How Much Does it Cost to Reupholster Car Seats?

When you open the car door and slide onto clean, smooth seats, it sets the tone for the rest of the ride. But if your upholstery—the fabric and cushioning on your seats—is stained, ripped or simply outdated, it may bring your entire driving experience down. If you reupholster car seats, you can transform your car's interior, making it more comfortable, stylish and personalized.

Considering reupholstering your vehicle? Here's everything you need to know.

Car upholstery is any area in the interior of your vehicle that has fabric. Most people think about the seats when they talk about upholstery. Seats often have the most wear and tear, and are the biggest portion of upholstery in your car. However, upholstery can also include the center console and headliners, the foam and fabric that's affixed to the roof of your vehicle.

While reupholstering can have a big impact on your vehicle's style, it also comes with a big price tag. In most cases, the average cost of reupholstering is about $250-$750 per seat. That's a big price range, but there are a lot of factors that go into the cost of reupholstering.

One of the first choices you'll make when you decide to reupholster is which material to use. There are three main categories of material for upholstering vehicles: leather, fabric and vinyl. The cost within each category varies, but in general, fabric is the most affordable option, while leather upholstery has the highest price point. Here are the pros, cons and the cost of each option.

While most people will call an upholstery shop when they need their seats repaired, it's possible to reupholster your car seats yourself. Reupholstering one seat will take 2-4 hours for someone with a solid DIY knowledge. Before starting, make sure you have plenty of time, and focus on just one seat at a time.

Reupholstering doesn't just replace the material that covers the seat. It can also involve replacing all of the cushioning beneath and may include spring repair. That makes it a more intensive process than it seems at first glance.

Here are the steps involved in reupholstering car seats:

1. Plan and purchase materials. Select your materials (cover material, cushioning, etc.) and order them. Be sure to keep an extra 10% on hand for off cuts.


2. Gather supplies. Make sure you have all your tools, including a sewing machine, wrench and scissors.


3. Remove the seat. Be sure to carefully detach any electronics. Place it on a workbench or clean work area. If your seat has airbags, heating or ventilation, be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.


4. Remove the upholstery from the seat frame. Start with the seat base, then move to the back. In most cases, a zipper will allow you to remove the upholstery.


5. Lay the upholstery out and number each section. Then, carefully separate each section at the seam.


6. Create patterns by tracing each section of upholstery on white paper. Cut out each pattern and place it on the new fabric or cushioning.


7. Cut the new materials. When cutting fabric, add 3/4 of an inch to the side to allow for material that will be in the seam.


8. Place the new materials. Stitch together the different pieces of fabric, vinyl or leather. Glue cushioning in place. Finally, pull the new cover material over the cushioning and secure it with clips or zippers.


9. Reattach to frame. Bolt the seat base, then the seat back on to the seat frame.


10. Reinstall the seat in the car.

Reupholstery is a good option when you need a significant repair or if you are looking for a dramatic change or if you have extensive damage to the upholstery throughout the vehicle.

Some car owners reupholster their vehicle to upgrade the style and put a personalized mark on their car or truck. If you're renovating a classic car, designing a race car or simply upgrading your Sunday cruiser, new upholstery can change the entire look and feel of your vehicle. Reupholstering is a good option when damage like fading, stains, tears or stinky scents are present throughout a vehicle, not just in certain spots.

Even if your automotive upholstery is torn, you may not need to reupholster. In general, alternatives like upholstery repair and seat replacements may save you time and money by addressing concerns without refinishing all the upholstery in your vehicle.

For tears, scratches and stains, small upholstery repairs can improve the appearance of your seats and prevent further damage. Just remember that these repairs will likely be noticeable if you look closely. If the damage is significant or you want a pristine finish, reach out to an upholsterer who offers repair work. For smaller jobs, it's possible to fix your upholstery yourself without much fuss.

Here are three common options for upholstery repair:

If you want to cover damage or change the look of your car's interior without spending lots of money, consider seat covers. These are removable, often washable covers that are fastened over your existing upholstery. A set of five seat covers can cost as little as $20, or as much as $320 or more for an upscale set.

Rather than reupholstering your seats, you can replace them entirely. This is less labor-intensive since it simply requires unbolting one seat and reinstalling the new seat. New seats run between $170-$500+ per seat. Second-hand seats are available online and from wreckers and offer a more cost-effective option than buying new ones. However, they may come with damage.

Once you've invested in reupholstered seats, you'll want to keep them looking new for as long as possible. Routine maintenance can help with that. Here's how to keep your upholstery looking great for years to come:

• Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming your car makes it look tidier and also keeps dirt, grime and scents from being pressed into your upholstery.


• Treat stains quickly. Stains are most often a problem for fabric upholstery. When you notice them, treat them immediately with an upholstery cleaner.


• Get the right cleaning supplies. Your go-to cleaning supplies will depend on what material you reupholstered with. For cloth seats, use a dry foam cleaner without much moisture to clean. For vinyl, use a damp cloth with a touch of cleaning solution. Leather seats need leather cleaner to look their best.


• Moisturize leather. Leather upholstery can become dry and cracked if it doesn't have enough moisture. To prevent that, apply leather conditioner regularly.


• Consider seat covers. Seat covers not only hide damage but can also prevent it from happening in the first place. They're particularly helpful for keeping messes from pets and kids. If you don't want to cover your seats all the time, consider keeping a blanket in the car for when you're riding with Fido.


• Minimize sun damage. The sun can fade upholstery and dry out leather. Park in the shade when you can and use a sunshade during the summer months.

New upholstery can transform your car, whether it's part of repairs or your way of putting a unique flair on the interior. Reupholstery can be expensive, but using the Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay by spreading the cost into manageable monthly payments. Apply now.