Reupholstering a leather couch typically costs $1,000–$4,000, often 40 – 60 % less than buying a comparable new leather sofa. A quality redo can extend a frame’s life 15–25 years and keeps one more bulky item out of the 12 million‑ton annual furniture waste stream. Follow this lean guide for exact costs, hide math, key tools, simple steps, and quick pros‑and‑cons—all in one place.
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Cost breakdown
| component | cost range |
|---|---|
| leather hides (120 – 150 sq ft @ $6–$10/sq ft) | $720–$1,500 |
| labor (18–30 hrs @ $75/hr) | $1,350–$2,250 |
| foam, batting & glue | $100–$300 |
| shipping & supplies | $100 |
| total estimate | $2,270–$4,150 |
Typical scenario: 3 hides × 50 sq ft @ $8/sq ft + 22 hrs labor @ $75/hr ≈ $3,000.
For a broader view of all fabrics and labor—see our cost guide.
Hide requirements
– A standard sofa needs 120–150 sq ft of leather (about 3 hides at 50 sq ft each).
– Always buy one extra half‑hide for pattern matching and mistakes.
Choosing leather
| grade | best for | notes |
|---|---|---|
| full grain | heirloom pieces | shows natural marks, lasts decades |
| top grain | everyday use | smooth finish, strong |
| bonded/split | tight budget | thinner, can flake—avoid for couches |
Key tools
| tool | purpose |
|---|---|
| pneumatic stapler & compressor | fast, ergonomic fasten |
| walking‑foot sewing machine | sew thick seams smoothly |
| leather needles & heavy thread | prevent breaks |
| foam roller & leather glue | even adhesive spread |
| heat gun or warm room | keep hides pliable |
Quick steps
- Photo the sofa from every angle.
- Strip old fabric and label panels.
- Trace each panel on new leather, adding ½ in for seams.
- Sew top seams, then staple center‑out.
- Fold neat corners and condition the finished hide.
For a full photo tutorial, check our DIY how‑to guide.
Pros & cons
Why leather wins
- wipes clean and resists spills
- builds resale value
- lasts 15–25 years with care
Watch‑outs
- 25–40 % higher upfront cost
- bonded hides scratch and peel easily
Next steps
- compare fabric vs. leather costs in the cost guide
- master the method with our step‑by‑step DIY tutorial
- get quotes from vetted pros in the upholsterer directory
- run our “worth it?” checklist: is it worth reupholstering a sofa?
- dive back into the big picture at reupholster a couch
Stitch it, save it, and relax—your leather couch has decades left.
