What Is Sofa Reupholstery and Why Consider It?
Sofa reupholstery is the process of completely stripping and replacing the fabric, leather, or covering on your existing sofa frame. Unlike a loose cover or slipcover, reupholstery involves removing the old material down to the bare frame, repairing or replacing internal foam and padding, then fitting new fabric that is cut, sewn, and stapled to match the sofa's original shape — or a new shape entirely if you want to modernise the design.
In Singapore, where a quality 3-seater sofa costs $3,000 to $8,000 new, reupholstery offers a practical alternative at $800 to $2,500 — saving you 50-70% while keeping a frame that may be stronger than anything available in stores today. Older sofas from brands like Baxter, King Living, or even well-made local pieces often use kiln-dried hardwood frames built to last decades. The fabric wears out long before the structure does.
Singapore's tropical climate accelerates fabric wear. High humidity causes mould and mildew in natural fabrics. Air conditioning creates moisture fluctuations that dry out and crack leather. UV exposure through floor-to-ceiling condo windows fades colours within 2-3 years. Reupholstering lets you upgrade to materials specifically engineered for these conditions — something your original sofa may not have been built with. If your sofa is leather, our leather repair service can also restore worn or cracked leather without full reupholstery.
Our Sofa Reupholstery Process — From Photo to Delivery
Every job follows the same structured process so there are no surprises. Here is exactly what happens when you engage us for sofa reupholstery.
WhatsApp Us a Photo
Send us photos of your sofa from multiple angles via WhatsApp at 9669 3006. Include close-ups of any damaged areas — tears, stains, sagging cushions, or worn armrests. We assess the photos and reply with a preliminary quote within 2 hours during business hours.
Free On-Site Assessment
For larger pieces or complex jobs, we visit your home to inspect the frame condition, measure dimensions, and discuss fabric options. We bring sample swatches so you can see and feel materials in your actual living space. This assessment is free with no obligation.
Fabric Selection — 500+ Options
Choose from our catalogue of over 500 fabrics and leathers. Options range from durable polyester and performance fabrics to premium Italian leather, linen blends, and Sunbrella outdoor-rated textiles. We advise on which materials suit your usage — homes with children and pets need different fabrics than a rarely-used formal living room.
Pickup — We Come to You
Our logistics team collects your sofa from your home. We handle all the heavy lifting, door protection, and transport. Pickup is free island-wide — whether you are in Jurong, Tampines, Woodlands, or Sentosa Cove.
Workshop Restoration
At our workshop, we strip the sofa down to the bare frame. We inspect every joint, spring, and structural component. Worn-out foam is replaced with high-density cushioning. Broken springs are repaired. Webbing is re-tensioned. Then the new fabric is precision-cut, sewn, and fitted. Every panel is pattern-matched and every seam is double-stitched for longevity.
Quality Check and Delivery
Before delivery, we photograph the completed sofa and send it to you for approval. Once confirmed, we deliver and position the sofa back in your home. We ensure everything is perfect before we leave. The entire process takes 10-14 working days for standard jobs.
Types of Sofas We Reupholster
We work with every sofa style found in Singapore homes and commercial spaces. No design is too complex for our workshop.
2-Seater and 3-Seater Sofas
The most common request. Standard fixed-back and cushion-back designs in any fabric or leather. From $800 for a 2-seater, $1,200 for a 3-seater.
L-Shaped and Sectional Sofas
Multi-section pieces that require precise pattern alignment across joins. We ensure fabric patterns flow continuously across the chaise and main section. From $1,500.
Chesterfield and Tufted Sofas
Button-tufted and deep-diamond patterns require specialist skills. We hand-tuft every button point and restore the distinctive rolled arms and nail-head trim. From $1,800.
Recliner Sofas
Manual and motorised recliners need the upholstery fitted around moving mechanisms without restricting function. We test every reclining position before delivery. From $1,500.
Modular and Custom Sofas
Configurable modular systems from Minotti, B&B Italia, or local custom builds. Each module is reupholstered individually and tested as a complete unit. Priced per module.
Sofa Beds
Sofa beds require the upholstery to accommodate the fold-out mechanism. We ensure smooth operation after refitting and replace mattress toppers if requested. From $1,200.
Materials and Fabrics for Singapore's Climate
Choosing the right fabric is the most important decision in sofa reupholstery. Singapore's tropical climate — UV index consistently above 10, humidity averaging 80%, and heavy air conditioning use — demands materials that perform under these conditions. Here is what we recommend.
| Material | Best For | Durability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance Polyester | Families, pets, heavy daily use | 50,000+ rub cycles | $$ — from $800 |
| Sunbrella Indoor/Outdoor | Balcony sofas, sun-facing rooms. Also ideal for outdoor cushions | UV resistant, mould proof | $$$ — from $1,200 |
| Genuine Leather | Executive, formal living rooms | 15-25 years with conditioning | $$$$ — from $2,000 |
| Faux Leather (PU) | Modern look, easier maintenance | 5-8 years | $$ — from $900 |
| Linen Blend | Casual, Scandinavian style | Moderate — needs care | $$ — from $1,000 |
| Velvet | Luxe, statement pieces | Good — avoid direct sun | $$$ — from $1,400 |
We always recommend testing a fabric swatch in your actual space for 24 hours before committing. See how it looks under your lighting, feel the texture, and check how it responds to your air conditioning. We provide free swatches of any material in our catalogue.
Sofa Reupholstery Pricing in Singapore
Our pricing is transparent. Every quote is fixed — no hidden charges for transport, foam, or labour. Here is what standard sofa reupholstery costs in Singapore.
| Sofa Type | Fabric | Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Armchair / Tub Chair | $400 — $700 | $600 — $1,000 |
| 2-Seater | $800 — $1,200 | $1,200 — $1,800 |
| 3-Seater | $1,200 — $1,800 | $1,800 — $2,500 |
| L-Shaped / Sectional | $1,500 — $2,800 | $2,200 — $3,500 |
| Chesterfield | $1,800 — $2,500 | $2,500 — $3,500 |
| Dining Chair (per chair) | $80 — $150 | $120 — $200 |
Prices include: free pickup and delivery, foam replacement (if needed), fabric, labour, and a post-delivery inspection. No hidden costs. For a full breakdown of all our services, visit our pricing guide.
Compare to replacement: a mid-range 3-seater from a Singapore furniture store costs $3,000 to $5,000. A designer piece runs $8,000 to $15,000. Reupholstery delivers the same result at a fraction of the cost — and you keep the frame you already know is comfortable.
Why Singapore Homeowners Choose Lion City Canvas
- 500+ Fabric and Leather Options — the widest selection from any Singapore upholstery workshop. Performance fabrics, Sunbrella, Italian leather, and budget-friendly options all available.
- Free Island-Wide Pickup and Delivery — from Jurong to Changi, Woodlands to Sentosa. No transport surcharge regardless of location.
- 10-14 Day Turnaround — faster than most Singapore workshops. Rush service available for time-sensitive projects.
- Transparent Fixed Pricing — your quote is your final price. No surprise charges for foam, labour, or materials.
- Full Structural Inspection — we do not just replace fabric. We check the frame, springs, webbing, and foam, and repair anything that needs attention.
- WhatsApp-First Communication — send photos, receive quotes, approve fabrics, and track progress all via WhatsApp. No need to visit a showroom unless you want to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Free Sofa Reupholstery Quote
WhatsApp us a photo of your sofa — we reply with a quote within 2 hours. Free assessment, no obligation, fixed pricing.