Get matched with top furniture refinishers in Polvadera, NM

Telling the difference between high-quality wood furniture and lower-quality pieces is challenging, but there are a few sign that indicate whether your furniture is worth repairing:

• Push your fingernail into an inconspicuous section of the wood. If it doesn’t leave a dent, it’s likely hardwood and is well worth a repair.

• Unzip the bottom of couches to look for the structural components. If they’re made of wood rather than particle board, it’s likely worth refinishing.

• Ask a local furniture repair technician. A reputable professional will let you know if you’re better off replacing rather than refinishing your specific item.

The cost to refinish a dresser ranges from $300 to $2,000 on average, depending on the dresser’s size, material, and detail. If you need to repair the dresser before refinishing it, you can expect that service to cost extra. While it’s possible to restore and refinish antique furniture yourself, we recommend hiring a professional furniture refinisher to maintain the integrity of vintage and heirloom pieces. That way, you have the peace of mind of knowing that your dresser will receive professional-grade restoration.

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.

It can take as little as 30 to 60 minutes for wood filler to dry, but some products take up to four hours. Always read labels to ensure you're following the manufacturer’s instructions. Water-based wood fillers typically take longer to dry than oil-based or epoxy-wood fillers, especially when applied to large areas or deep cracks. Wood putty won’t dry completely, remaining slightly pliable.