Reupholstering outdoor cushions typically costs $75-$200 per cushion, with a common six-cushion patio set totaling about $450-$1,000. The price depends most on cushion dimensions, outdoor fabric grade, sewing labor, and whether the existing foam can be reused.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small seat cushion | $50 | $100 | $175 | Cover replacement; foam reused |
| Large or deep cushion | $100 | $175 | $300 | More fabric and sewing time |
| Six-cushion patio set | $350 | $700 | $1,300 | Varies by size and fabric grade |
| Outdoor upholstery fabric | $20/yard | $35/yard | $70+/yard | Price varies by brand, pattern, and performance |
| Foam replacement | $30 | $75 | $180+ | Per cushion, depending on size and density |
What does outdoor cushion reupholstery cost per cushion?
For a standard patio seat cushion measuring roughly 20 by 20 inches, expect to pay $75-$150 for a professionally sewn replacement cover using midgrade outdoor fabric. Larger seat pads, boxed cushions, and back cushions with piping or unusual shapes often fall between $125 and $250 each. Prices generally assume the cushion is accessible and the existing foam remains usable.
A coordinated set can bring a lower per-cushion rate when several covers use the same fabric and construction. A basic four-piece set may cost $300-$650, while six to eight pieces commonly run $450-$1,000. Custom shapes, premium textiles, or replacement foam can raise a larger set to $1,300 or more.
DIY cover sewing can reduce labor expense, but fabric, thread, zippers, and pattern mistakes still add up. Buying fabric alone usually costs $20-$70 per yard, and many standard cushions require about 1-2 yards apiece depending on thickness, pattern matching, and fabric width. For a shop-made cover with reusable foam, $75-$200 per cushion is a practical planning range.
Assumptions: U.S. upholstery shop, standard access, outdoor-rated fabric, and no major frame or foam repair.
How fabric, sewing labor, and removal shape the quote
An upholstery quote usually combines the textile, pattern cutting, sewing, zipper or closure work, and shop handling. Materials are only part of the bill: a simple envelope cover takes less time than a fitted cover with boxing, piping, pattern alignment, or a hidden zipper. Shops may charge a minimum project fee even when only one cushion is brought in.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor fabric | $20-$70+/yard | Brand, pattern, fade and mildew resistance | About 1-2 yards per standard cushion |
| Cutting and sewing labor | $40-$120 per cushion | Shape, seams, piping, zipper, pattern repeat | Cover made to fit existing insert |
| Foam or batting | $30-$180+ per cushion | Dimensions, thickness, density, wrap | Replacement insert or added cushioning |
| Pickup, delivery, or handling | $25-$150 per job | Distance, stairs, number of pieces | Optional transport or minimum fee |
| Old-cover removal and disposal | $10-$40 per cushion | Staples, glued seams, damaged inserts | May be included in shop labor |
Labor is often estimated by the hour, although many shops quote a fixed price per cushion. If billed hourly, a rough calculation is At $60-$100 per hour, a straightforward cover taking 1-2 hours of shop labor represents about $60-$200 in labor before materials or shop minimums.
Ask whether the estimate includes tax, fabric shipping, pattern matching, and removal of old covers. A low quote may cover sewing only, with fabric and foam charged separately. Compare the same scope, fabric allowance, and foam condition rather than comparing totals alone.
Which cushion dimensions and fabric grades raise the price?
Dimensions influence both fabric use and sewing time. A 20-by-20-inch seat cushion may need about 1-1.5 yards, while a 24-by-24-inch cushion that is 5-6 inches thick can require 1.5-2.5 yards. Long bench cushions over 48 inches may use 3-5 yards, particularly when the textile has a large repeating pattern that must line up across seams.
Shape also matters. A plain square pad with straight edges is among the least expensive jobs. Boxed cushions with side panels, rounded corners, attached ties, piping, or multiple sections require more precise cutting and extra seams. A curved or L-shaped cushion can cost 25%-60% more than a similarly sized square cushion because of fitting and pattern complexity.
Basic solution-dyed acrylic or polyester outdoor fabrics often cost $20-$45 per yard. Midgrade options with stronger UV and stain performance commonly cost $35-$70 per yard, while designer patterns and premium performance textiles can exceed $70-$120 per yard. Prices vary by supplier and may not include freight or minimum cuts.
Foam condition changes the estimate substantially. If an insert is compressed, crumbling, or waterlogged, replacement may add $30-$180 or more per cushion. A custom 6-inch-thick seat insert costs more than a thin back pad, and high-density or quick-dry foam usually costs more than standard upholstery foam. Measure width, depth, thickness, and shape before requesting a quote; dimensions alone do not capture fabric use.
How long does a shop need to recover patio cushions?
A shop may spend about 1-2 hours of hands-on sewing time for a straightforward square cushion and 2-4 hours for a large boxed or shaped piece. A complete multi-cushion set can represent 8-20 hours of cutting, sewing, fitting, and finishing, depending on the number of unique sizes and details. Those hours are not always billed directly; fixed per-piece prices are common.
