Reupholster a couch: what it means

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.
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). Angi carrscorner.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

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. The 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.

► 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.” It also lets you keep a frame that already fits your space, cutting the cost of moving and assembly. Emily A. Clark