Cost of Upholstery Services
across the UK

How much does upholstery services cost in the UK?

Upholstery services typically cost between £200 and £1,500 depending on the project scope. Small repairs like restitching seams cost £50–£300, whilst full three-piece suite reupholstery ranges from £1,000–£3,000+. Chair reupholstery averages £400–£800. Bespoke or antique restoration commands premium pricing. Always obtain itemised quotes from multiple providers before committing.

What affects the cost of upholstery services?

Five key factors determine upholstery pricing: fabric choice (budget cloth versus luxury designer textiles), furniture size and complexity, existing condition and damage extent, frame repairs required, and labour time for stripping and rebuilding. Specialist treatments like stain protection or fire-retardant application add costs. Location and local demand also influence final quotes significantly.

What does upholstery services actually include?

Professional upholstery includes furniture assessment, frame inspection for woodworm or damage, stripping old fabric and filling, repairing or replacing springs and webbing, adding new padding or horsehair, fitting chosen fabric with matching seams, attaching trims and piping, and final quality checks. Some providers offer fabric sourcing, pattern matching, and bespoke design consultation services too.

What's the difference between reupholstering and recovering furniture?

Recovering replaces only the outer fabric, keeping existing filling intact—ideal for good-condition pieces needing cosmetic refreshment. Reupholstering involves complete disassembly, replacing springs, webbing, padding, and fabric—necessary for worn, sagging, or damaged furniture. Reupholstering costs 30–50% more but extends furniture lifespan significantly and allows structural repairs.

What should I check before hiring an upholstery service provider?

Verify membership with the British Upholsterers' Association or equivalent trade body, request portfolio photographs of previous work, check online reviews and testimonials, confirm insurance cover, and ask about fabric sourcing options. Request written quotes detailing labour hours, materials, timeline, and cancellation terms. Visit their workshop if possible to assess professionalism and workmanship standards.

How long does upholstery work typically take?

Simple recovering jobs take 2–4 weeks, including fabric selection and completion. Full reupholstery of a three-piece suite requires 6–10 weeks due to frame repairs, specialist filling work, and quality drying time between stages. Complex antique restoration or bespoke designs extend timelines to 12+ weeks. Confirm realistic deadlines during initial consultation.

Do I need a certified professional for upholstery work?

Upholstery is an unregulated service requiring no mandatory certification, but choosing experienced, trade-body-affiliated craftspeople ensures quality and accountability. Established local upholsterers with proven portfolios and customer references offer better protection than unknown operators. National chains and independent specialists both operate effectively; prioritise verifiable experience, insurance cover, and customer testimonials over credentials alone.