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.

Furniture refinishing costs average $631, with a range from $341 to $931 depending on the piece and project scope. Costs are influenced by furniture type, size, materials, and local labor rates. Most refinishers charge per piece, though some may quote hourly or by complexity. Understanding these costs helps you budget for restoring your favorite furniture, whether it’s a cherished family heirloom or a thrifted find.

Furniture Refinishing Cost Factors

Refinishing furniture involves several variables that determine how much you’ll pay. Let’s walk through the main factors so you know exactly what impacts your final bill.

Furniture Type

The type of furniture you refinish plays a major role in the total cost. Simple pieces like dining chairs or end tables are less expensive because they require less labor and fewer materials. Complex items—think armoires with ornate carvings or large dining tables—take more time and skill, raising the price.

Materials

The type of wood or material also affects refinishing costs. Solid wood, like oak or mahogany, is more expensive to refinish than pine or veneer because it requires more precise work and specialty products. Veneer or composite materials can be trickier, especially if damaged. Specialty finishes—such as lacquer, custom stains, or painted effects—add to the total cost.

Labor

Labor is a major portion of furniture refinishing costs. Most professionals charge per project, but you’ll sometimes see hourly rates between $40 and $100 or more, depending on skill and region. Independent craftspeople or restoration shops with years of experience may charge more, especially for antiques or detailed work. Labor costs climb if your piece needs extensive repairs, stripping, or detailed handwork.

Prep

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

Tipping

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

Additional Expenses

Beyond the basics, there are a handful of extra costs to consider:

• Repairs, such as fixing broken joints or replacing missing parts, can add $50 to $500 per issue.

• Pickup and delivery fees, if your furniture needs to be transported, range from $50 to $150 each way.

• Customization, like specialty stains, hardware upgrades, or decorative inlays, often carries premium charges.

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

• Rush services, environmental disposal fees, and other shop-specific charges can also increase your final bill.

Furniture Refinishing Ongoing Costs

Once your furniture is refinished, there are a few ongoing costs to keep it looking its best.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance helps preserve refinished furniture. This can include polishing, waxing, or applying protective oils. DIY products cost $10 to $30, while professional maintenance services may run $50 to $150 per visit. Regular upkeep prevents wear and extends the life of the finish.

Operating Costs

To protect your refinished furniture, you may need to control humidity in your home or purchase felt pads, slipcovers, and specialty cleaners. Humidity control devices range from $20 to $200. Protective pads and cleaning products cost $5 to $30 per set.

Repairs

Even after refinishing, furniture can get scratched or damaged. 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 might need to return to your refinisher for more extensive work.

Insurance

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

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.

Cost of Common Furniture Refinishing Add-Ons

Add-ons can personalize your refinishing project, but will increase the total cost. Here’s what to expect for some popular options:

• Custom stains or paint colors: $50 to $200 per piece

• Hardware replacement or restoration: $20 to $150, based on hardware style and quality

• Upholstery work (combined with refinishing): $300 to $1,000, depending on fabric and complexity

• Protective coatings (polyurethane, wax): $30 to $100 per application

• Pickup and delivery: $50 to $150 each way

• Decorative enhancements (inlays, carvings, gilding): $100 to $500 or more, based on design and labor

Each add-on brings unique value, but can quickly raise your furniture refinishing cost. Discuss options and pricing with your refinisher before committing.

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 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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