Turnaround is usually several days to a few weeks after the shop has the fabric and cushions. Ordering a special textile, matching a large pattern, or waiting for the spring rush can extend the schedule. Rush service may add 10%-25% where offered, but a shop may decline expedited work during its busiest season.
Transport can also affect the total. Small covers may be dropped off without the furniture, but some shops need the inserts to check fit. Local pickup and delivery may cost $25-$150 depending on distance, stairs, and load size. Confirm when the production clock starts; many shops begin only after the selected fabric arrives.
Three realistic patio cushion quotes by project size
These examples use typical U.S. shop pricing and illustrate how piece count, fabric, and foam affect a quote. Local rates and textile availability can shift totals. The fabric-yard estimates are approximate because pattern repeat, width, and cutting layout affect actual consumption.
| Project | Fabric and quantity | Labor assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two basic seat cushions | 3 yards at $30-$40/yard | 2-4 hours total; simple zip covers | $220-$380 |
| Six-piece dining set | 9-12 yards at $35-$55/yard | 8-12 hours; mixed seat and back sizes | $650-$1,050 |
| Four deep lounge cushions with foam | 10-14 yards at $55-$80/yard | 10-16 hours; boxed covers and new inserts | $1,100-$1,900 |
The first example works out to approximately $110-$190 per cushion. The dining set costs less per piece when the covers share one fabric and a repeatable design. The lounge project is more expensive because deep cushions use more material and foam replacement adds a substantial materials charge.
For a useful estimate, provide the shop with the cushion count, measurements, photos of seams and closures, fabric choice, and a clear decision about reusing foam. A quote that lists per-cushion prices and separates fabric from foam makes the examples easier to compare.
When does new foam make replacement more expensive?
Reusing firm, dry foam can keep the job focused on the covers. Replacement is worth pricing when an insert stays compressed after use, has broken edges, smells musty, or holds water. Standard cut foam may add $30-$100 for a small cushion; a larger, thicker, high-density seat insert can reach $100-$180 or more. Quick-dry foam for exposed outdoor use often costs more than standard foam.
Batting or a wrap layer can smooth the shape and protect the cover from rough foam edges. Expect roughly $10-$35 per cushion for modest wrap materials and labor, although shops may include it in a full foam replacement price. If only one insert is damaged, replacing just that piece can avoid the expense of a full set of new foam.
Before approving replacement, check whether the shop can open the cover and inspect the insert. An estimate based on appearance alone may overstate the need, while hiding damaged foam under a new cover can shorten the life of the work. Request separate prices for cover sewing, foam, and wrap so each part can be accepted or declined independently.
Regional upholstery rates for outdoor cushion projects
Prices tend to be higher in major coastal metros and other high-wage markets than in smaller towns. As a broad budgeting comparison, upholstery labor in high-cost cities may run 15%-35% above a national midrange, while rural and lower-cost markets may be 10%-20% below it. These differences are not fixed: local shop availability and minimum charges can matter as much as geography.
Fabric pricing is less tied to local labor because many textiles are ordered from national suppliers. However, shipping, limited local inventory, and freight on bulky foam can add $15-$100 or more to a project. In areas with a short warm-weather season, spring demand may lengthen wait times or reduce availability, while winter scheduling can be more flexible.
For example, a six-cushion job priced around $700 in a mid-cost market might be quoted at $800-$950 in a high-cost metro or $560-$650 in a lower-cost area, assuming similar fabric and construction. Use regional percentages as a check on quotes, not as a substitute for comparing the listed work and materials.
How to lower the reupholstery bill without sacrificing durability
Keep sound foam and reuse existing inserts when they remain supportive and dry. If several cushions need new covers, using one fabric across the set can reduce cutting waste and setup time. Simple straight seams and standard zippers are less labor-intensive than piping, decorative welting, ties, or unusually shaped panels.
Choose a durable midrange outdoor textile rather than paying for a premium pattern when its added performance is unnecessary for the location. A covered porch may not require the same level of sun resistance as an exposed pool deck. Still, a fabric designed for outdoor use is generally a safer choice than ordinary indoor upholstery fabric, which can fade or mildew faster outdoors.
Measure and label each cushion before requesting estimates, and send photos showing corners, thickness, seams, and closures. Compare at least two or three written quotes that specify fabric price per yard, estimated yardage, labor, foam, removal, and delivery. Bundling a full set with one shop may reduce the per-piece price, but a minimum charge can make a single cushion disproportionately expensive.
Repairing a zipper or replacing one damaged panel may cost less than sewing an entirely new cover, if the fabric and seams are otherwise sound. Conversely, if fabric is brittle or the foam is deteriorated across several pieces, a full recover may be more sensible than paying for repeated small repairs. Control the scope first, then choose fabric and upgrades that match the cushions’ actual exposure and condition.