Reupholstering a leather couch typically costs $1 000 – $4 000, often coming in well below the $1 500 – $2 500 price tag on many new leather sofas. The fresh hide can keep a sturdy frame useful for 15 – 25 years, far longer than most fabric options. Choosing to restore instead of replace also helps divert waste from landfills that already receive about 37 million tons of durable goods each year.
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1. How much does it cost?
- $1 000 – $4 000 for a standard three‑seat leather sofa. HomeGuide
- Sectionals and curved styles can top $5 000. HomeGuide
- Labor runs $50‑$100 per hour and takes 18‑30 hours. HomeGuideAngi
- Leather itself adds 25‑40 % to the bill vs. fabric. HomeGuide
► See the full breakdown in our cost guide.
2. How many hides you’ll need
- One cowhide is about 50‑55 sq ft. Roden Leather
- A sofa needs 120‑150 sq ft, so plan on 3 hides. leatherhidestore.com
- Buy one extra half‑hide for pattern matching or mistakes. leatherhidestore.com
Hide prices
Full‑grain upholstery hides now cost $6‑$10 per sq ft, so materials land near $720‑$1 500. buckskinleather.com
3. Pick the right leather
| Grade | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full grain | Heirloom pieces | Thick, shows natural marks, longest life furniturewerks.com |
| Top grain | Most living rooms | Sanded smooth, still strong furniturewerks.com |
| Bonded / split | Budget only | Thin, can flake—skip for heavy use furniturewerks.com |
Leather lasts longer and resists spills better than many fabrics, cutting waste over time. Texere Soul Fabrics
4. Tools and extras
- Walking‑foot sewing machine handles thick seams. Sunny Sewing Machine
- Leather needles and heavy polyester thread stop breaks. Sunny Sewing Machine
- Use a foam roller, not a brush, to apply leather glue—no stiff spots. YouTube
- Keep hides warm so they fold without cracking. Reddit
5. DIY steps (quick view)
- Photo everything before you pull a staple.
- Pull staples with a flat screwdriver—work slow to save the frame. Reddit
- Trace old panels on new leather; add ½ in seam ease. YouTube
- Sew top seams on the walking‑foot machine. Sunny Sewing Machine
- Staple center‑out, tug tight, fold clean corners.
- Condition finished leather to lock in oils. Texere Soul Fabrics
Need full pictures? Follow our DIY couch reupholster guide.
6. Pros and cons
| Good | Watch out for |
|---|---|
| Stays strong for 20+ years Texere Soul Fabrics | Higher up‑front cost HomeGuide |
| Wipes clean, resists spills Texere Soul Fabrics | Scratches show on cheap bonded hides furniturewerks.com |
| Adds resale value | Needs conditioner twice a year |
7. Next steps
- Compare fabric vs. leather prices in our cost guide.
- Learn every staple move with our step‑by‑step DIY.
- Short on time? Find a pro in the upholsterer directory.
- Unsure it’s worth it? Read is it worth reupholstering a sofa?.
Fresh hides, fresh style—give that sofa another decade!
