Why we don’t recommend Re-Upholstering Your La-Z-Boy recliner

One of the most common calls we receive is about re-upholstering furniture – especially La-Z-Boy recliners. We completely understand why. Many people grew up in a time when furniture was built to last generations, and re-upholstering was a normal, cost-effective way to extend its life.

However, in 2026, re-upholstering a recliner is no longer something we typically recommend. That doesn’t mean it never makes sense – but in most cases, the numbers, materials, and long-term results simply don’t add up the way people expect.

Let’s break down why.

Why isn’t it recommended?

Upholstery Is Becoming a Lost Art

Upholstery is a highly specialized trade. It takes years – often decades – to master. Unlike many other trades, it’s an industry that fewer young professionals are entering, which means skilled upholsterers are increasingly rare.

This isn’t a bad thing – it actually highlights how valuable and impressive the skill set is – but it does mean higher costs, longer wait times, and fewer reputable options.

1. Labour Costs Add Up Quickly

Proper upholstery work is truly an art form. A skilled upholsterer must disassemble the furniture, remove old fabric, inspect and repair padding, rebuild seams, stretch fabric evenly, and reassemble the piece so it looks and functions correctly.

Because of this expertise, labour rates are understandably high.

• Typical upholstery labour rates: starting around $160 per hour
• Time required for a recliner: often 6–10+ hours, depending on size and complexity

Recliners are particularly labour-intensive due to their moving parts, internal mechanisms, and multiple fabric panels. Unlike a simple dining chair, there’s very little “easy” work involved.

2. Upholstery Fabric Is More Expensive Than Most People Expect

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is:

“I’ll just pick out a fabric I like and recover it.”

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.

Recliners require performance-grade upholstery fabric – fabric designed to withstand friction, stretching, movement, and daily use. Decorative fabrics or basic cottons simply won’t hold up. Click here to view some options we found on a local Canadian fabric store – Fabricana. La-Z-Boy Vancouver offers fabric by the yard stating at $109.

Here are some costs broken down on the lower end of cost for upholstery fabric:

• Quality upholstery fabric: typically starts around $70 per yard
• Fabric needed for a small recliner: approximately 6–8 yards
• Larger recliners: require even more

That puts fabric costs alone in the $420–$560+ range, before a single hour of labour is added.

At this point, the cost of fabric alone can equal – or exceed – the price of a brand-new fabric recliner.

3. When You Add It All Up…

Let’s do some very rough math:

• Fabric: $560
• Labour (6–8 hours at $160/hr): $960–$1,280
• Total estimated cost: $1,520–$1,840+

For many clients, this comes as a surprise. In fact, for the same price, you could often purchase one – or even two – new recliners with updated materials, modern cushioning, and a fresh warranty.

When Would We Recommend Re-Upholstering?

While we generally don’t recommend re-upholstering La-Z-Boy recliners, there are situations where it makes sense.

Sentimental or Heirloom Pieces

Furniture can hold deep emotional value. Families are raised on furniture. If a chair has been passed down, holds memories, or simply has a special place in your heart, the decision becomes less about cost and more about meaning.

In those cases, exploring re-upholstery can be worthwhile – especially if you understand the investment involved and are comfortable with it.

Truly High-Quality, Custom Furniture

If a piece was originally handcrafted, built with solid hardwood frames, premium springs, and top-tier construction, re-upholstery may help preserve something that would be difficult (or impossible) to replace today.

Our Honest Recommendation

For most people, re-upholstering a La-Z-Boy recliner simply isn’t the best value. Between rising labour costs, expensive fabric, and the limitations of older internal components, purchasing a new recliner often delivers better comfort, longevity, and peace of mind.

We do not offer re-upholstery services; you would have to scour the internet and find someone local to your area. That said, we’re always happy to walk through your specific situation, answer questions, and help you decide what makes the most sense – for your budget, your home, and your lifestyle.

If you’re ever unsure, give us a call. Sometimes the best advice is simply knowing your options.