Car Headliner Replacement 101

What you need to know about swapping out your car's worn, ripped, or sagging roof lining.

Matt St-Pierre | 

Jan 9, 2024 | 3 min read

Audi

Replacing an unsightly headliner is a great — and relatively easy — way to revive a car's interior and improve its overall appearance. Whether you choose to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional, understanding the process, materials, and costs involved will help ensure the best results.

The Reasons Your Headliner Needs Replacing

A headliner is the lining that covers the ceiling of a car's cabin. It's typically made of a composite material consisting of foam and fabric mounted to a headliner board with an adhesive and possibly a few screws or snaps. The headliner not only creates a clean, finished look but also makes the cabin more comfortable by deadening sound.

There are several reasons why you might need to replace your headliner. Over time, the adhesive holding the headliner in place can deteriorate, causing the fabric to sag or droop. Spills, leaks, and other accidents can leave unsightly stains. And the fabric can become torn, especially if objects regularly press against it.

What You'll Need to Do the Job

If you're tackling the job yourself, you'll first need to find the proper material for your car. Online specialty shops can typically source original-equipment-manufacturer fabrics, allowing you to maintain your vehicle's original look.

Foam-backed polyester is commonly the fabric of choice. If you want to change things up, those same specialty shops also carry alternative materials such as suede, leather, microfiber, or even custom-printed fabrics.

You'll need a few essential tools, too, such as a screwdriver or panel popper to remove anything holding the headliner board in place, a utility knife, a wire brush to gently remove any lingering foam from the headliner board after you've removed the old material, and fabric adhesive to secure your new material to the headliner board. Spray-on is easier to work with than brushed adhesive.

Make sure you have a large flat surface to work on and budget at least two hours to do the job without rushing — you don't want to damage the headliner board — and to allow the adhesive to dry.

What Does It Cost to Replace a Car Headliner?

The cost of a professional headliner replacement varies quite a bit depending on the make and model of your vehicle as well as the type of material you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for labor and materials for the average Subaru or Kia, for example. Replacing the headliner in luxury vehicles — such as a BMW or Audi — and choosing specialty materials can add substantially to the tab.

Finding the right professional can take a bit of legwork. Automotive upholstery shops, body shops, and even some detailers can usually do the job, but specialized shops that have been in business for many years may be your best bet. They'll have the know-how and tools to do the job correctly.

A good source for a recommendation is your local body shop or a trusted mechanic. They've likely worked with these businesses over the years. Online reviews are also a useful way to help you find the best, most qualified specialist for the job.

Matt St-Pierre

With over 25 years of experience in automotive journalism, Matt's diverse background spans multiple mediums such as TV, radio, print, and online platforms. When he's not working, Matt indulges in his passion for collecting four-wheeled treasures with a particular interest in those weighing 3,000 pounds or less. Plus, he's also a proud father of two.