How Much Does Furniture Refinishing Cost in 2025?
On average, refinishing furniture costs $628, but may range from $337 to $920, depending on material, type, and extent of damage.
Labor is the primary cost factor in furniture refinishing.
Larger items like dining tables and dressers are the most costly.
Refinishing antique furniture costs 20% to 50% more than other furniture.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Furniture refinishing costs $628 on average, with most homeowners spending between $337 and $920, depending on the type, size, and condition of the piece. A minor refinishing project might cost as little as $150, while a large, complex job could reach up to $1,500. Refinishing your furniture can preserve cherished pieces and save money compared to buying new ones. This guide will help you understand the factors influencing refinishing costs so you can make informed decisions about your project.
Furniture Refinishing Cost Factors
Labor is the primary cost factor in furniture refinishing, typically accounting for about 85% of the total cost. The furniture's material, size, and the refinishing method also influence the overall price.
Damage
The type and extent of damage are key factors in furniture refinishing costs. Surficial scratches and stains on one small area are less costly, whereas major damage that extends across the full item may require completely stripping the furniture of all the old paint, varnish, or lacquer. This process typically costs between $100 to $400.
If your furniture has significant damage like broken legs or doors, you may need to repair it before refinishing.
Furniture repair costs an average of $200, with prices typically ranging from $150 to $250.
Size
Larger furniture items like beds and wardrobes require more time, labor, and materials to refinish. Refinishing a bed frame can range from $300 to $2,100, while a large dining table can cost as much as $500 to $2,400.
In contrast, smaller items like an end table average $200 to $700, while most chairs cost between $100 to $400 to refinish.
Finish Type
Whether you choose to stain, paint, or varnish will affect the total materials costs for refinishing. Stains are typically the most affordable option and are quicker to apply than paint. You may also choose to apply a varnish alone or on top of your stain or paint. Varnish is a clear layer that sits on top of stain or paint and adds a hard sheen. It’s slightly more costly than stain, but usually less expensive than most paints.
Labor
Most furniture refinishing specialists charge between $40 and $100 per hour for their services, but they often provide a flat rate based on the job. Labor typically makes up about 85% of the total cost. If you live in a rural area, you might need to pay extra for travel, but many pros allow you to drop off your furniture at their shop to save on transportation costs.
Materials
Refinishing costs depend on your furniture's material. Here's what you can expect:
| Furniture Material | Average Refinishing Costs (Including Labor) |
|---|---|
| Wood | $100–$6,000 |
| Wicker | $150–$2,000 |
| Metal | $200–$3,000 |
The type of wood also affects the cost. Common woods like spruce and pine are more affordable to refinish. Specialty woods like teak, walnut, and cherry require extra care and can be more expensive.
Furniture Refinishing Cost per Item
The size of a furniture item significantly impacts its refinishing costs, as larger and more detailed pieces require more time and materials to refinish.
Common Furniture Items
The following table outlines the average cost of refinishing common items, including labor and material costs:
| Furniture Item | Cost to Refinish |
|---|---|
| Dining Chair | $100–$400 |
| Rocking Chair | $200–$500 |
| End Table | $200–$700 |
| Coffee Table | $200–$800 |
| Dresser | $300–$2,000 |
| Desk | $400–$5,000 |
| Bed Frame | $300–$2,000 |
| Dining Table | $500–$2,400 |
| Dining Set | $1,000–$6,000 |
Some furniture repairers offer a flat rate based on furniture items, while others charge by the hour. If you have a detailed piece or an antique item, your contractor may provide a custom quote based on the specialized equipment and materials required for refinishing.
Cost to Refinish Other Furniture Pieces
Some furniture pieces, like kitchen cabinets, require a different refinishing process than dining or bedroom sets. Although steps like stripping, sanding, and staining are the same, your contractor will also have to perform some construction tasks like removing and replacing cabinet doors.
