Sofa Seat  Cushion Replacement Service Guide

o3 / AI Assistant

01/10/25, 16:19

* This article may contain content generated by AI and may include errors. Learn more

Inspect sofa, measure covers and note foam grade, density and fire‑safety labels.
Remove old cushion cores, photograph condition and dispose of or bag for recycling.
Supply new cut‑to‑size high‑density foam with dacron wrap (or feathers/fibre as specified); allow to decompress.
Fit cores into existing covers, steam or smooth for wrinkle‑free finish, and check seam stress.
Re-seat cushions, level the sofa and test support under full body weight.
Add optional extras: new zip sliders, anti‑slip underlays, replacement cambric liners.
Tidy work area, bag off‑cuts, issue fire‑retardancy and waste‑transfer notes.

Charge type	Low £	High £	Notes
Call‑out / minimum	£40	£60	Typical handyperson or upholsterer first‑hour fee Checkatrade
Labour per hour	£35	£55	Upholsterer average ≈ £40/hr; London & complex jobs trend higher Checkatrade
Materials	£60	£240	New foam cores £60 – £120 per cushion (size‑dependent) Putnams
Disposal	£0	£20	Old foam & plastic wrap, local tip fees
Extras (e.g. new covers, courier collection)	£20	£150	Fabric slip‑covers, express turnaround, stair carry
TOTAL (most jobs come in here)	£180	£550	2‑ to 4‑cushion sofas, standard foam grades

30 minutes – 2 hours if work is done in your home.
Add time for in‑workshop refills, courier transit, or if fixed cushions need un‑stitching and re‑sewing.

Which foam grade or filling do you recommend for my weight and seating style?
Will you match or exceed current fire‑retardancy labels (BS 5852 / Crib 5)?
Is the quote per cushion or whole job, and does it include call‑out and VAT?
Do you steam‑treat or replace cambric liners to prevent future dust escape?
How will you dispose of the old foam and provide proof of lawful waste handling?
What warranty do you give on compression‑set (sagging) or seam failure?
Can you supply reference photos of similar cushion‑refill work?

Measure doorways and clear a 2 m workspace before the technician arrives.
Reserve parking close to the entrance; many vans need a 2 m height bay.
Confirm whether cushions are zip‑off; sewn‑in covers cost extra to open and close.
Tell the trade about any downstairs-only access rules or lift bookings.
Check lead times if foam must acclimatise or off‑gas before first use.