Consequently, in many cases, it costs more to reupholster and repair a recliner, than to replace, however, in some cases where you have a recliner that is of impeccable quality, of which the framework and rest of the parts are still in mint condition, the best option is rather to reupholster. Before proceeding with the reupholstering, assess if the cost of repair is just the same as buying a new one. Remember that, recliners have cardboards pieces on them which means a staple gun won’t be of much help. How To Reupholster A Recliner? After smoothing out the fabric, then you should start sewing the necessary places. Use an upholsery needle (curved needle) and button craft thread or any heavy weight thread like quilting or upholstery thread. Being different from other armchairs, just disassemble the recliner in small parts and reupholster each piece as described above the step to step guide and then reassemble it. 6. Note that, the ½ or 1 inch on the three sides are for folding while you glue and stitch. 3. The Model and Size of your current Recliner/Chair. How to Reupholster a Recliner. All of this can be reused when you reupholster. I had that in mind when we started, and then I realized about 5 pictures in that it is a much more detailed process than the space of one tutorial post would allow. Reupholster your couch without removing the old fabric with this simple method! After it dries, trim away any loose fibers around the edges of the tear. Thirdly, glue the repair patch to the underneath side of the leather rip by using a large needle or toothpick. It’s a super easy, budget-friendly way to recover a recliner sofa, and can be done in a single afternoon! However, before you start the process of transforming your leather recliner chair or leather sofa, you need to have the necessary materials and tools ready. A recliner is not the best thing to use as your very first DIY upholstery project. Use a power drill and a square drill bit to remove the metal frame that holds the recliners pieces together. Start to rip the seat cushions at the seams, removing the fabric from all the parts of the recliner. Remove the arms using a flat blade screw driver. How to Reupholster a Couch (Without Removing the Old Fabric!) Heavy Duty upholstery or quilting thread. 1. Generally, you either visit a reupholstered, or email them a picture of your recliner, and they will email you back estimates on labor and some fabric options. Remove the lever under the recliner, unscrew it and pull it off, make sure to take a picture of how to reassemble the frame. La-Z-Boy Recliners start at $399 … The process isn't a difficult one; it takes little time to complete and only a few basic tools are necessary. However, the chair itself is in great shape. On the other hand, if your favorite recliners seats start sagging, the frame starts squeaking and breaking and the mechanics no longer work, then this is a good sign that it is time for a new recliner! For instance, for small scratches and nicks, you can repair with glue. Are they going to remove the existing fabric? Go into details by indicating if the pieces are for the right or left arm as well as which is the top or bottom piece. Reupholstering Your Recliner. At this point, work one section at a time, lining up the new fabric in the right place of the couch. The amount of fabric that you will require depends on the style and size of your recliner, and you will need to purchase fabric whether using a reupholstered or not. Recliners tend to be very popular additions to any living or sitting room in many homes. I have used leather products for a long time, which has increased my enthusiasm, knowledge, and understanding of leather. A small Upholstery Pneumatic Stapler with an added air compressor. Next, cut out pieces of fabric that correspond with each section of the couch using the old fabric as a guide. As you can see, reupholstering a leather recliner is possible and that’s good news since you don’t have to get rid of your favorite old recliner. Bearing in mind that a good quality recliner should last to around ten years, even with everyday use. 1. All information is provided "AS IS." This is done to ensure you get to all the places that need to be reupholstered. Keep in mind, if you want to reupholster the chair by yourself, there are various articles and videos demonstrating how to reupholster a leather chair. In most situations, it’s cheaper to buy a new recliner instead of reupholstering your old one. Carry on with this push and pull method, you can stitch fairly far apart, make sure that it looks even. Pull the headboard away from the wall, and remove the fabric carefully, using a knife, screwdriver, pliers, or a seam knife. For example, the cost to reupholster a chair cushion may be less than $150, and it’s unlikely you can replace the entire chair for that amount. Also, don’t forget to label the different parts of the couch to know which fabric to use and for easy reassemble. 