How Much Does It Cost to Refinish a Table? [2026 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

In 2026, the national average cost to refinish a table is $630. Most homeowners spend between $150 and $1,200, with the spread driven by the table's size, material, and finish type. 

Table Refinishing Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Several key factors determine how much you'll pay to refinish a table, with costs ranging from $100 to $2,400 depending on the table's size, material, condition, and the complexity of the work. The type and size of the table, the wood species, the prep required, and any additional repairs each play a role in shaping your final bill.

Type

The type of table you're refinishing has a direct impact on cost, with dining tables running $500 to $2,400 and smaller coffee or end tables falling at the lower end of the range. Ornate or antique tables with intricate carvings or fragile materials require more time and skill from a pro, which pushes the price higher. Modern tables with clean, simple lines are generally the most affordable to refinish because they demand less prep and detailing work. Costs vary by table type, as the breakdown below shows.

Size

Table size is one of the strongest predictors of refinishing cost, with small tables running $150 to $350 and large tables reaching $700 to $2,400 based on surface area and labor. Detachable parts like leaves and extensions add to the total because each piece must be refinished separately. Costs vary by table dimensions, as the breakdown below shows.

Materials

The wood species and construction of your table shape both the refinishing process and the price, with hardwoods like mahogany running $400 to $1,200 compared to $200 to $600 for veneer or composite surfaces. Solid hardwoods deliver more dramatic results but demand more labor, while veneer tables cost less yet require careful handling to avoid surface damage. Specialty finishes such as high-gloss or distressed looks add to both labor and material costs regardless of wood type. Costs vary by material, as the breakdown below shows.

Labor

Hiring a professional furniture refinisher, carpenter, or restoration specialist typically costs $40 to $100 per hour, though some pros charge a flat project fee instead. Complex tables, specialty finishes, or needed repairs extend the time on the job, which raises the total labor charge. Urban areas tend to see higher rates than rural markets, so your location can meaningfully affect what you pay. If you take the DIY route, you'll avoid labor costs but will need to invest your own time and purchase the necessary supplies.

Prep

Prep work is a meaningful portion of your refinishing bill, with sanding and stripping the old finish alone accounting for $100 to $500 of the total cost. Damaged or antique tables often need more extensive prep, such as careful paint removal or structural repair, before refinishing can begin, and some pros charge extra for hardware removal or disassembly. If the table is refinished off-site, budget an additional $50 to $150 per trip for pickup and delivery.

Additional Cost Factors

Repairs such as fixing scratches, dents, loose joints, or broken legs add $150 to $600 per issue on top of the base refinishing price. Custom finishes, color matching, or specialty coatings carry premium fees, and some pros charge extra for cleanup and disposal of old finishes or for rush turnaround. Refinishing a quality table may not deliver a direct financial return, but it can meaningfully refresh your home's look and extend the life of a piece worth keeping.

Table Refinishing Ongoing Costs: What to Budget For

After refinishing, a handful of recurring costs help protect your table's new finish and keep it looking its best over time.

Maintenance

Routine cleaning with gentle polishes or cleaners suited to your table's finish costs $10 to $30 per bottle and is the simplest way to preserve the work you've invested in. Plan for professional touch-ups or re-coating every few years at $50 to $150, or handle minor fixes yourself for less.

Preventative

Protecting your refinished table from scratches, spills, and sunlight is the most effective way to maintain its appearance, and table pads, covers, or coasters run $20 to $100 depending on size and quality. In areas with fluctuating humidity, investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier can prevent warping or cracking and extend the life of the finish.

Repairs

If your table sustains chips, water damage, or scratches after refinishing, furniture repairs cost $150 to $600 per incident when handled by a professional. Minor surface damage is often manageable as a DIY fix using a furniture touch-up kit, but deeper gouges, water rings, or structural issues like loose legs or joints call for a pro to prevent further damage.

Insurance

High-value or antique tables may be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance, and adding a refinished table to your policy typically raises your premium by $10 to $50 per year depending on the appraised value. Before refinishing, check whether your policy covers damage during the refinishing process or transport, especially for irreplaceable pieces.

DIY Table Refinish Cost vs. Hiring a Pro

Refinishing a table yourself can save money but requires skill, time, and the right materials. Here’s how the costs and considerations break down.

DIY refinishing costs between $100 and $300, depending on the supplies and tools you already own. Materials include sandpaper, stain or paint, brushes, finish, and protective gear. Essential tools may include a power sander, respirator mask, and drop cloths. DIY projects are best for simple tables—ornate or antique pieces are safer in professional hands.

Hiring a pro costs more upfront, but you gain expertise, a quality finish, and a time-saving process. Pros bring specialized equipment and may offer warranties on their work. If you value your time, want a flawless finish, or need repairs, professional refinishing is the smart choice.

Cost of Common Table Refinish Add-Ons

Popular add-ons can personalize your table or address additional needs. Add-on costs include:

• Table leaf refinishing: $50–$200 per leaf

• Hardware replacement or restoration: $20–$100

• Custom staining or painting: $100–$400

• Decorative inlays or stenciling: $100–$500

• Repairing or replacing table legs: $50–$300 per leg

• Pickup and delivery service: $50–$150 per trip

• Protective glass top installation: $100–$400

• Upholstery for attached benches or chairs: $100–$600 per seat

Tips to Reduce the Cost to Refinish a Table

Use these cost-saving tips to keep your budget under control during your table refinishing project:

• Get multiple quotes from local pros.

• Refinish only the tabletop or visible surfaces.

• Choose standard finishes over custom or specialty options.

• Handle minor prep work (like cleaning or hardware removal) yourself.

• Schedule refinishing during off-peak seasons for possible discounts.

• Maintain the table regularly to extend the life of the finish.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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