How Much Does it Cost to Reupholster a Recliner?

by Andrew Smith| Last Updated: February 9, 2022

Disclosure: This site is reader-supported & contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more

How Much Does it Cost to Reupholster a Recliner?

If you’re considering reupholstering your recliner, chances are you purchased it quite some time ago. The patterning on the fabric is likely a little out of date, and if you frequent it, it shows signs of wear.

Budgeting is critical when changing your recliner’s look. Decide the amount you wish to pay for the project. Also, evaluate the expense of reupholstery versus buying a new one.

Now, how much does it cost to reupholster a recliner?

In short, it costs between $400 and $2000 to reupholster a recliner. While the price seems steep, it’s worth it to reupholster to avoid pollution, preserve quality chairs, and more. Besides, it’s cheaper to reupholster than buy new if you own an expensive recliner or one with sentimental value.

Table of Contents

How Much Does it Cost to Reupholster a Recliner?

You need between $400 and $1500 on average to reupholster your recliner. However, some brands and chair designs exceed these figures, with some reaching $2000.

With that range, you can see how the cost varies. Reupholstering a high-end leather recliner costs more than a fabric recliner. Also, extras on a recliner cost more than when revamping a simplistic chair.

Below are some recliner repair price variation-causing factors.

Fabric

When you redesign your recliners, you are more likely to replace the fabric. These materials may exceed $500. The cost depends on the fabric and grade.

While leather is durable, cotton and wool textiles are suitable for comfort. Luxury fabrics like linen and velvet give a touch of class to your home.

Different fabrics cost differently, which trickles to how much your upholstery project costs. Here’s the average cost breakdown.

FabricPrice per Yard
Leather$40 – $200
Velvet$55 – $65
Linen$25 – $35
Bamboo$30 – $50
Cotton $5-$20
Linen blend$18 – $25
Mohair $20 – $80
Silk$60 – $70
Wool $80 – $100
Denim $25 – $35
Suede$35 – $40
Cotton blend $30 – $55
Acrylic $50 – $80
Nylon $10 – $15
Faux leather$10 – $15
Crypton $10 – $35
Faux suede$20 – $25
Polyester$20 – $45
Olefin$25 – $30
Chenille $25 – $55
Twill$30 – $55
Sunbrella$35 – $55
Rayon$45 – $90

Your Recliner’s Condition

You should also consider how challenging it’s to upgrade your recliner. An immensely worn-out recliner would cost extra. But if you have a nice chair, you’ll probably pay less. This is also a good time to assess your chair and decide whether it needs repair or replacement.

Service Costs

Factor in labor costs when considering professional reupholstery. Look for a reputable upholsterer that can do your project affordably.

Some even charge $800 for their services. Costs depend on your chair’s condition and how you wish to revamp it.

Transport Costs

You should also consider the shipping costs if getting expert services. This includes picking up your recliner. Also, you don’t have to pick it up yourself after the upholstery service.

Most professional upholstery firms charge for possible vehicle wear and tear when transporting the recliner.

Extras

Why not fortify your recliner while you’re at it? Extra padding, filling, or new decorations you’d like to add to enhance your chair’s appeal. However, the more elements you add, the higher the material and labor fees.

Is it Worth it to Reupholster?

Some sentimental recliners are too valuable to part with. Reupholstering antique furniture restores it and adds value to it. So, yes, it’s worth it to reupholster. 

Reupholstering a recliner is an excellent way to avoid throwing more waste into landfills. This way, you help to recycle and reduce environmental pollution.

Plus, when reupholstering, the possibilities are endless. So, you can get your favorite fabric and enhance the look.

Is it Cheaper to Reupholster or Buy New?

Purchasing new furniture may seem cheaper than reupholstering. However, many recliners using mediocre materials and craftsmanship are available, leaving little to desire.

While you could pay a few hundred bucks on a recliner from a big-box retailer, it would wither and crumble after several years.

Reupholstery saves money in the long term because you only need to recover once and then replace the furniture when you want to change the fabric again years later.

That said, if there’s an affordable quality recliner, why not get it? Besides, given the frame is new, it’ll likely last longer given proper care.

The below article helps you to choose the new recliner, let’s have a look at them.

10 Cheap Recliners under $200 to Buy in 2022
10 Best Cuddler Recliner to Buy In 2022
10 Best High-End Recliners In 2022
10 Most Comfortable High Leg Recliner

FAQs

Can a Recliner Chair Be Reupholstered?

A recliner chair can be reupholstered though the process takes longer and needs slightly more materials than with a non-reclining chair. You begin by disassembling. Remove the back, then the footrest and seat deck. Reupholster then reassemble.

How Much Does it Cost to Reupholster a Large Recliner?

On average, it costs $1000 to $2000 to reupholster a large recliner. Being large, it needs more material and time before the job’s completion. Also, the make, material desired, and reupholstery company chosen impact prices.

How Much Would it Cost to Reupholster a Leather Recliner?

It would cost $800 to $2000 to reupholster a leather recliner. Depending on the leather’s quality, you’ll spend between $40 and $200 per yard.

Additionally, high-quality leather demands special fasteners to hold it in place. Professional leather reupholstery costs between $200 and $800 for labor.

Conclusion

A way to save money is to do the reupholstery yourself. This way, you won’t have to pay for labor or transportation. However, it’s best to take on DIY reupholstery if you’re confident of a decent outcome.

During your first upholstery project, you may make mistakes whose expenses exceed what you may pay an expert to fix. Hence, it’s critical to understand your abilities and limitations to assess the need for expertise.

Author

  • Andrew Smith

    Andrew Smith is the founder of CozySeating, is a father of 2, and an engineer from one of the leading furniture stores in the country. Due to his 10 years of experience, he has proved to be the best person to offer advice to clients regarding different seating furniture based on their needs and performance. Besides, he is a specialist in product reviews and always keeps up with the current trends in the market.

Leave a Comment

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments