How Much Does Furniture Refinishing Cost? [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 for furniture refinishing is $638, based on 2,766 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $341 and $939, with the spread driven by furniture type, size, and local labor rates. Your budget should also account for structural repairs ranging from $150 to $500, plus any delivery, hardware upgrades, or specialty coatings.

Furniture Refinishing Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Several variables determine how much you'll pay to refinish furniture, from the type and size of the piece to the materials and local labor rates. Understanding each factor helps you anticipate your final bill before you get a quote.

Furniture Type

The type of furniture you refinish plays a major role in the total cost, with simple pieces requiring less labor and fewer materials than complex ones. Dining chairs and end tables sit at the lower end of the price range at $100 to $400, while large or ornate pieces like armoires demand more time and skill (costing up to $3,000). Here is a breakdown of average refinishing costs by furniture type:

Materials

Solid hardwoods like oak or mahogany require more precise work and specialty products, making them more expensive to refinish than pine or veneer. Veneer and composite materials can be trickier to work with, especially if damaged. Specialty finishes—such as lacquer, custom stains, or painted effects—add to the total cost as well.

Labor

Labor makes up a major portion of furniture refinishing costs, with hourly rates falling between $40 and $100 or more depending on skill level and region. Most professionals charge per project rather than by the hour, but independent craftspeople and restoration shops with extensive experience may charge more. Labor costs climb further if your piece needs stripping, extensive repairs, or detailed handwork.

Prep

Preparation—which includes stripping the old finish, sanding, and cleaning—can take several hours, especially for damaged or antique furniture. Some pros charge extra for removing old hardware or disassembling the piece. If your furniture has heavy old paint, deep stains, or water damage, expect prep fees to increase accordingly.

Tipping

Tipping is not required in the furniture refinishing industry, but it is always appreciated for exceptional work. If you'd like to tip, consider $20 to $50 per piece or 10% of the total bill. Leaving a positive review or referring friends is another thoughtful way to show appreciation.

Additional Expenses

Beyond the core refinishing work, a handful of extra costs can add up depending on your project's needs:

• Repairs: Fixing broken joints or replacing missing parts can add $50 to $500 per issue.

• Pickup and delivery: Transporting your furniture ranges from $50 to $150 each way.

• Customization: Specialty stains, hardware upgrades, or decorative inlays often carry premium charges.

• Protective treatments: Post-refinishing cleanup and coatings such as polyurethane may add $30 to $100.

• Shop-specific fees: Rush services, environmental disposal fees, and similar charges can also increase your final bill.

Furniture Refinishing Ongoing Costs: What to Budget For

Once your furniture is refinished, a few ongoing costs help keep it looking its best over time. Budgeting for routine maintenance, protective products, and occasional repairs ensures your investment lasts.

Maintenance

DIY maintenance products cost $10 to $30, while professional maintenance services run $50 to $150 per visit. Routine maintenance—such as polishing, waxing, or applying protective oils—preserves refinished furniture and extends the life of the finish. 

Operating Costs

Protecting refinished furniture may require humidity control devices, felt pads, slipcovers, and specialty cleaners. Humidity control devices range from $20 to $200, while protective pads and cleaning products cost $5 to $30 per set. These small investments prevent damage and reduce the need for future repairs.

Repairs

Even after refinishing, furniture can get scratched or damaged over time. Minor touch-ups cost $30 to $75, while major furniture repairs—such as fixing a broken leg—may cost $100 to $500 or more. If the damage is severe, you may need to return to your refinisher for more extensive work.

Insurance

Insuring high-value or antique furniture can cost $50 to $200 per year, depending on appraised value. Homeowners insurance often covers general furniture damage but may exclude refinished or antique pieces unless they are specifically listed on your policy. Specialty insurance for collectibles or heirlooms is worth considering if your piece carries significant financial or sentimental value.

DIY Furniture Refinishing vs. Hiring a Pro

Choosing between DIY and hiring a pro comes down to cost, time, skills, and risk. DIY refinishing has a lower upfront cost, but you’ll need the right tools and patience for a quality result.

DIY costs include:

• Materials (strippers, sandpaper, stains, sealants): $50 to $200

• Tools (brushes, power sander, safety gear): $100 to $300 (one-time investment)

• Time: 10 to 30 hours per piece, depending on complexity

Hiring a pro eliminates labor on your end but raises the total cost. You benefit from professional results and avoid mistakes that can devalue or damage your furniture.

Risks of DIY include uneven finishes, accidental damage, or exposure to hazardous chemicals. We recommend hiring a professional for antiques, complex pieces, or items with sentimental or financial value.

Furniture Refinishing Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Add-ons can personalize your furniture refinishing project but will increase the total cost, so it's worth knowing what each option runs before committing. Here’s a summary of common furniture refinishing add-on costs:

Tips to Reduce Costs While Refinishing Furniture

You can keep your furniture refinishing cost manageable with a few strategic choices:

• Get multiple quotes from local furniture refinishers to compare pricing and services.

• Choose standard finishes or stains instead of custom options, which often come with higher fees.

• Prepare furniture yourself by removing hardware and cleaning surfaces to save on prep costs.

• Bundle multiple pieces in one job for potential discounts from your refinisher.

• Maintain your furniture properly after refinishing to avoid premature wear and touch-ups.

• Consider partial refinishing, such as only restoring visible surfaces, for budget-friendly projects.

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’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.