Refinishing fixed pieces like kitchen cabinets also means that your contractor may have to work in your home, rather than taking the furniture items to their workplace. This additional level of expertise and labor means that costs for refinishing kitchen cabinets can often range from $1,800 to $4,100.
Furniture Refinishing Cost by Method
The method you choose to refinish your furniture affects the overall cost. Sometimes, your piece may require several methods to achieve the desired finish.
Stripping
If there is extensive damage to the furniture, stripping is often required to remove the old paint, rust, lacquer, or varnish. This prepares the furniture for the refinishing process.
Stripping ranges from $100 to $500 on average, but may be more for large furniture pieces. If your furniture is more than 40 years old, there’s a chance that it may contain lead paint. In this case, your contractor will have to take additional health and safety precautions when stripping the paint. The extra time and risks required to remove lead paint may increase furniture stripping costs.
Sanding
Before applying any paint or stain, your contractor will usually sand the furniture to ensure an even surface. This also helps to create a strong bond between the material and the stain. Depending on the size and detail of the item, sanding typically costs between $300 to $800.
Sealing
Once the furniture has been stripped, sanded, and prepared, it may need to be sealed before the final paint or varnish can be applied. Sealing helps evenly disperse the stain or varnish for a smooth finished surface. Sealing furniture typically costs between $80 to $300.
Staining
Staining furniture requires your contractor to brush a stain onto the wood, and then allow it to dry. This process may require multiple coats, depending on the furniture material and stain color. In most cases, they will also apply a protective coat to finish the item. Average furniture staining costs range from $150 to $500.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is typically used on metal furniture to create a strong, durable finish. It’s a popular technique for wrought iron and aluminum furniture but can also be used on other materials like plastic. Powder coating requires a longer curing time than standard finishing, leading to average costs between $340 to $1,020.
Antique Furniture Refinishing Costs
Refinishing antique furniture requires more precision to preserve its unique qualities. Because of this, costs are typically 20% to 50% higher than for regular furniture. For example, while refinishing a standard table might cost $600, an antique table of similar size could cost between $720 and $900.
Budgeting for Furniture Refinishing
Here are some tips to help you save money on furniture refinishing:
Remove hardware like knobs and handles before sending your piece for refinishing to reduce labor costs.
Shop for paint or stain yourself to take advantage of sales, but check with your contractor first.
Get at least three quotes from local furniture refinishers to find the best deal.
Refinish multiple pieces at once and ask about bulk rates to save money.
Consider painting the furniture yourself after the professional has completed the refinishing process to keep costs down.
You can save significantly by refinishing furniture yourself, as labor makes up about 85% of the cost. However, DIY refinishing requires time, patience, and skill to achieve a quality finish. Mistakes can lead to additional expenses or even damage your furniture. Hiring a local furniture refinishing professional ensures your piece is restored with expertise and high-quality materials. While it costs more up front, you'll benefit from a superior finish and longer-lasting results.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, refinishing your furniture is more affordable than buying new. You can often save up to 50% compared to purchasing new pieces, while also reducing waste and preserving unique items.
When applying a darker stain, you don't need to completely remove the existing lighter stain. However, it's essential to sand the surface and apply a quality sealer before staining to ensure even coverage and adhesion.
Refurbishing involves gentle cleaning and minor touch-ups without altering the existing finish, preserving the original character. Refinishing involves removing the old finish and applying new stain or paint, resulting in a transformed appearance.
Furniture made from materials like plywood, particleboard, or MDF can be challenging to refinish due to their fragility. These materials require extra preparation and may not yield the desired results.
Yes, refinishing antique furniture can decrease its value because collectors often prefer the original finish. Before refinishing an antique, consider consulting a professional to explore restoration options that preserve its historical authenticity.
Water-damaged or swollen wood can be repaired if the damage is not extensive. You begin by assessing the severity of the issue before undertaking repair. Professional refinishing employs techniques such as sanding, filling, and targeted restoration to fix minor imperfections. Skilled intervention salvages the piece’s appearance while ensuring long-term durability and a refreshed finish.
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