How much does it cost to reupholster a sofa?

A sofa is a statement piece in our homes. We often grow up and go through each life milestone with the same piece of sofa in our living room. If your sofa looks worn, torn, or lacklustre, reupholstering your sofa is a good idea! Reupholstering your sofa will not only give it a makeover but also preserve the memories that come along with it. But how much does it cost to reupholster a sofa?

Sofa upholstery costs range from £600 to £900. This could reach up to £2,000 depending on the size of the sofa, the fabric to be used, and the state of your sofa.

Feeling so far from your dream sofa? With our price guide, you can find out exactly how much to reupholster a sofa and be a step closer to your ideal home.

Factors that affect the cost to reupholster a sofa

Reupholstered sofa prices in the UK differ depending on various factors. To help you navigate through the costs and prepare the proper budget, each of these will be discussed below.

Size of the sofa

Sofa repair prices in the UK would differ depending on the size of a sofa. Two-seater sofa costs range from £600 to £800 while a three-seater sofa starts at £800. Bigger sofas would need more fabric coverage and would take longer to upholster, hence, they are more expensive.

Fabric to be used

Aside from the size of the sofa, the fabric to be used will also affect the cost to recover a sofa. The most common fabrics used in a sofa are leather and cotton due to leather’s durability and cotton’s versatility.

Often, you will need around 12 to 16 metres to cover a two-to-three-seater sofa. The average cost of fabric is around £45 per metre. However, this would differ depending on the type and the quality. It can go as low as £10 per metre for standard upholstery fabric to as high as £70 per metre for premium quality fabrics.

With this, the total fabric cost for a two-seater sofa would then be around £540 (£45 per metre x 12 metres). This might seem high for fabric, but you can treat this cost as an investment for the decades you will be supported on by your sofa.

Keep in mind that you might need to add a few metres extra on your fabric if it is patterned to ensure it will be matched and spread out proportionately.

State of the sofa

The cost to reupholster a couch would also depend on the state of the sofa. If it would need to have the frame of your sofa repaired or have new springs installed, these will be factored in the final costs.

Transportation

Transportation is another factor that will affect how much to get a sofa reupholstered. If you don’t have the luxury of time to bring your sofa to the upholsterer, they can visit your home, take the necessary measurements, and show you the range of fabrics for you to choose from.

Besides this, you can also arrange sofa collection and delivery with your upholsterer, and they’ll handle the rest for you.

In general, transportation costs differ due to numerous factors, so it’s difficult to put a specific range of costs. However, if you want to save up on costs and have the time and energy to spare, you may want to buy your own fabric and bring the sofa to your upholsterer yourself.

Other factors that affect costs

Giving a fresh new look to your sofa can incur additional costs. To help prevent any surprises during the process and to further understand how much to reupholster a sofa in the UK, we’ve listed potential added costs below.

Sofa repairs

How much it costs to recover a couch would depend on the current state of your sofa. Before having your sofa reupholstered, it is best to have it checked.

If the frame needs to be repaired or modified or your springs are damaged, loose, or sagging, these need to be addressed before proceeding to sofa reupholstery. Having these issues fixed will ensure that your sofa will last more decades after reupholstering. It will also save you hundreds of pounds that might have been spent on a potentially collapsing sofa.

If mould has grown on the sofa, this has to be treated to prevent further spread. Mould degrades and devalues your sofa over time, so make sure to have this fixed before having this reupholstered.

To be on the safe side, it is best to set aside an extra 20% of your budget to cover repair costs.

Foam and filling replacement

If the sofa cushions feel squishy or have been damaged, these can also be replaced by your upholsterer. Doing so would make your sofa more usable and comfortable, perfect for lounging and relaxing.

Finishing touches

If your sofa remains in tip-top shape, there are additional services that could enhance the new look of your sofa. Some of the accessories that you can add are buttons, zips, piping, and decorative wood. You can also buy sofa covers with prices starting at £70.

DIY or hire a professional

If you are working on a tight budget and would like to cut on sofa upholstery costs by doing the job yourself, you need to be prepared to work long hours of tufting and buttoning.

Although you may have had prior experience in sewing, it takes a certain level of skill and expert experience to ensure that everything is done correctly. One mistake might ruin the piece and take your sofa out in the garage instead of the living room.

Hiring a professional ensures your sofa is reborn with the best craftsmanship and upholstery it can receive. With quality work, you are assured that it will last longer and stay strong over the years.

Besides quality, a professional would also take faster to accomplish and save you time and convenience. Sofa reupholstery takes around one to two weeks to complete. Be prepared to free your time up in case you decide to DIY.

If you don’t have the time and expertise to pursue DIY, hiring an upholsterer is an excellent investment to ensure the project is executed well and your newly reupholstered sofa will last decades.

Benefits of reupholstering your sofa

Now that you know the factors that affect how much it costs to reupholster a couch, let’s consider the benefits of reupholstering!

Convenience

It is a more convenient option than buying a new sofa because you already know how the sofa fits in your living room and don’t need to rearrange it. You can also pick fabric colours and patterns that will match your interiors well.

Sustainable option

Aside from convenience, reupholstering your sofa is also a more sustainable option since it helps reduce waste. Furniture accounts for a huge percentage of landfills every year. Restoring pieces of furniture keeps it away from landfills leading to fewer carbon emissions and preservation of resources.

Style preservation

Reupholstering your sofa also helps antique styles to be preserved and family keepsake alive. You are also supporting your local craftsmen and women through seeking their service.

Save up on costs

A good quality sofa that can be passed on generation after generation isn’t cheap. Each sofa is carefully built by highly skilled artisans who have spent a long time mastering their craft. The materials used also come from quality selections that survive wear and tear.

Each detail is carefully planned and executed to provide generous comfort and support to users while having a timeless design. Often, having a good quality sofa reupholstered is cheaper than buying a new one.

Feel like refreshing the look of your family’s sofa? Whether cotton, leather, or velvet, get a personalised quote in minutes when you put up a task on Airtasker.