Furniture refinishing costs $628 on average, or between $336 and $920, depending on the type of furniture, the refinishing method, and labor costs.
Furniture refinishing costs $628 on average, with prices ranging from $336 to $920 or more. Whether it’s a family heirloom, a furniture flip, or a piece that you simply can’t live without, furniture refinishing can revive and modernize the item’s look while still maintaining its original character. This guide will help you plan your budget for your furniture refinishing project.
Refinishing is one of the best ways to repurpose old furniture and breathe new life into it. As you budget for this project, here are the main cost factors to consider.
One of the main cost factors for furniture refinishing is the type of furniture. These are the average costs for the most popular types of furniture items.
| Furniture Item | Average Furniture Refinishing Cost |
|---|---|
| Barstool | $100–$250 |
| Bed | $350–$2,000 |
| China cabinet or armoire | $500–$3,500 |
| Coffee table | $150–$250 |
| Dining chair | $125–$200 |
| Dining set | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Dresser | $300–$2,000 |
| Kitchen cabinets | $1,800–$4,100 |
| Pool table | $300–$600 |
| Rocking chair | $200–$500 |
| Table | $150–$600 |
There are several different methods to consider when refinishing furniture, and whichever you choose will impact your final cost. Painting and staining are the two most popular options, with painting furniture being the most affordable.
For metal, powder coating or electrostatic painting are the priciest refinishing option, but they offer the greatest durability. Both of these use electric charges to bond the paint to the metal. Powder coating involves baking the metal in a specialized oven, and electrostatic techniques allow pros to cure the pieces on location.
| Furniture Refinishing Method | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Staining | $150–$500 |
| Painting | $80–$800 |
| Powder coating/electrostatic painting | $340–$1,020 |
Before refinishing a piece of furniture, you’ll need to strip the old finish, which costs anywhere from $80 to $300 per item. Stripping is a method that uses chemicals to remove old paint from metal and wooden structures. Keep in mind that some professionals advise against furniture stripping due to the potentially harsh and damaging effects of the chemicals, especially on older furniture. Before attempting it, it’s advisable to check with a professional furniture refinisher.
If you’re staining a piece of furniture, sealing the piece typically ranges from $80 to $300 per item. This process involves applying a sealant before the final staining to achieve a uniform and smooth surface for the stain. It also helps prevent the stain from bleeding.
| Furniture Prep | Average Cost per Item |
|---|---|
| Stripping | $100–$500 |
| Sealing | $80–$300 |
Most furniture refinishing specialists charge between $40 to $100 per hour for their services. However, they will likely charge a flat rate by the job rather than billing hourly. Get multiple quotes from professional furniture refinishers in your area to determine an accurate estimate for your project.
If you don’t plan on flipping and reselling the furniture that you refinished, there are a few costs that may come up in the future. Consider these potential expenses when budgeting for this project.
As life happens, your newly refinished furniture may experience scratches, dings, and patchy areas over time. It’s a good idea to keep some of the paint or stain in case you need to touch up any areas in the future.
It’s a bummer when the furniture piece you refinished ends up breaking, and you may want to have some money set aside for future repairs if needed. To help minimize the potential for future repairs, select sturdy, solid wood furniture to refinish. Avoid working with lower-quality medium-density fiberboard or particle board unless it’s a quick, easy, and inexpensive project.
If you’re feeling fickle about your furniture refinishing plans, or if you’re selecting a color that you may eventually grow tired of, it’s possible that you’ll want to refinish the piece again in the future. Selecting timeless neutrals and avoiding trendy colors will help ensure you stay happy with your furniture’s new look.
The typical expense for refinishing a single piece of furniture is around $628, with approximately 50% to 85% of the total cost coming from labor charges. With that in mind, you can save considerably by learning how to paint furniture or stain it, as well as strip the existing finish beforehand. Keep in mind you will need to purchase, borrow, or rent the necessary tools, which could add between $20 to $200 or more.
However, DIYs don’t always go as planned, and taking on this project yourself carries the risk of an uneven, goopy, or possibly ruined finish. While it costs more, hiring a local furniture refinishing professional will help ensure you get the results you want. These seasoned pros have the skills and expertise to restore your furniture item to its original shine.
Pros will often offer discounts for bundling additional services. When booking your professional furniture refinishing expert, consider these add-on services:
Furniture repair cost: $150–$250
Furniture upholstery cleaning cost: $120–$240
Rug cleaning cost: $100–$350
Furniture reupholstery cost: $50–$4,000
Cabinet hardware costs: $100–$10,000
Refinishing is a great way to refresh old furniture for a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new piece. Here are the best ways to make your project as frugal as possible to save even more:
Consider refinishing the furniture yourself to save on labor costs.
Use tools and equipment that you own or can borrow from friends, family, and neighbors to minimize the need for additional purchases or rentals.
Look for affordable yet high-quality paints, stains, and sealants to lower material expenses without compromising on the final result.
If you’re DIY-ing, compare prices at different stores or online retailers to find the best deals on refinishing supplies such as sandpaper, brushes, and protective gear.
Get at least three price quotes from different furniture refinishing professionals to find the best deal.
If the furniture piece only requires touch-ups or repairs in certain areas, focus on those specific sections to reduce the overall refinishing cost.
Shop around for sales and deals on materials like paint, stripper, and stains.
Consider a smaller makeover such as swapping out the hardware to change up the look of the furniture.
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Not always—heavily worn or broken furniture often isn’t worth repairing or refinishing (if it’s even possible). While some damage can be repaired and some of the visual appeal restored, major flaws, such as structural issues, can’t be fixed as easily. If you still want a cost-saving furniture refinishing project rather than purchasing all new, consider shopping for similar secondhand pieces at thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales.
Furniture restoration involves the repair and preservation of the original piece, aiming to maintain its authenticity and historical value. This process often includes cleaning, repairing structural damage, replacing missing parts, and preserving the original finish. On the other hand, furniture refinishing is a more transformative process where the existing finish is stripped and the piece is stained or painted for a new look.
Yes, refinishing can decrease or even diminish the value of antique furniture, as most collectors look for original finishes to maintain the piece’s historical integrity. Learning how to clean antique wood and carefully restore the finish without stripping it is the best way to maintain the piece’s original value. Either way, it’s best to take it to a professional furniture refinishing and restoration expert rather than attempting a DIY restoration.
Acrylic paint is the best choice for painting wood if you want a finish that will last for years to come. To ensure a flawless and long-lasting finish, remember these tips for using acrylic paint on wood: Clean, sand, and prime before adding your color. Also, if you’re using acrylics on outdoor furniture, be sure to choose paint that is specifically made for outdoor use.
Learning how to fix water-damaged or swollen wood is possible, but it won’t always work if there is significant warping or structural damage that was caused by the water. Cosmetic issues such as nicks, bubbling and peeling can often be fixed by using an iron, sanding, or using wood filler.
