Upholstery Re‑covering Costs

Scope of Works

• Survey & item log – note fabric yardage, paint sheen, frame repairs, fire‑label status and access for removal/return.

• Strip‑down existing covers, webbing or varnish; repair / reglue frames and replace foams if agreed.

• Prep for finish – sand, degrease, fill and prime timber or MDF; apply stain‑blocking primer for dark woods.

• Upholster: cut new fabric, sew panels, fit with tacks or staple gun; add piping, buttons or stud trim.

• Paint / spray‑finish furniture pieces (or matching legs) with chosen colour; de‑nib between coats for a smooth surface.

• Protective top‑coat & Scotch‑guard where specified.

• Final QA, re‑assemble & site tidy, remove masking, polish hardware, issue care sheet, dispose of fabric/paint waste compliantly.
  

Typical Cost (inc. VAT)

Time on Site

• Small piece (dining chair + bedside table): ½ day.

• One armchair & dresser: 1–2 days (includes drying/curing between paint coats).

• Factors that extend time: complex buttoning, leather or velvet, multi‑colour schemes, repairs to sprung seats, humid weather that slows paint cure, or off‑site spraying requiring transport.
  

Questions to Ask Your Trade

1. Which fire‑retardant standards will the new fabric & foam meet?

2. Do you quote fabric/paint separately, and may I supply my own materials?

3. How will you manage ventilation and overspray—inside tent, workshop or off‑site booth?

4. Will you collect and return the furniture, and is transit insurance included?

5. How do you handle Persistent Organic Pollutant (POPs) rules for old upholstery waste?

6. What warranty do you give on seams, foams and paint adhesion?

7. Are parking / congestion fees or London ULEZ charges added to the invoice?
   

How to Avoid Surprises 

• Access & parking: reserve space for a long‑wheelbase van; note lifts and tight stairwells.

• Drying area: allocate a dust‑free, pet‑free zone for 24 h while paint or Scotch‑guard cures.

• Fabric lead‑times: special‑order or pattern‑matched materials can add 2–4 weeks.

• Colour samples: insist on a sprayed draw‑down or fabric swatch before sign‑off.

• POPs disposal paperwork: ask for the waste‑transfer note if foam or faux‑leather is removed.

• Ventilation & masking: protect adjacent rooms and arrange for occupants with asthma to be off‑site during spraying.

• Fixed‑price contract: list every piece, finish and accessory to stop “while‑you’re‑here” extras inflating the bill.