Recovering a recliner typically costs $400-$1,800, with an average near $900 for a standard-size chair upholstered in midrange fabric. The final price depends on the recliner’s size and mechanism, fabric choice, labor rates, and whether foam or structural repairs are needed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete recliner reupholstery | $400 | $900 | $1,800 | Standard chair, fabric and labor included |
| Upholstery fabric | $20 per yard | $45 per yard | $100+ per yard | Usually 7-12 yards, depending on chair |
| Foam or cushion work | $75 | $200 | $500 | Depends on number and condition of cushions |
| Pickup and delivery | $0 | $100 | $250 | May be included or charged separately |
Typical price for a standard recliner reupholstery job
Most standard manual recliners cost $600-$1,200 to recover with durable, midrange fabric. A compact chair with a simple frame may start around $400-$700, while a large recliner, premium textile, or power model can reach $1,200-$1,800 or more. Prices commonly include fabric, removal of the old cover, sewing, fitting, and basic finishing.
Fabric use often falls between 7 and 12 yards; oversized chairs or patterned material that needs careful matching may take more. Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor rates, standard fabric, normal access, and no major frame or mechanism repair. A written quote should state the fabric allowance and identify repairs that are not included.
What fabric, labor, and shop charges add to the quote
Upholstery shops may quote one project total or list materials and labor separately. Recliner work tends to cost more than covering a simple dining chair because the cover has multiple panels and must move with the chair’s mechanism.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | $140-$1,200 | 7-12 yards at about $20-$100+ per yard |
| Labor | $350-$1,000 | Disassembly, patterning, sewing, and fitting |
| Foam and batting | $75-$500 | One cushion versus several worn areas |
| Frame or mechanism work | $75-$400 | Loose joints, springs, or accessible hardware |
| Pickup and delivery | $0-$250 | Distance, stairs, and shop policy |
Labor is commonly priced within the project total, but an equivalent labor rate may be around $60-$120 per hour. Ask whether pickup, disposal of old fabric, and cushion replacement are included before comparing totals.
How chair size, power hardware, and fabric raise the price
Size affects both fabric use and sewing time. A compact recliner using about 7-8 yards may cost less than an oversized model requiring 10-12 yards, especially when the upholstery has a directional pattern. Pattern matching can add roughly $50-$200 through extra material and labor.
Power recliners may cost $100-$300 more to handle than comparable manual chairs because the upholsterer must work around wiring, switches, and a motorized frame. Leather and performance fabrics also push material costs up: genuine leather may require a substantially larger materials budget than basic upholstery fabric. Confirm that a shop has experience with the exact power or lift-chair configuration.
How long shop labor and recliner pickup can take
A typical recover job may require 8-15 hours of hands-on shop labor, spread across disassembly, pattern work, sewing, and reassembly. A straightforward manual chair may be completed in one to three weeks after the shop receives the fabric; complex power models or custom-ordered material can take longer.
Pickup and delivery can add $50-$250, with higher charges for long distances, stairs, or difficult access. Some shops waive the fee when the chair is dropped off, while others include local transport in the quote. Ask for both the expected completion date and any storage or transport fees.
Three recliner quotes for different upholstery scopes
| Example | Scope and assumptions | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Small manual recliner | 8 yards at $25 per yard, about 9 labor hours, no repairs | $500-$750 |
| Standard power recliner | 10 yards at $45 per yard, about 12 labor hours, basic mechanism handling | $900-$1,350 |
| Oversized chair with cushion work | 12 yards at $85 per yard, about 15 labor hours, foam replacement and delivery | $1,500-$2,300 |
These are planning estimates rather than fixed national rates; local labor, fabric selection, and hidden damage can change the final bill. The listed labor hours use an approximate $60-$120 hourly equivalent, plus materials and shop charges.
Recovering a recliner versus repairing or replacing it
Repairing a recliner may cost $100-$400 for common issues such as a loose joint, broken spring, or accessible mechanical part. Replacing foam alone often costs $75-$500, depending on how many cushions need work. These options make sense when the upholstery is still serviceable or damage is limited.
A new basic recliner may cost roughly $300-$900, while midrange and premium models can exceed $1,000. A $1,200 recover quote may be reasonable for a well-built chair with sentimental or high-quality construction, but less attractive for a low-cost chair with a failing frame and mechanism. Compare the full repair estimate with the cost of a replacement chair of similar quality.
Ways to lower the bill without cutting necessary repairs
Choose a durable, widely stocked fabric in a solid color to avoid extra yardage and pattern-matching labor. Ask the shop to price both customer-supplied fabric and its own material; customer fabric can reduce the bill, but some shops add a handling fee or decline material with unsuitable weight or stretch.
Drop off the recliner if transport is optional, and request separate prices for foam, frame, and mechanism work. If only the footrest or seat cushion is worn, ask whether a partial repair is available rather than paying for a full recover. Get two or three itemized estimates based on the same fabric grade and repair scope.