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Whether it’s cheaper to refinish or buy new depends on the furniture piece, but in many cases refinishing your furniture is more affordable, helps reduce waste, and preserves unique items. Refinishing wood furniture can often save you as much as 50% compared to buying new.

If you’re using a darker stain color than the furniture stain, you don’t necessarily need to remove the stains before you begin applying the stain. However, you may still want to consider sanding and sealing the piece to help distribute the stain and create an even color.

Refurbishing, sometimes called furniture restoration, is a gentle process that involves light cleaning. It may also include surficial touch-ups to paint and other details.

Refinishing is a more in-depth process where old paint, varnish, or stain is completely removed. Next, the furniture is usually sanded, sealed, and stained or painted. Since refinishing involves more complete and intensive work, it’s generally more costly than basic refurbishing.

If your furniture is made from plywood, particleboard, or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), you’ll likely spend more money on refinishing than you would purchasing new. These materials tend to break down more easily than wood or metal, making them less durable and more difficult to successfully refinish.