Reupholstering a sofa: cost in 2026 and is it worth it?

indekscen.pl editorial team · published 30 September 2026 · prices according to the 5 October 2026 index

Having a two-seater sofa reupholstered by an upholsterer most often costs PLN 1,300 (typically PLN 1,200 ‑ 1,400), including fabric and labour. The cheapest offers start at PLN 800, while leather, a large sofa or spring replacement can bring the bill to PLN 2,000 or more. Transporting the furniture to the workshop costs extra.

An old sofa with a comfortable, solid frame often presents a dilemma: have it reupholstered or buy a new one. The answer depends on the cost of reupholstery, the condition of the structure and the material you choose. We collected prices from upholsterers’ public price lists and articles, compared them with cheaper ways to refresh the furniture and explained what is usually excluded from the initial quote.

How much does it cost to reupholster a sofa?

Having a two-seater sofa reupholstered most often costs PLN 1,300, with half of the prices falling within PLN 1,200 ‑ 1,400, according to 6 price lists and articles collected by indekscen.pl. This price includes upholstery fabric and labour: removing the old covering, preparing the new one and stretching it over the frame. The cheapest offers start at PLN 800, while the most expensive reach PLN 2,000.

The replacement of springs and filling, if they prove worn, is usually charged separately, as is transporting the furniture to and from the workshop. Details, quotations from price lists and source dates are available on the sofa reupholstery (upholsterer) page.

How does the material affect the cost of having a sofa reupholstered?

Reupholstering a sofa in synthetic fabric is the cheapest option and usually falls within the lower part of the PLN 1,200 ‑ 1,400 range. Velvet and easy-clean fabrics increase the price, while genuine leather is the most expensive and pushes the quote towards PLN 2,000 or higher. We do not have separate medians for each material, so the table shows where each choice usually falls within the range:

Upholstery material	Position within the range	Notes
Plain synthetic fabric	from PLN 800, lower end	cheapest and easy to sew
Velvet, chenille, easy-clean fabrics	around PLN 1,300	more expensive per metre, better durability
Faux leather	usually between fabric and leather	cheaper than leather, but sometimes less durable
Genuine leather	from the upper end, up to PLN 2,000 or more	the most expensive material and more difficult to work with

When choosing fabric, ask about abrasion resistance. For a sofa used every day, especially in a home with children and pets, it is better to choose a highly durable material than the cheapest available option.

How much does it cost to reupholster a corner sofa or 3‑seater sofa?

Reupholstering a corner sofa or 3‑seater sofa costs considerably more than a two-seater sofa, for which the median is PLN 1,300. A corner sofa requires much more material, has more cushions and seams, and takes longer to complete. We do not have a separate median for corner sofas in the index. Upholsterers price them individually, and large models made with more expensive fabrics can cost several times as much as a small sofa. Ask for a quote based on photographs and measurements before taking the furniture to the workshop.

Is it worth reupholstering a sofa?

Reupholstering a sofa is usually worthwhile when the furniture has a solid wooden frame and good springs, and a new sofa of similar quality would cost more than reupholstery, namely PLN 1,200 ‑ 1,400. It is not worthwhile for cheap particleboard furniture, furniture with a cracked frame or when all the filling needs replacing, as the cost approaches the price of a new sofa.

When reupholstery makes sense:

1. The frame is wooden and stable, with no creaking or cracks.
2. The sofa has unusual dimensions or fits an alcove and is difficult to replace.
3. The furniture has sentimental value or is stylish, for example from the 60s or 70s.
4. A new sofa of this quality is expensive, while a cheap one will not last as long as the old frame.

When it is better to buy a new one: the frame is made of particleboard, the springs are broken throughout the seat, or the foam is disintegrating across the entire surface.

Could upholstery cleaning be enough instead?

Upholstery cleaning is enough when the material is intact and the problem is stains, odour or a dull, grey appearance. upholstery cleaning for a two-seater sofa costs around PLN 220, and around PLN 285 for a large corner sofa, several times less than new upholstery. Reupholstery is needed when the fabric is worn, torn, faded or simply does not suit the new interior.

Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

How much does it cost to reupholster a 160x200 bed?

The index does not have a separate median for bed reupholstery, but renovating an upholstered bed costs around PLN 700 according to price lists. The price depends on whether the upholsterer covers only the headboard or the entire frame, as well as on the chosen fabric. A 160x200 bed with a tall, button-tufted headboard requires more material and labour than a simple model. We have collected prices for renovating other furniture, from chairs to wardrobes, in the article furniture renovation: price list.

