Reupholstering costs $600 – $4 000 for most couches, while new sofas now run $1 500 – $3 000 for mid‑range fabric and up to $4 000+ for leather AngiCastlery. A good leather redo can stretch a frame’s life to 25 years Leather Medic and keeps one more bulky item out of the 12 million‑ton annual furniture waste stream usfblogs.usfca.edu. Below is a short decision map—cost math, eco facts, and quick checks—to see if reupholstery beats buying new.
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1. Cost check: redo vs. replace
| Sofa type | Reupholster range | New mid‑range price |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric loveseat | $600‑$1 200 Angi | $500‑$1 500 Castlery |
| 3‑seat fabric | $1 300‑$2 500 Angi | $1 500‑$3 000 Castlery |
| Leather sofa | $2 000‑$4 000+ Angi | $2 500‑$7 999 La-Z-Boy Southeast |
Rule of thumb: If redo cost is < 60 % of a similar‑quality new sofa, reupholster wins on price. We Can Fix That! | Main
2. Frame check: keep or toss?
- Solid hardwood, tight joints, no sag → keep it. Hardwood frames outlast most budget sofas. Consumer Reports
- Particleboard, wobbly arms, cracked rails → replace. Repairs can exceed savings. Consumer Reports
3. Eco check: landfill math
- Furniture waste jumped from 2.2 million tons in 1960 to 12.1 million tons in 2018 usfblogs.usfca.edu.
- Reupholstering cuts the carbon footprint tied to logging, foam, and shipping new pieces Leon Custom Upholstery.
- Leather and durable fabrics last longer, reducing turnover Leather Medic.
4. Sentimental & resale factor
- Heirloom or designer frames often gain resale value after professional reupholstery doublerdesign.net.
- Custom fabric or leather can match new decor without hunting for the perfect‑size sofa.
5. When it’s not worth it
| Skip reupholstery if… | Why |
|---|---|
| Frame is cheap plywood or cracked | Repair cost stacks up |
| Springs sag through seat | Full rebuild adds $300‑$600 Angi |
| You dislike the shape | New fabric won’t fix style |
| Couch is < 5 yrs old & cheap | Depreciation is still steep (≈7 %/yr) Calculator Academy |
6. Quick decision checklist
- Price redo quote. Is it under 60 % of new?
- Punch the frame—does it feel solid?
- Plan the fabric—can you get 15 yd under budget?
- Planet check—want to lower waste?
- Personal value—memory or unique size?
If you hit yes on 3 or more boxes, reupholster is the smart move.
Next steps
- See the full cost guide for detailed price math.
- Ready to DIY? Follow how to reupholster a couch.
- Need a quote fast? Browse the upholsterer directory and compare bids.
Fix it, save cash, and keep one more sofa out of the dump—that’s a win‑win.
