GUIDE
How Much Does Reupholstery Cost in Singapore?
Published April 2026 · 9 min read
Reupholstery in Singapore costs between $80 and $3,500, depending on the furniture type, size, and fabric choice. A standard 3-seater sofa reupholstery runs $1,200 to $2,500 with fabric, while dining chairs cost $80 to $200 per chair. These prices are typically 50-70% less than buying equivalent new furniture — making reupholstery one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your home in Singapore.
If you are sitting on a worn-out sofa or staring at faded dining chairs, the natural question is whether to repair or replace. In Singapore, where a decent quality sofa costs $3,000 to $8,000 new and a set of six dining chairs runs $1,200 to $3,000, reupholstery makes financial sense for any furniture with a solid frame. This guide breaks down exactly what you will pay in 2026, what affects the price, and when reupholstery is — and is not — worth the investment.
Complete Reupholstery Price List — Singapore 2026
The table below shows current reupholstery prices across all common furniture types in Singapore. Prices include labour, fabric or leather, foam replacement where needed, and free island-wide pickup and delivery.
| Furniture Type | Fabric Price (SGD) | Leather Price (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Chair (seat only) | $80 — $120 | $100 — $150 |
| Dining Chair (seat + back) | $120 — $200 | $150 — $250 |
| Armchair / Tub Chair | $400 — $700 | $600 — $1,000 |
| 2-Seater Sofa | $800 — $1,200 | $1,200 — $1,800 |
| 3-Seater Sofa | $1,200 — $1,800 | $1,800 — $2,500 |
| L-Shaped / Sectional Sofa | $1,500 — $2,800 | $2,200 — $3,500 |
| Chesterfield / Tufted Sofa | $1,800 — $2,500 | $2,500 — $3,500 |
| Recliner Sofa | $1,500 — $2,200 | $2,000 — $3,000 |
| Office Chair | $150 — $350 | $250 — $500 |
| Ottoman / Footstool | $150 — $300 | $200 — $400 |
These prices reflect the Singapore market as of April 2026 and are based on standard complexity. Highly ornate pieces, antique restoration, or imported designer fabrics may cost more. For an exact quote, WhatsApp us a photo — we reply within 2 hours.
What Affects Reupholstery Cost in Singapore?
No two reupholstery jobs cost exactly the same. Here are the five main factors that move the price up or down.
1. Furniture Size and Complexity
A simple dining chair seat pad requires 0.5 metres of fabric and 30 minutes of labour. A tufted chesterfield sofa needs 15 metres of fabric and several days of skilled handwork. Size directly correlates with material consumption and labour hours. L-shaped and sectional sofas cost more than straight 3-seaters because of the additional sections and the need to pattern-match across joins.
2. Fabric vs Leather Choice
Material is the single biggest variable in reupholstery pricing. A basic polyester fabric costs $15-$25 per metre. Performance fabrics like Sunbrella run $35-$55 per metre. Genuine leather ranges from $80-$200 per square metre depending on grade. For a 3-seater sofa requiring approximately 12-15 metres of fabric, the material cost difference between budget polyester and premium Sunbrella can be $300-$500.
3. Foam and Padding Condition
If the existing cushion foam is still firm and resilient, it can be retained — saving on replacement costs. However, most sofas older than 7-8 years have foam that has compressed, yellowed, or started to crumble. High-density replacement foam costs $50-$150 per cushion depending on size and density grade. At Lion City Canvas, foam replacement is included in the quoted price when needed — no hidden surcharge.
4. Structural Repairs
When the frame is stripped bare during reupholstery, any structural issues become visible. Loose joints, cracked rails, broken springs, or worn webbing all need attention. Minor repairs — re-gluing joints, replacing a few springs — are typically included in the standard quote. Major structural work like replacing broken frame members or rebuilding a recliner mechanism may add $100-$300 to the total.
5. Design Complexity
Button-tufted designs, piped edges, decorative nail heads, pleated skirts, and channelled backs all require more time and skill than flat-panel upholstery. A straight-line modern sofa is simpler to upholster than a Victorian wingback with rolled arms, button tufting, and brass nail trim. Each decorative detail adds labour time and therefore cost.
Reupholstery vs Buying New — Cost Comparison
The table below compares what you would pay to reupholster versus replace common furniture items in Singapore. Replacement prices reflect mid-range retail — not budget flat-pack or luxury designer ranges.
| Furniture | Reupholstery Cost | New Purchase Cost | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Seater Sofa (fabric) | $1,200 — $1,800 | $3,000 — $5,000 | 50-65% |
| 3-Seater Sofa (leather) | $1,800 — $2,500 | $5,000 — $10,000 | 60-75% |
| L-Shaped Sofa (fabric) | $1,500 — $2,800 | $4,000 — $8,000 | 55-70% |
| Set of 6 Dining Chairs | $480 — $1,200 | $1,200 — $3,000 | 50-60% |
| Armchair | $400 — $700 | $1,000 — $2,500 | 60-72% |
| Chesterfield | $1,800 — $2,500 | $5,000 — $12,000 | 64-79% |
Beyond the dollar savings, reupholstery offers advantages that buying new cannot match. You keep a frame you already know is comfortable and fits your space. Older furniture frames — especially pre-2010 pieces from quality makers — are typically built with kiln-dried hardwood and traditional joinery that outlasts modern mass-produced frames. You also eliminate the environmental cost of disposing a large sofa and manufacturing a replacement.
Leather vs Fabric Reupholstery — Which Costs More?
