Cost of having a sofa reupholstered - can anyone give me a rough idea?

[Photoloco]

I've seen a pair of sofas on ebay that I'd really like, but in an ugly fabric that I'd have to change. I couldn't afford to buy the sofas new and choose the fabric, and am wondering if it might be cheaper to buy second hand and have them recovered. I know it depends a lot on the size and shape, and the fabric choice, but can anyone give me a vague idea of the cost excluding fabric? Help much appreciated - it's far too late at night to be phoning around!

Can't tell you the cost but it won't be cheap. Reasonable quality upholstery fabric is expensive. Usually it's only worth doing if the sofas are antique/very good quality to start with. A family member is an upholsterer and I think when he did my aunts sofa the fabric alone was about £150 -£200 (presumable trade price) and he didn't charge her for labour...

Thanks, do you have any idea how much the labour charge would be?

Can't you have a go yourself?

I wouldn't know where to start - and don't have time to learn! And I'd like them to look professional.

Don't know how much, but I got a cost to get a three-seater covered about 6 or 7 years ago, and I nearly dropped dead of shock when he told me the price.

It was cheaper to buy new.

Sorry - not what you want to hear.

cheaper to buy new ones i would imagine.

Seriously, it's a lot easier than it sounds.