Restore your hydraulic styling chairs and salon seating to like-new condition — without the cost of full replacement.
Expert Barbershop Upholstery
In a barbershop, the chair is everything. It's where your client spends 30 to 60 minutes, up close, with time to notice every crack in the armrest and every split seam in the headrest. Worn upholstery doesn't just look unprofessional — it signals to clients that attention to detail isn't a priority. And for a barber, that's the last message you want to send.
Sean Sheridan has been reupholstering barber and salon chairs across Hartford County CT since 1993. He works with all major makes and models — Koken, Takara Belmont, Pibbs, Collins, Graziano, Emil J. Paidar, and vintage antique chairs that other shops won't touch. Whether you have one chair that needs a quick seat recover or a full shop of 10 chairs that all need the works, Sean can handle the job.
Barber chairs take a beating. They're exposed to hair products, oils, tinted balms, and constant friction from clients getting in and out. Sean uses heavy-duty commercial vinyl with a minimum 2.0mm thickness — specifically rated for high-cycle use — that resists punctures, cleans easily with barbicide-compatible products, and won't crack or peel under the stress of daily use. Foam replacement is available in multiple density grades so the rebuilt cushion feels right under a client's weight.
A new hydraulic barber chair from a quality brand runs $800 to $2,500 or more. Reupholstering an existing chair typically costs a fraction of that — and if the hydraulic mechanism and chrome work are in good shape, there's no reason to replace the whole unit. Sean can often replace just the seat, just the backrest, or just the headrest if that's all that's needed, rather than doing a full recover when it's unnecessary.
For vintage and antique barber chairs — the ornate cast-iron Kokens and Paydar models from the early and mid 20th century — reupholstery is often the only sensible option. These chairs have significant collector and sentimental value, and replacement isn't on the table. Sean takes these projects seriously, matching original button-tuck patterns and sourcing appropriate materials that honor the chair's history while standing up to modern use.
Common Questions
Most single barber chairs can be completed within 3–5 business days once Sean has the materials on hand. For larger jobs — say, 6 or more chairs — Sean can often phase the work so your shop isn't fully out of chairs at once. He'll discuss scheduling during the estimate visit.
It depends on the job. For most upholstery work, Sean picks up and delivers within his service area — Hartford County CT and Hampden County MA. For very large quantities or multi-shop contracts, he can also work on-site. This is discussed during the free estimate.
Sean works with a wide range of commercial vinyl suppliers and can source virtually any color, texture, or pattern you need — from classic black to custom two-tone combinations. Bring a photo of your shop interior and he'll help you select something that fits the aesthetic.
Yes — and it usually should be. Old foam compresses over time and can cause the chair to feel hard or uneven even under fresh vinyl. Sean replaces foam as needed using high-density commercial foam in the appropriate firmness for barber seating.
Yes. Sean has extensive experience with vintage barber chairs from Koken, Emil J. Paidar, Theo A. Kochs, and other classic manufacturers. He can replicate original button-tuck patterns and source period-appropriate materials when authenticity matters.
Professional Craftsmanship. Honest Service. Built to Last.
Sean offers free, no-obligation estimates on every job. Call or fill out the form online — he'll respond within 24 hours.