2. Finally, once you are done stapling all the fabric, use the earlier photos to assemble the recliner. All Rights Reserved. Plus, you get to brag to family and friends about how creative you are. It is always a better idea to protect the existing fabric on your recliner with a cover, which will lessen the chances and frequency of it having to be upholstered. Apply leather filler to the hole and let the leather cleaner dry for 2-3 hours then apply 4 to 6 coats while giving it more time to dry. Clean the damaged area with a clean rag and leather cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. The Leather Grade and Color of your current Recliner/Chair. Apply the fabric glue to your fabric design, and lay it on the matching part of the recliner. Remove and store any padding. Remove those bolts using an adjustable wrench. Glue Down The Corners Now you can cut small triangular shapes off the ends of the corners and fold them around, and under, spreading a small amount of glue underneath the fabric on the vinyl. This in turn, helps to give some slack on the fabric when someone sits down. I know it sounds complicated but that’s’ why we are here to share some great guidelines on how to reupholster a leather recliner. HomeAdvisor's Chair Reupholstery Cost Guide gives average costs to reupholster a dining chair, recliner, wingback chair, armchair, leather La-Z-Boy, office seat cushion and more. You can also add extra protection to your leather recliners by using a Recliner Slip Cover for Leather Recliners, which is designed specifically to fit a leather recliner and has a non-slip feature. It might surprise you to learn that recliners can be easily and fully disassembled. Make certain that you tightly screw on all the parts, to prevent them from coming loose or breaking. Complete with side storage pockets to keep TV remote controls and newspapers close to hand. Leather is usually sold at $30 to $60 per yard while other materials cost $50 to $70. Just make sure you leave no space in every piece of the fabric to make it smooth. New or second-hand fabric the correct measured size. This makes them better-than-expected candidates for a DIY upholstery project. Attractive colors that fit your home décor. Leather recliners come in different shapes, styles, and sizes but before you reupholster your piece, you require the following: Note that, the whole reupholstering process may take 5 to 7 days depending on the time you put into it and the size of the recliner. Use the push and pull stitching method, making sure to use neat, and even stitches that are reasonably spaced apart. Repeat the process again and again until you are done. Therefore it is almost imperative, to have a cover if you want to keep your recliner in exquisite condition. By this point, all of the burlap pieces should be added to the chair, however, in this case, there is still layer of burlap that is needed to cover the back of the chair, along with stitching down the coconut fiber to the back of the chair. Typically, I just use needle nose pliers to remove all the staples. A few Metal Tack Strips, or reuse those in your recliner. Therefore, make sure before you start the project to be mentally and physically ready to get the job done. Removing the old fabric will surely make the underside of your couch dirty. Place the recliner with bottom facing up and find bolts holding arms of recliner. When you have finally decided on the perfect reupholster for the job, make sure to ask; And for those who have chosen to reupholster their recliner themselves, here are two methods and a YouTube video that should be of tremendous help; Finding the Right Fabric You can either purchase a piece of fabric or try a yard sale or second-hand store, you might find some great specials there! The seat takes a bit more effort – flip the chair over to get access to the seat’s underside. Gluing the Fabric Down Use a good quality fabric glue, lay down a thin layer all over the vinyl surface starting from the middle working outwards. In most situations, it's cheaper to buy a new recliner instead of reupholstering your old one. Particularly because a recliner is one of the most used items of furniture in your home, it makes sense to protect it at every cost. 1. Spread the glue in a thin layer whenever the leather will come into contact with the repair patch and wait for the glue to dry at least for twenty minutes. If you used leather to reupholster your recliner, make sure to clean it with leather cleaner and conditioner regularly. The most important factor that any consumer should consider before having their furniture reupholstered is the quality and sentimental value of the piece. Our reupholstery guide includes nearly 200 pieces covering every major furniture group. Use a soft cloth and leather finish to keep it glowing. The base of the recliner and the legs are sometimes also the culprit behind a lop-sided piece. To do proper leather sofa repair if a leg or base is not straight, you’ll have to look for any loosen plan or structure in the chair. 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