Is it expensive to reupholster a car?

It can be either expensive or not so expensive to reupholster a car, and it really depends on several factors.

Firstly, the type of material you choose makes a big difference. If you go for high-quality genuine leather, it will definitely cost more. Genuine leather is luxurious and has a natural feel, but it comes at a price. The cost of the leather itself can vary depending on its quality and where you source it from. For example, top-grain leather which is soft and durable will be pricier than some lower-quality split-grain leather. And then there's the labor cost involved in cutting and fitting the leather precisely onto the seats and other parts of the car interior. Skilled workers need to take their time to make sure everything looks seamless and fits perfectly, and their expertise doesn't come cheap.

The size of your car also matters. If you have a larger vehicle like an SUV or a van with more seats and a bigger interior surface area to cover, you'll need more fabric or leather. This naturally increases the overall cost. For instance, a small compact car might require less material and thus cost less to reupholster compared to a full-sized SUV that has a lot of seating and a spacious interior.

The complexity of the design you want is another aspect. If you choose a simple, plain design with no extra stitching or decorative elements, it will be less costly. However, if you fancy something more elaborate like custom patterns, contrast stitching, or special finishes, it will add to the expense. Custom designs often require more time and skill from the upholsterers to bring to life, and that drives up the price.

Also, the place where you get the reupholstering done affects the cost. Some high-end auto upholstery shops in big cities might charge more because of their reputation and overhead costs like rent and fancy facilities. While there could be smaller local shops that offer more affordable rates, but you have to make sure they have good quality work.

In general, reupholstering a car can range from a relatively affordable amount if you choose basic materials and a simple design, to quite a significant expense if you go for luxury materials and intricate custom work.