 to £800, with prices depending on various factors. Keep reading to learn more about upholstery prices and preservation.

Chair upholstery price list

Here’s a quick look at the cost of reupholstering a chair and other furniture in the UK:

Factors affecting the cost of chair reupholstery

In addition to the average labour cost in your area, chair upholstery fees 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 reupholstery cost. From natural fabrics like wool, cotton, and leather to synthetic ones such as rayon, nylon, and polyester, you have many options for your dining chairs. Natural fabrics usually cost more than synthetic ones but are more comfortable. 

On the other hand, synthetic fabrics are less expensive and easier to maintain but might lack quality and texture. Your Tasker will know how much fabric is needed for your furniture reupholstery project, but expect to pay £25 to £65 per metre.

Cushion and paddings

Adding or replacing cushion foam contributes to the overall chair upholstery cost. 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 brand-new. 

Job size and additional services

Note that job complexity will affect the total furniture reupholstery cost. 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 average cost of chair upholstery, you could do the following: 

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

Since new fabric and cushions for high-quality furniture 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.

Post a task for chair reupholstery

Upholstered furniture is a good investment, especially items handed down through generations or those with artistic and sentimental value. Even a mass-produced chair or modern sofa can become a family heirloom, so it’s practical to preserve your favourite pieces. 

To find the right professionals for reupholstering furniture, 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.