Furniture Restoration Cost Factors

Why there is no flat price list

Two dressers of the same size can need very different amounts of work. One may only need a light surface refresh, while another may need the old finish stripped and the surface carefully prepared before any new finish goes on. That is why each project is quoted individually. The fastest way to get a baseline estimate for your specific piece is through a free Private Photo Review.

Photos and measurements give an initial pricing direction, not a guaranteed exact quote. Some conditions only show up in person or once work begins. The sections below explain what moves a quote up or down, so you know what to expect and what to send.

Surface condition and prep

Old paint, failing finish, scratches, water rings, damaged veneer, loose hardware, and surface contamination can all change the amount of prep required. Prep is the work that happens before any color goes on, and it is often the part that varies most from piece to piece.

• Old paint or a sticky, flaking, or worn-through finish that needs to come off
• Scratches, gouges, and water rings in the surface
• Chipped or lifting veneer along edges and drawer fronts
• Grime, residue, or odors that need to be cleaned or sealed before finishing

Underlying problems such as a badly wobbling frame, crumbling particle board, or heavy swelling can make a piece a poor fit for finish-focused restoration, so mention them when you send photos. If stripping, sanding, or cleaning reveals hidden damage after work begins, the project is paused so options can be discussed. See the project policies for details.

Size and complexity

Large hutches, detailed drawer faces, carved areas, glass doors, and heavy pieces usually require more time than simple flat surfaces. A piece with many drawers, doors, or decorative edges has more surface to prep and finish than its overall size suggests.

Finish direction

A clean painted finish, two-tone finish, wood-tone preservation, hardware changes, and interior drawer details each require different planning and material choices.

• Painted finishes depend on thorough cleaning and surface preparation so the paint bonds well.
• Two-tone finishes combine paint with wood tone or two colors, which adds masking and separate finishing steps.
• Natural wood refinishing keeps the grain visible, so the old finish and surface flaws usually need more careful removal than they would under paint.
• Interior details, such as drawer liners, add work beyond the outside surfaces.

Paint colors, stains, sheen levels, and hardware choices should be approved before final application.

Pickup and delivery coordination

Location, stairs, piece size, and timing can affect the handoff plan. Delivery pricing is calculated transparently with a $45 local minimum and $2.70 per transport mile. Photos and measurements help clarify logistics before the piece moves. For a distance-based estimate, use the pickup and delivery estimator.

What to send for a clearer quote

The more your photos show, the fewer surprises later. A helpful first message includes:

• A full photo of the front of the piece
• Close-ups of damage, wear, or problem areas
• Any labels, stamps, drawer interiors, or hardware details
• Approximate measurements: width, depth, and height
• The finish direction you have in mind, or a note that you would like advice
• Your city or ZIP code, and whether you need pickup or delivery

The photo guide shows what to capture.

Is restoration worth the cost?

Restoration tends to make the most sense for pieces that are solid, well built, sentimental, or hard to replace at the same quality. It is usually a harder case for furniture that is already falling apart or badly swollen. These guides can help you decide before you reach out:

• How to tell if old furniture is worth restoring
• Solid wood vs particle board: what can be restored?
• Furniture restoration vs buying new