Is it better to reupholster or buy new? For simple pieces (like dining room chairs) a DIY reupholstery project may be a cost-effective way to get a new look. For larger, more complicated pieces, it is often more expensive to repair or reupholster a piece than to simply buy a new one.

Professional reupholstery services cost between $40 and $100 per hour of work. Small items like chairs and outdoor cushions can be finished in as little as a week, whereas larger furniture repairs can take up to a month. For the average chair or couch, you'll pay between $500 and $1,000 in labor alone.

Cotton. Cotton is an excellent choice for upholstery fabric, as it doesn't fade quickly and can withstand general wear and tear. The fabric is also one of the most affordable choices out there, and it offers supreme comfort.