How Much Does It Cost to Reupholster a Chair?

Cost to Reupholster a Chair: Dining, Living, and Leather Chairs

Est. Reading Time: 6 Mins

Reupholstering a chair is often seen as a way to refresh a living space while retaining a piece that already feels like home.

Whether the motivation is sustainability, customization, or sentimental value, many homeowners ask the same question before committing. Is reupholstery actually worth the cost compared to buying new furniture?

According to Lina Najia, sales consultant at La-Z-Boy Kanata, reupholstery can be a smart choice in the right circumstances. “Buying new furniture is great when you want a completely fresh look, but reupholstering allows you to keep a frame you already love and update everything else,” she explains.

This guide breaks down the cost of reupholstering a chair, the factors that influence pricing, and what homeowners in Ottawa can expect to pay.

Key Takeaways:

The average cost to reupholster a chair in Canada ranges from $400 to $1,700
Labour, fabric choice, and chair complexity have the greatest impact on price
Reupholstery is often best for high-quality or sentimental furniture
Ottawa reupholstery prices typically fall between $300 and $1,000
In some cases, purchasing a new chair may be more cost-effective

In This Article...

Cost of Reupholstering a Chair
Factors That Affect the Cost of Reupholstery
Cost of Reupholstering a Chair in Ottawa

Cost of Reupholstering a Chair

The average cost to reupholster a chair in Canada is approximately $851, with most homeowners paying between $388 and $1,702. This pricing typically includes both materials and professional labour, but costs can rise quickly depending on the type of chair and fabric selected.

Reupholstery pricing varies widely because no two projects are exactly the same. A simple dining chair with a padded seat costs far less than a recliner or wingback chair with complex upholstery and mechanical components.

Lina notes that expectations play a big role. “Many people are surprised when they learn that reupholstery is a skilled trade. You are paying for craftsmanship, not just fabric,” she says.

Average Chair Reupholstery Costs (Canada)

Cost Type	Price
Average Cost	$851
Typical Range	$388 – $1,702
Low End	$100
High End	$5,000

Factors That Affect the Cost of Reupholstery

Several key factors determine how much it costs to reupholster a chair. Understanding these helps explain why pricing can vary so dramatically from one project to another.

Chair Size and Shape

Larger chairs or those with unique silhouettes require more fabric and more labour. Recliners, wingback chairs, and oversized accent chairs typically sit at the higher end of the cost spectrum.

Fabric or Leather Selection

Fabric choice has one of the biggest impacts on price. Standard upholstery fabric costs far less than leather, patterned materials, or performance fabrics. Leather alone can range from $40 to $250 per yard, and many chairs require multiple yards.

To learn more about the comparison between Fabric vs Leather, take a look at this article.

Reupholster Chair

Structural Repairs

If the chair needs new foam, spring repair, or frame reinforcement, the cost increases. Upholsterers often uncover hidden wear once the fabric is removed.

Decorative Details

Features like button tufting, welt trim, skirts, or nailhead detailing require additional time and skill, increasing labour costs.

Labour Costs

In Ottawa, upholsterers generally charge $50 to $100 per hour, depending on experience and project complexity.

As Lina explains, “Reupholstery makes the most sense when the frame is solid. If the structure is compromised, replacing the piece is usually the better option.”

Cost of Reupholstering a Chair in Ottawa

For homeowners in Ottawa, reupholstering a chair typically costs between $300 and $1,000, though prices can range from $60 to over $2,000 depending on the chair type and upholstery shop.

Ottawa pricing is influenced by labour rates, fabric availability, and whether transportation or in-home service is required. Larger or mechanical chairs, such as recliners, often cost more due to the complexity involved.

Estimated Ottawa Reupholstery Costs by Chair Type

Chair Type	Typical Cost
Dining Chair	$150 – $600
Living Room Chair	$300 – $1,000
Recliner	$400 – $2,500
Leather Chair	$800 – $2,000

Lina adds, “If a chair is something you sit in every day, the investment in reupholstery can feel worth it. Comfort and familiarity matter just as much as appearance.”

Labour Costs for Reupholstering a Chair

Labour represents a significant portion of reupholstery costs. Some upholsterers charge hourly, while others price by project, depending on complexity.

Chair Type	Average Labour Cost
Recliner	$400 – $600
Living Room Chair	$250 – $600
Dining Chair	$150 – $400
Wingback Chair	$350 – $600

Additional fees may apply for pickup and delivery, which can add $100 to $300, especially for larger or heavier pieces. To learn more about the Cost to Reupholster a La-Z-Boy Recliner, take a look at this article.

Is It Cheaper to Reupholster or Buy New?

Reupholstery is not always the cheaper option. In many cases, buying a new chair may cost less, particularly if the original furniture was lower quality or requires extensive repairs.

Reupholstering tends to make the most sense when:

The chair has sentimental value
The frame is high-quality
You want a custom fabric or leather finish
Sustainability is a priority

If budget is the main concern, replacing the chair is often the more cost-effective solution. If you’re wondering between repairing or replacing furniture, take a look at this article.

What's Next?

Now that you understand the cost of reupholstering a chair, the decision to repair or replace is up to you! If you’re still having trouble, take a look at this article on the comparison of repairing vs. replacing a furniture item.

If you’re interested in purchasing a new chair, living or dining, make sure to stop by a local Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston La-Z-Boy location to view our selection in person and take a sit test. You can also schedule an appointment online.

Our interior design consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how an ottoman could fit in your home design. If you want to learn more about our living room and dining room furniture, make sure to take a look at our comprehensive buyer guides.

How Long Does Custom Furniture Take to Build?

How to Disassemble a La-Z-Boy Reclining Sofa & Loveseat

How to Mix Patterns in Your Home

Nicholas Carchidi

Content Writer at StyleMeetsComfort.ca

Nick has been the lead content writer for La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston since 2022, specializing in the furniture industry. He collaborates with experts in his field, ensuring that each piece on the La-Z-Boy Learning Centre is accurate and valuable. He provides readers with expert knowledge on all things furniture. If you'd like to learn more about Nick, you can check out his LinkedIn page here.