Couch Upholstery Price: What You Really Pay for Quality Fabric and Craft

When you think about couch upholstery price, the total cost to re-cover or replace the fabric on a sofa, including labor and materials. Also known as sofa reupholstery cost, it’s not just about buying fabric—it’s about paying for structure, craftsmanship, and durability. A cheap reupholstery job might look fine at first, but if the frame is weak or the padding is thin, you’re just delaying the next repair. Real value comes from knowing what’s inside the sofa, not just what’s on top.

The sofa fabric cost, the price of the material used to cover the cushions and arms, which varies wildly by type and quality. Also known as upholstery fabric price, it’s where most people get surprised. Cotton blends? Around $20–$40 per yard. Performance fabrics like Crypton or Sunbrella? $50–$100. Leather? Start at $80 and go up fast. But here’s the catch: fabric isn’t the biggest part of the bill. Labor is. A simple couch might take 8–12 hours to reupholster. Skilled upholsterers charge $50–$100 an hour. That’s $400–$1,200 before fabric. Add in new foam, springs, or webbing? That’s another $200–$600. You’re looking at $800–$2,000 total for a full reupholster. And that’s if the frame is solid.

That’s why so many people ask: Is it cheaper to buy new? Sometimes. But if you’ve got a well-built couch—solid hardwood frame, eight-way hand-tied springs, high-density foam—reupholstering makes sense. It’s not just saving money. It’s saving something that fits your space, your style, and your life. A poorly made new sofa might cost $1,000 today but fall apart in three years. A quality one, reupholstered, lasts decades.

You’ll find posts here that show you how to spot a high-quality couch before you even think about reupholstering. Others break down what makes fabric last in homes with pets or kids. There’s even a guide on when to repair versus replace. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re real-world checks—what to look for, what to skip, what’s worth the extra cash. If you’re tired of replacing couches every few years, this collection gives you the facts you need to make one smart choice—and keep it for good.