Get matched with top furniture refinishers in Pembina, ND

You can use most types of wood for a fireplace mantel. You can use simple veneer plywood. If you prefer solid wood, pine is an affordable option that's easy to cut and finish. Walnut is harder, heavier, and highly durable with a rich dark brown color. Hickory offers a lighter color but is similarly durable. Cedar is ideal for a rustic fireplace design.

The cost to refinish furniture varies significantly depending on the type of furniture, its material, and its age, but the average cost is about $600 per piece. For larger pieces or antique pieces that require greater care, you could pay up to around $1,000 per piece for refinishing. Small pieces of furniture like bar stools or dining chairs usually cost between $100 and $400 each. Your refinishing professional might charge by the hour rather than by piece, in which case you would expect to spend $40 to $100 per hour of work required.

Yes, vinegar can remove polyurethane from wood, but it is a slow, inefficient, and inconsistent restoration method. Whatever your intention, it’s best to avoid using vinegar on wood with a polyurethane finish—though it can be an effective cleaner for other wood finishes.

Wood stains last anywhere from two to five years, depending on exposure to the elements, your local climate, the type of stain, and the surface it’s on. For instance, vertical surfaces last longer than horizontal surfaces. Some types of woods, like dense hardwoods, will require a recoat yearly, as they are too dense for the stain to absorb. In any event, apply a recoat every 2 to 4 years. As for storage, a can of unopened stain can last up to 5 years, though results may vary.