Sunbrella fabric typically costs $20-$60 per yard, with many standard outdoor upholstery fabrics averaging about $35 per yard. The final price depends on the collection, fabric width, order size, shipping, and whether the project also requires cutting and sewing labor.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric per yard | $20 | $35 | $60 | Common retail range for new material |
| Small cushion project | $100 | $250 | $500 | Fabric and basic sewing for a few cushions |
| Patio furniture set | $300 | $800 | $1,800 | Depends on cushion count and custom work |
How Much Sunbrella Fabric Costs Per Yard
Most standard Sunbrella upholstery fabric sells for $20-$45 per yard at retail. Specialty marine, performance, or decorative collections may reach $45-$60 or more per yard. Prices are generally quoted by the linear yard, and many fabrics are approximately 54 inches wide, though widths vary by style.
A practical budget is $30-$40 per yard for a common color and pattern. Clearance, discontinued patterns, and remnants can cost less, while custom ordering or hard-to-find designs may raise the price. Confirm that a listing is genuine Sunbrella fabric and check its width and intended use before comparing rates.
Assumptions: New retail fabric, standard width near 54 inches, before shipping and sewing.
What Upholstery Fabric Quotes Include
A fabric-only quote is different from a completed upholstery job. Project totals can include yardage, thread, zippers, foam or batting, pattern matching, sewing, delivery, and removal of old covers. Labor and material needs rise when cushions have unusual shapes or must fit tightly.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Sunbrella fabric | $20-$60 per yard | Collection, color, pattern, and order size |
| Sewing labor | $40-$100 per hour | Shape, closures, piping, and fit |
| Thread, zippers, and trim | $5-$25 per cushion | Hardware quality and cushion design |
| Foam or batting | $20-$150 per cushion | Dimensions, thickness, and foam grade |
| Pickup or delivery | $25-$150 per job | Distance and local service minimum |
Ask whether the quote covers fabric only or finished, installed cushions. For labor estimates, a useful check is ; confirm the estimated hours and hourly rate rather than relying on a single bundled total.
How Width, Collection, and Yardage Change Price
Fabric width determines how efficiently pieces fit across the roll. A 54-inch-wide fabric may not yield the same usable area as a wider or narrower style, and directional patterns can require extra yardage to keep motifs aligned. A fabric with a repeat of 10 inches or more may need additional material for matching.
For a small outdoor chair cushion, a project may use 1-2 yards; a large lounge cushion can need 2-4 yards. A set of six seat and back cushions may require 10-18 yards, depending on dimensions and pattern layout. These are planning ranges, not cutting instructions.
Order roughly 10%-20% extra when patterns must match or the shapes are complex. Ask the upholsterer to calculate yardage from measurements and the selected fabric width before purchasing. Some sellers do not accept returns on cut fabric.
What Does a Sunbrella Sewing Project Cost?
For comparison, these examples assume ordinary access and standard sewing, with no major frame repair. Fabric quantities depend on cushion measurements and pattern direction. A local shop may set a minimum charge, especially for a one-cushion order.
| Project example | Fabric and quantity | Labor assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two simple chair cushions | 2-4 yards at $25-$40 per yard | 2-4 hours at $40-$75 per hour | $150-$500 |
| Six patio cushions | 10-18 yards at $30-$45 per yard | 8-14 hours at $45-$85 per hour | $700-$2,000 |
| Boat seat covers | 8-16 yards at $35-$60 per yard | 10-20 hours at $50-$100 per hour | $900-$3,000 |
Custom marine covers often cost more because of precise fitting and weather-exposed construction. The boat example excludes extensive foam replacement, structural repairs, and complicated snaps or fastening systems.
How Upholstery and Marine Labor Affects Total
Simple cushion covers may take about 1-2 labor hours each, while boxed cushions with piping, zippers, or multiple panels can take 2-4 hours or more. Boat seating and fitted covers may require measuring on-site, templating, and repeated adjustments. Rates commonly fall around $40-$100 per hour, with higher charges in expensive metro areas or for specialized marine work.
Labor can equal or exceed the fabric bill on small or intricate jobs. Before approving work, ask whether measuring, pattern matching, removal, and installation are included. If the shop charges a minimum, combining several cushions in one order may make the per-piece price lower.
Regional and Retail Price Differences
Retail fabric prices vary with seller, inventory, and shipping. Upholstery shops in high-cost coastal and major metro markets may quote labor about 10%-25% above typical national rates; rural shops may be 5%-15% lower, though fewer local options can limit savings. Freight for bulky or cut-to-order orders can add $15-$60.
Compare the same collection, width, and yardage—not just the price shown per yard. A low online rate can be offset by shipping, minimum order rules, or return restrictions. A local shop quote may include waste allowance and professional cutting, which changes the comparison.
Lowering Sunbrella Fabric Costs Without Downgrading
Choose a standard in-stock color or pattern when appearance requirements allow; discontinued or remnant stock may reduce fabric cost by 10%-40%, but quantities can be limited. Use remnants for small cushions only after checking that the pieces are large enough and match in dye lot and condition.
Control yardage and labor before choosing a cheaper fabric. Reuse serviceable foam, simplify piping or contrast panels, and group cushions into one job. Get two or three itemized quotes with the same fabric, measurements, and finish. Avoid ordering extra fabric without a cutting plan, but keep a small labeled remnant for future repairs if the budget permits.