Short answer first: Reupholstering a couch usually costs $600 – $4 000. The price jumps with bigger pieces, pricey fabric, tough shapes, or leather. DIY cuts labor, but materials still run $200 – $900. Read on for a clear cost chart, quick money‑savers, and links to our calculator and pro directory.
Jump to section
How much does it cost?
| Couch type | Typical range | Why the spread? |
|---|---|---|
| Small loveseat | $600 – $1 200 | Less fabric and labor HomeGuide |
| Standard 3‑seat | $1 300 – $2 500 | Average 12–15 yd fabric + 18 h labor Angi |
| Large sectional | $2 000 – $4 000+ | Extra pieces, pattern matching HomeGuideFixr.com |
| Antique / tufted | Add $300‑$800 | Hand‑tied springs, trim details Bob Vila |
| Leather upgrade | +25‑40 % | Hide cost & special tools Revolution Fabrics |
Quick math: Labor is 40‑60 % of the bill at $50‑$100 per hour with 16‑28 hours for a sofa. YelpHouzz
Cost by line item
1. Fabric
- $30 – $60/yd for cotton or polyester blends. HomeGuide
- $70 – $150/yd for performance weaves or mid‑grade leather. The Spruce
- $200 +/yd for designer prints and full‑grain hides. Bob Vila
A standard sofa needs 12‑15 yd; a big sectional takes 20 – 25 yd. Real Simple
2. Labor
- Simple shape: $600‑$1 200
- Complex curves / channel backs: $1 500‑$2 800
Hourly shop rates track local wages—big‑city pros charge more. AngiYelp
3. Repairs & add‑ons
| Task | Typical add‑on |
|---|---|
| New seat foam | $100‑$300 Revolution Fabrics |
| Frame repair | $100‑$400 Yelp |
| Tufting buttons or nail heads | $75‑$250 Pinterest |
DIY vs. pro: money check
| Option | Out‑of‑pocket | Time |
|---|---|---|
| DIY | $200‑$900 (fabric + tools) Fixr.com | 2‑4 weekends |
| Hire a pro | $1 300‑$2 500 average HomeGuide | 2‑4 weeks shop time |
DIY can halve the bill but expect a learning curve—especially on corners and pattern matching.
Easy ways to save
- Pick mid‑grade fabric. Dropping from $80/yd to $40/yd saves $600 on a 15‑yd job. Real Simple
- Reuse trim and zippers. Ask the upholsterer to keep what’s still good. Revolution Fabrics
- Remove the old fabric yourself. Many shops knock off $100‑$150 if the couch arrives stripped. Houzz
- Bundle pieces. Reupholstering chairs with the couch can earn a package discount. Fixr.com
Cost calculator (interactive)
Try our used‑furniture value calculator—just plug in length, fabric price per yard, and shop rate. It auto‑estimates yardage and labor based on couch size.
Next steps
- Need a quote? Browse our upholsterer directory and get three bids fast.
- Want the DIY route? Follow our how to reupholster a couch step‑by‑step.
- Still deciding? Read is it worth reupholstering a sofa? for a resale vs. replace breakdown.
Back to the big picture? Jump to our reupholster a couch pillar for the full process guide.
Reupholster smart, spend less, and keep a good sofa out of the dump.