Leather reupholstery consistently costs 40-60% more than fabric for the same piece of furniture. The premium comes from three factors: raw material cost (genuine leather is $80-$200 per square metre versus $15-$55 per metre for fabric), wastage (leather hides have natural imperfections that must be cut around, increasing material consumption by 15-20%), and specialist skills (leather requires different tools, adhesives, and stitching techniques).
However, leather lasts significantly longer. A quality full-grain leather reupholstery job can last 15-25 years with proper conditioning in Singapore's climate. Fabric, even premium polyester, typically needs replacement every 7-12 years. When you calculate cost per year of use, the gap between leather and fabric narrows considerably.
For Singapore specifically, leather requires regular conditioning due to the alternating humidity and air conditioning environment. Budget $30-$50 per year for a good leather conditioner. Without it, leather dries out and cracks within 3-5 years. If this maintenance is not something you will commit to, performance fabric is the more practical choice.
When Reupholstery Is NOT Worth It
Reupholstery is not always the right answer. Here are situations where buying new makes more sense.
- Particleboard or MDF frame — if the frame is made from engineered wood rather than solid hardwood, it will not withstand the stress of stripping and re-covering. Budget sofas from flat-pack retailers often use these materials.
- Visible frame damage — extensive cracking, warping, or termite damage to the frame makes structural repair uneconomical. Minor joint issues are fine, but a fundamentally compromised frame is not worth recovering.
- Cost exceeds 60-70% of replacement — if the reupholstery quote approaches the cost of a new equivalent, the economics tip in favour of buying new. This typically happens with complex mechanisms (recliner sofas) or when premium materials are chosen.
- You want a different shape or size — reupholstery restores your furniture to its original dimensions. If you need a bigger sofa, a different configuration, or a completely different style, replacement is the only option.
How to Get the Best Price for Reupholstery in Singapore
There are practical ways to manage your reupholstery budget without sacrificing quality.
Choose performance polyester over natural fabrics. Performance polyester costs $15-$25 per metre, looks excellent, and lasts 7-10 years. Linen blends cost more and stain easily. Unless you specifically want the texture of natural fibre, polyester is the value leader.
Bundle multiple pieces. Most workshops, including Lion City Canvas, offer better per-piece pricing when you reupholster a sofa plus matching armchairs, or a full set of dining chairs. Ask about set pricing before committing to individual pieces.
Time your project during off-peak periods. January to March tends to be quieter for upholstery workshops in Singapore. Turnaround is faster and some shops offer modest discounts during slower months.
Consider Customer's Own Material (COM). If you source fabric independently — from JTC textile shops, online suppliers, or overseas — you pay only the labour cost for reupholstery. This can save 20-30% on the total, though you accept the risk if the fabric proves unsuitable.
What the Reupholstery Process Involves
Understanding the process helps explain why reupholstery costs what it does. It is not just wrapping new fabric over old — it is a complete restoration.
The upholsterer begins by stripping the furniture down to the bare frame, removing all existing fabric, staples, foam, and padding. The frame is then inspected for structural integrity. Loose joints are re-glued, broken springs are replaced, and webbing is re-tensioned or replaced. Fresh high-density foam is cut to the exact cushion dimensions. New fabric is precision-cut, sewn, and fitted to the frame — panel by panel, ensuring every seam is aligned and every surface is smooth and taut.
For a standard 3-seater sofa, this process takes 3-5 days of workshop time. When you factor in pickup logistics, fabric sourcing, and delivery, the total turnaround is 10-14 working days. The labour intensity — typically 15-25 hours of skilled handwork for a sofa — explains why reupholstery cannot be done cheaply without cutting corners.
Singapore-Specific Considerations
Singapore's tropical climate creates unique challenges that affect both material choice and long-term value.
UV damage through windows. Condos with floor-to-ceiling glass expose furniture to UV index levels of 10-14 year-round. Standard fabrics fade within 2-3 years. If your sofa faces a window, investing in UV-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella adds $200-$400 to the reupholstery cost but doubles or triples the fabric lifespan. The cost-per-year calculation favours the premium material.
Humidity and mould. Singapore's 80% average humidity encourages mould growth in natural fabrics, particularly in poorly ventilated areas behind cushions. Synthetic performance fabrics resist mould naturally. If you choose natural linen or cotton, factor in ongoing fabric protection spray costs of $20-$30 every 6 months.
Air conditioning and leather. The constant cycling between 80% outdoor humidity and 50-60% air-conditioned interiors stresses leather. This moisture fluctuation causes drying and cracking if the leather is not conditioned regularly. In Singapore, leather reupholstery is most cost-effective in air-conditioned rooms maintained at consistent temperatures.
Pet and family considerations. Singapore's compact living spaces mean sofas see heavy daily use. For households with young children or pets, crypton-type performance fabrics offer stain resistance and easy cleaning at a modest premium over standard polyester. The additional $100-$200 pays for itself in reduced cleaning costs and extended fabric life.
Getting a Quote
The fastest way to get an accurate reupholstery quote is to WhatsApp photos of your furniture to 9669 3006. Include multiple angles, close-ups of any damage, and measurements if possible. A preliminary quote is returned within 2 hours during business hours. For larger or complex pieces, a free on-site assessment is arranged at your convenience.
All quotes from Lion City Canvas are fixed prices — the number you see is the number you pay. Free island-wide pickup and delivery is included. No hidden charges for foam, labour, or transport. For a full breakdown of our pricing across all services, visit our pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Free Reupholstery Quote
WhatsApp us a photo of your furniture — we reply with a fixed-price quote within 2 hours. Free assessment, no obligation.