What affects the cost of reupholstering a sofa?

The cost of reupholstering a sofa depends primarily on its size and the material. Other factors listed in upholsterers’ price lists include:

• Size: a two-seater sofa is cheaper than a 3‑seater or corner sofa.
• Material: synthetic fabric is the cheapest, velvet is more expensive and genuine leather is the most expensive.
• Condition of the structure: replacing springs, webbing or foam is charged separately.
• City: prices in Warsaw and Wrocław can be higher than in smaller localities.
• Workshop: reputable workshops with long waiting lists charge more.

How is a sofa reupholstered step by step?

Reupholstering a sofa involves several stages, and the final price within the PLN 1,200 ‑ 1,400 range depends on how many of them are required:

1. Inspection and quote. The upholsterer examines the furniture or photographs, measures it and helps select the fabric.
2. Removing the old upholstery. Only then can the condition of the frame, webbing, springs and foam be assessed.
3. Repairing the interior if necessary. Replacing foam, springs or webbing costs extra, so it is worth asking about this before agreeing to the work.
4. Cutting and sewing. The new material is cut using the old pieces as templates, and the cushions and sides are sewn anew.
5. Stretching and finishing. The fabric is attached to the frame, then the upholsterer refits the legs, underside and cushions.

The third stage is the most common reason for a higher bill, so it is worth asking the upholsterer to call and send photographs after removing the old upholstery.

Can you reupholster a sofa yourself?

Reupholstering a sofa yourself is possible with simple models that have flat surfaces, but it requires an upholstery stapler, patience and precise cutting. You save on labour and pay only for the material. Sofas with button tufting, decorative seams, rounded sides or leather upholstery are best left to an upholsterer, as wasted material and corrections can cost more than the professional’s labour, which forms part of PLN 1,200 ‑ 1,400.

How can you avoid overpaying an upholsterer?

• Send photographs and measurements to several workshops and ask for a quote that separates material and labour costs.
• Ask about the condition of the interior. After removing the upholstery, a good upholsterer will tell you whether the springs and foam need replacing before charging extra.
• Compare fabric prices in the upholsterer’s catalogue and at an upholstery fabric shop.
• Agree on transport. Transporting the furniture usually costs PLN 145 ‑ 220 each way, as explained in more detail in the article furniture transport: price list.
• Ask about the completion date and warranty for the seams and fabric tension.

„Koszt obicia kanapy nowym materiałem w niewielkiej miejscowości na Śląsku opiewa na 1430 zł”

czasnawnetrze.pl, 2025-05, source

„Standardowa dwuosobowa kanapa to wydatek rzędu 1100-1300 zł.”

tkaniny-meblowe.pl, source

„Renowacja kanapy (2-osobowej) | od 1200 zł”

tapicer.com.pl (Zielona Góra), source

„Za tapicerowanie kanapy zapłacimy około 900 zł/szt..”

zleca.pl, source

Prices for other carpentry and upholstery services are available in the crafts and furniture category, while details of sofa reupholstery are available on the sofa reupholstery (upholsterer) page.

The prices in this article come from upholsterers’ public price lists and articles about furniture. Each price has a source, date and verbatim quotation on the service page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to reupholster a sofa?

Wymiana obicia dwuosobowej kanapy kosztuje zwykle PLN 1,200 ‑ 1,400 razem z nowym materiałem. Gdy tapicer musi wymienić też sprężyny lub pianki, doliczy je osobno.

How long does it take an upholsterer to reupholster a sofa?

Sama praca przy obiciu kanapy zajmuje tapicerowi zwykle od dwóch do kilku dni, ale na wolny termin w warsztacie czeka się często od tygodnia do kilku tygodni. Termin warto ustalić razem z wyceną.

How much does it cost to transport a sofa to an upholsterer?

Transport pojedynczego mebla kosztuje zwykle PLN 145 ‑ 220 w jedną stronę. Część tapicerów ma własny transport, więc zapytaj, czy odbiór i dowóz są w cenie.

Can an upholsterer reupholster a sofa using my own fabric?

Wielu tapicerów przyjmuje materiał klienta i liczy wtedy głównie robociznę. Kupując tkaninę samemu, zapytaj tapicera o potrzebny metraż i odporność na ścieranie, bo za mało materiału to drugi zakup i opóźnienie.

Translation of the original Polish article dated 30 September 2026. Quotations from price lists are in Polish, as published by the companies. Read the original in Polish.

Found an error? Report it. Do you provide these services? Add your company's price list free of charge.