Get matched with top furniture refinishers in Pittsfield, MI

Yes, it can be worth it to refinish furniture, especially if it’s a piece with sentimental value or an antique piece that’s irreplaceable. If you have an older piece of furniture but want to upgrade its look or feel, refinishing is a great way to refresh it to enjoy for many years. When determining whether it’s worth the cost to refinish a furniture item, calculate the price of buying a new, similar piece and compare that to quotes from local furniture refinishing services.

Avoid using wood filler for structural repairs or areas with extensive damage. Wood filler is designed for cosmetic fixes like filling small holes, cracks, or surface imperfections, and it doesn't provide the strength needed for load-bearing repairs or large gaps. You also shouldn’t use wood filler in areas exposed to heavy moisture or extreme outdoor conditions unless it’s a product specifically rated for such environments. Wood replacement or a strong epoxy resin is a better solution for severe rot or structural damage.

Furniture restoration involves cleaning and minor cosmetic repairs to restore a piece of furniture to its original condition or as close to it as possible. In some cases, restoration may involve refinishing, but the end goal is still to make the furniture look like it did when it was brand-new. Refinishing furniture involves stripping and sanding away the existing finish and then applying a new finish like polyurethane, which may make the item look quite different from the original condition.

Wood can appear blotchy after staining due to uneven absorption, which happens when the wood has varying grain density. The denser the grain, the less the stain will be absorbed. This can cause the wood to appear uneven in color, with some areas darker than others. 

To prevent this issue, apply a wood conditioner before staining. Wood conditioners help to equalize the absorption of the stain, resulting in a more even finish. There are many different types of wood conditioners available, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the type of wood you are staining.