Are you someone who spends a lot of time in your car? Long drives, regular doses of caffeine on the go, and longer hours in traffic make it difficult to check your car’s interiors. Before you know it, your car seats are beyond all the DIY cleaning hacks. There is no other go but to redo your car seats. So, how much does it cost to reupholster your car seats? What different coverings can you opt for to keep them new for a longer time? We’ve got you covered.
How do I reupholster my car seats?
If you love your car, it is obvious that you might have tried all possible cleaning hacks before giving up. You can certainly get it right before it is too late. However, not cleaning your seats can ruin your car’s interiors and pose a risk to your health.
Reupholstering car seats is a possible solution to revamp the deteriorating interior of your car. However, once you are moving forward with reupholstering your car seat, you need to decide whether to remove your current upholstery, add foam and batting to the impaired areas, and do spring repair if required.
Steps to reupholster car seats
- Removal of original upholstery.
- Replacing missing or torn foam.
- Batting replacement.
- Repairing broken springs.
- Adding the fabric of your choice; leather or vinyl to the seats.
- Using hog rings to fix the new upholstery to avoid shifting.
How much does it cost to reupholster your car seats?
Disfigured seats, ripped cushions, and missing foam will force you to redo your car seats. Reupholstering car seats is certainly a labor-intensive process. As a result, you will pay for the fabric, foam, and batting in addition to the labor costs.
Meanwhile, the cost to reupholster your car will depend on the car’s make and model, the extent of the damage to the car seat, and the fabric chosen to replace the cover.
However, the average cost to reupholster your car is $2500. In other words, it costs between $250 and $750 per seat if you are redoing it. In case you are redoing two bucket seats and a back bench seat it will cost you about $500-$2,000. Leather seats can be a costlier option of fabric costing up to $10,000.
Again, shopping around for quotes from dealers can help you find the best one that suits your budget and needs.
Can I reupholster car seats myself?
It is possible to reupholster your car’s seats yourself. However, it’s better to avoid attempting if you do not have the necessary expertise in stitching and the patience to deal with the fabric, cutting them, and the mess that might entail if you are not a pro.
However, if you have the right sewing machine, the tools, and the time to work on it, you can certainly save money. If not, it is wise to seek professional assistance.
What are the things to avoid while reupholstering car seats?
It is advisable to maintain your car’s interiors so as to retain it’s value. In addition, it can save you from the out-of-pocket expense of reupholstering your car. However, if you are to redo your car seats, then you need to keep these things in mind.
- Do not use glue to stick leather to foam. This is because leather can stretch and glue can cause wrinkles.
- Get accurate measurements of the seat with a piece of spare fabric, while it is still attached to the seat.
- Make sure you use car upholstery-specific thread.
- If you use a leather cover, conditioning it will prevent cracking and drying. If you use a cloth fabric, then make sure you use a fabric protector.
Once you have it ready, maintaining it is important. Avoid smoking and exposure to sunlight in addition to regular cleaning and immediate removal of stains. Using seat covers are also a cheaper alternative to cleaner car seats.
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