How Much Does Furniture Reupholstery Cost in Montreal? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Real price ranges from Atlas Upholstering — Montreal's upholstery studio since 1967. Updated March 2026.
Why reupholstering is often smarter than buying new
When your sofa starts looking tired or your dining chairs show their age, the instinct is often to replace them. But for most quality-built furniture, reupholstering — or rembourrage in French — is a smarter choice. Here's why:
- Better build quality at the same cost. A solid hardwood frame reupholstered in premium fabric typically outperforms a new piece at the same price point.
- Sustainability. Reupholstering extends a piece's life by 10–20 years, keeping it out of landfill.
- Sentimental value. Heirloom pieces, antique chairs, and custom pieces often can't be replaced — only restored.
- Perfect customization. You choose the exact fabric, colour, and finish — something off-the-shelf can't offer.
The key question is always: how much does it actually cost? Here are real 2026 price ranges from our Montreal studio.
Montreal Upholstery Pricing Guide — 2026
These are typical ranges from Atlas Upholstering. Final pricing depends on fabric choice, foam condition, frame repair needs, and complexity of the piece.
| Piece | Price Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dining chair | $80 – $150 | Per chair; sets discounted |
| Armchair / accent chair | $250 – $500 | Fabric and complexity vary |
| Loveseat (2-seat) | $400 – $700 | Includes new foam if needed |
| Sofa / couch (3-seat) | $600 – $1,200 | Most common project type |
| Sectional sofa | $900 – $2,000+ | Depends on # of sections |
| Headboard (twin/double) | $200 – $400 | Fabric and tufting affect cost |
| Headboard (queen/king) | $350 – $600 | Custom-built to size |
| Custom banquette | $150 – $300 / linear ft | Commercial or residential |
| Outdoor cushions | $60 – $150 | Per cushion; weather-resistant |
Prices are approximate ranges in Canadian dollars. All projects include a free on-site or photo-based estimate. Fabric costs may be additional depending on selection.
What affects the cost of reupholstering furniture?
Several factors influence the final price of any upholstery project:
1. Fabric choice
Fabric is often the single biggest variable in upholstery pricing. A basic performance fabric may cost $20–$40/yard, while premium Italian velvet or full-grain leather can cost $60–$150+/yard. A sofa typically requires 12–18 yards. Choosing a pattern that requires matching adds to yardage and labour.
2. Foam replacement
If the existing foam is flat, crumbled, or less than 1.8 lb/ft³ density, we recommend replacing it. High-resilience foam adds $50–$200+ to most projects, depending on seat count and cushion size — but it's what makes furniture feel new for another decade.
3. Frame repair
A wobbly frame, broken corner block, or cracked rail should be repaired before reupholstering. Frame repairs typically add $50–$200 depending on severity. We identify frame issues during our initial assessment and always quote any repairs separately and transparently.
4. Design complexity
Button tufting, channel tufting, curved arms, pleated skirts, nailhead trim, and piping all add labour time and cost. A straightforward tight-back sofa is simpler — and less expensive — to reupholster than a tufted Chesterfield or a channel-back chair.
5. Number of pieces
Sets of dining chairs are typically priced at a per-chair rate that decreases with quantity. Similarly, commercial banquette projects and multi-room jobs benefit from volume pricing.
Is it worth reupholstering? When to reupholster vs. buy new
Reupholster when:
- The frame is solid hardwood — it will outlast the new fabric
- The piece is sentimental or irreplaceable
- You want a specific custom fabric or colour not available off-the-shelf
- The replacement cost of a similar quality piece would be significantly higher
- The piece is an antique, mid-century modern, or high-quality design
Consider buying new when:
- The frame is particle board, MDF, or structurally compromised beyond repair
- The piece is a mass-market item originally under $400 — reupholstery cost may exceed replacement
- You want a fundamentally different size, profile, or style
Our team is always honest about the economics. If we don't think reupholstering is the right call for your piece, we'll tell you.
French upholstery terms
Many Montreal residents search in French for upholstery services. Common terms include:
- Rembourrage — upholstery / the act of upholstering
- Retapisser — to reupholster furniture
- Rembourrer — to pad or stuff with foam/batting
- Tissu de rembourrage — upholstery fabric
- Mousse haute densité — high-density foam
- Tête de lit rembourrée — upholstered headboard
- Banquette sur mesure — custom banquette
Atlas Upholstering serves all of Montreal. Whether you're looking for rembourrage à Montréal or upholstery services, we're here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reupholster a sofa in Montreal?
Reupholstering a standard three-seat sofa in Montreal typically ranges from $600 to $1,200 CAD. The price depends on the fabric you choose, whether foam replacement is needed, and the complexity of the sofa's design. Contact Atlas for a free, no-obligation estimate based on your specific piece.
Is reupholstering cheaper than buying new furniture?
For quality-built pieces, often yes. A solid hardwood frame with new upholstery typically provides better durability and more customization than comparable new furniture at the same price. Reupholstering is also more sustainable. For mass-market furniture with weak frames, replacement may make more sense.
How long does reupholstering take?
Most residential reupholstery projects take 2–4 weeks from fabric confirmation. Dining chair sets are often completed in 1–2 weeks. Custom projects like banquettes or headboards may take 3–6 weeks depending on scope. We'll give you a realistic timeline at the time of estimate.
Get an accurate estimate from Atlas
The best way to get an accurate upholstery cost in Montreal is to send us photos of your piece and a brief description. We respond within 24 hours with a preliminary range, and we're happy to have you bring the piece in for a hands-on assessment before committing to anything.
Atlas Upholstering has been reupholstering furniture in Montreal since 1967. Our team brings decades of experience and genuine pride in craftsmanship to every project — from a single dining chair to a full restaurant banquette installation.