How much does it cost to reupholster a chair?

With proper care, antique furniture can last a lifetime. Heirloom pieces may show some wear and tear, but there's no need to toss them aside. Skilled upholsterers can help you restore your old chairs and couches, extending their lives for years to come.

Reupholstering a chair can cost an average of $700, but this may vary depending on the specifics. For more information, keep reading.

Chair upholstery price list

Here's a quick look at chair reupholstery costs in the US:

Factors affecting the cost of reupholstering a chair

In addition to labor costs (which range from $40 to $100 per hour), 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 seat is easier to work on than a recliner or padded leather chair. Furniture condition also affects chair upholstery costs. Simply put, damaged furniture will cost more to restore and reupholster. 

Upholstery fabric or material

The material or fabric used also affects the overall chair reupholstering cost. From natural upholstery 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 upholstery fabric is needed for your furniture repair project, but expect to pay $50 to $70 per yard.

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 cost of the upholstery service. Since most professionals charge per piece or have hourly rates, a bigger budget is needed to reupholster multiple chairs. 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 chair cushion, fabric, or padding

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 labor. 

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

Reupholstering furniture is a good investment, especially if you have chairs with artistic and sentimental value. Even a mass-produced office chair can become a family heirloom, so it's practical to preserve your favorite 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.