About This Article
Reupholstering a 3-seat sofa costs £800-£1,500 at the budget end using standard fabrics, £1,500-£2,500 mid-range with quality fabrics and a full internal rebuild, and £2,500-£5,000+ for premium fabrics (designer prints, top-grain leather) or complex structures (Chesterfields, button-backed designs).
# Upholstery: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
## 1. How much does it cost to reupholster a sofa in the UK?
Reupholstering a 3-seat sofa costs £800-£1,500 at the budget end using standard fabrics, £1,500-£2,500 mid-range with quality fabrics and a full internal rebuild, and £2,500-£5,000+ for premium fabrics (designer prints, top-grain leather) or complex structures (Chesterfields, button-backed designs). The cost breaks down roughly as 40% labour, 40% fabric, and 20% sundries (springs, webbing, foam, fire-retardant interliner). A 2-seat sofa costs approximately 25% less, and an armchair 50% less than a 3-seater. Collection and delivery adds £50-£150 depending on distance. Get quotes from verified upholsterers on HouseJester) — visit with photos and measurements for the most accurate estimate.
## 2. How much fabric do I need to reupholster a sofa?
A standard 3-seat sofa requires approximately 12-16 metres of 137cm-wide fabric. A 2-seat sofa needs 10-13 metres. An armchair needs 6-8 metres. These are approximate figures — the actual requirement depends on the sofa's dimensions, the number of cushions, whether there are piping details, and whether the fabric has a pattern repeat (patterned fabrics require 10-20% more material to match the pattern across seams). An experienced upholsterer will calculate the exact requirement after seeing your furniture. Over-ordering by 0.5-1 metre is advisable to allow for cutting errors and future repairs.
## 3. What is the difference betwee
