Reupholstering is taking off the old fabric, fixing the frame or foam if needed, and stapling on fresh fabric so the couch looks new again. YouTube
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When to reupholster instead of buying new
- The frame is solid wood and still strong. Emily A. Clark
- The size fits your room, and you love the shape. Emily A. Clark
- You want to cut waste. Redoing one sofa can save 1.5 tons of CO₂. prestigedecor.ca
If the frame is particleboard or the springs sag, a new sofa may be cheaper than a full rebuild. Angi
How much does it cost?
| Range | What drives the price |
|---|---|
| $600 – $1 200 | Basic three‑seat with budget fabric |
| $1 300 – $2 500 | Mid‑grade fabric, new foam, welt cord |
| $2 600 – $4 000+ | Leather, pattern‑matching, tufting |
Costs rise with fabric price ($5 – $135 per yard) and labor hours (16‑28 h for a sofa). Angicarrscorner.com
► See the full breakdown in our couch upholstery cost guide.
DIY tools you’ll need
- Heavy‑duty staple gun
- Upholstery‑grade shears
- Tack strips & pliers
- Tape measure and fabric marker
- 10–14 yards of upholstery fabric for a standard sofa
These are the same tools the pros list. Food52
Quick step‑by‑step
- Take clear photos of every angle for reference.
- Remove the dust cover and old staples.
- Label and pull off each fabric panel.
- Fix springs or add fresh foam.
- Cut new fabric using old pieces as patterns.
- Staple panels back on, pulling tight.
- Finish corners with neat folds. YouTubeThe Spruce
► Find the full photo tutorial in our DIY reupholster couch guide.
Pick the right fabric
Cotton and microfiber are kid‑proof. Linen looks light but wrinkles. Leather lasts decades and wipes clean. Performance fabrics like Sunbrella fight stains. Real SimpleThe Spruce
► Learn more in our types of upholstery fabric post.
Why reupholster? planet + wallet
Reusing a couch saves wood, energy, and shipping fuel compared with “fast furniture.” Leon Custom Upholstery It also lets you keep a frame that already fits your space, cutting the cost of moving and assembly. Emily A. Clark
Ready for help?
Find a furniture pro near you →
Our upholsterer directory lists trusted shops with real reviews, including Austin’s top‑rated teams. Yelp
Or explore:
Reupholster, refresh, and relax—your sofa (and the planet) will thank you.
