The economics of reupholstery depend on three factors: the original quality of the piece, the extent of the work needed, and the cost of replacement. A premium task chair that cost $1,200 new might cost $400-600 to reupholster — a clear win. A mid-range chair that cost $450 new might cost $300 to reupholster — at that point, it's often smarter to buy new and get a fresh warranty.

Reupholstery typically includes new fabric, new foam (seat and back), and cleaning/refinishing the frame. For conference seating and lounge furniture, labor costs are higher because the upholstery patterns are more complex. Panel fabric (cubicle walls) is one of the most cost-effective items to reupholster — it's relatively simple work that dramatically refreshes the look of a space.

There's also a sustainability angle that many corporate buyers now factor into the decision. Reupholstering keeps furniture out of landfills and avoids the carbon footprint of manufacturing and shipping new product. For companies with ESG commitments or LEED-certified spaces, reupholstery can contribute to sustainability reporting.

What to Ask a Reupholstery Shop

Before committing, ask for a condition assessment — any reputable shop will inspect the frame, mechanism, and foam before quoting. Ask about fabric options (COM, or customer's own material, is always an option), turnaround time (typically 2-4 weeks per batch), and whether they offer on-site pickup/delivery. For large orders (20+ pieces), negotiate volume pricing — most shops will discount 10-15% on bulk work.