By Nader Agha, Owner of Masters Wood Finishing
Hello, my name is Nader Agha, the owner of Masters Wood Finishing in North York, Ontario. I’ve spent over 25 years doing woodworking and furniture restoration jobs throughout the Greater Toronto Area, so I wanted to address the most common question I get asked every day: “How much does furniture restoration cost?”
The answer to this question is as varied as the pieces of furniture themselves. The cost of restoring furniture can fluctuate widely based on several factors, including the type of furniture, the extent of the damage, and the complexity of the restoration work. Let’s dive into what influences the cost so I can provide you with a clearer understanding of what to expect.
Factors Influencing Furniture Restoration Costs
- Type and Value of the Furniture: The inherent value of the furniture significantly impacts restoration costs. High-end or antique pieces often require more specialized care and craftsmanship, which can drive up the cost. For instance, a vintage walnut dresser or a historic mahogany dining table will typically cost more to restore than a modern pine side table due to the intricacy and the skill required to maintain its original character.
- Extent of Damage: The degree of wear and tear or damage to the furniture plays a crucial role in determining the cost. Minor repairs, such as fixing a few scratches or reapplying a finish, will generally be less expensive. However, if your piece has significant damage like broken legs, severe staining, or missing parts, the restoration will involve more labor and materials, increasing the overall cost.
- Restoration Complexity: The complexity of the restoration work required also affects the price. Simple tasks, such as cleaning, light sanding, and reapplying a clear coat, are relatively straightforward and cost-effective. In contrast, complex restorations involving detailed repairs, extensive refinishing, or intricate upholstery work demand more time, skill, and resources, leading to higher costs.
- Labor and Expertise: Skilled craftsmen who specialize in furniture restoration bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. The more detailed and high-quality the work, the higher the labor costs. Restoring intricate carvings, matching original finishes, or repairing antique mechanisms requires a high level of craftsmanship and can be quite labor-intensive.
Typical Cost Range
To give you a general idea, the cost of furniture restoration can range quite widely:
- Simple Jobs: For straightforward tasks like minor repairs, cleaning, and re-coating, you can expect to pay around $400 CAD. This might include fixing a few scratches, touching up the finish, or addressing minor wear and tear.
- Moderate Restorations: For more involved work, such as repairing structural damage or refinishing a piece with some wear, costs can range from $800 to $2,500 CAD. This may cover tasks like sanding and refinishing, repairing damaged areas, or reupholstering a chair.
- Complex Restorations: For extensive restoration projects, such as those requiring significant repairs, custom refinishing, or restoring valuable antiques, costs can escalate to anywhere between $2,500 and $10,000 CAD. This range reflects the intricate work involved, including detailed repairs, matching original finishes, and high-quality craftsmanship.
- Premium Projects: The most comprehensive restoration projects, particularly those involving large, ornate pieces or rare antiques, can cost upwards of $10,000 CAD, and in some cases, even up to $20,000 CAD. These projects involve extensive work, including detailed restoration of complex designs, intricate carvings, or specialized materials.
Making the Right Choice
When considering furniture restoration, it’s essential to weigh the value of the piece against the cost of restoration. A well-restored piece can bring new life to cherished furniture and add significant value, but it’s crucial to ensure that the cost aligns with your budget and expectations.
At Masters Wood Finishing, we pride ourselves on providing detailed, high-quality restoration services tailored to your specific needs. If you’re contemplating restoring a piece of furniture and want a personalized estimate or expert advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We’re here to help you make your treasured pieces look their best and last for years to come.
Factors Affecting Furniture Refinishing Costs
The cost of furniture refinishing is influenced by a variety of factors that determine the complexity and time required for the project.
Key factors influencing the cost include:
- Furniture size and style: Larger and more intricate pieces typically require more labor and materials, increasing the overall cost.
- Condition of the furniture: Pieces with extensive damage, such as deep scratches, structural issues, or water damage, will necessitate additional repair work, driving up the price.
- Type of finish: The existing finish and the desired new finish can impact the cost. Some finishes are more difficult to remove or apply than others.
- Wood species: The type of wood can affect the refinishing process, with some woods requiring special treatments or finishes.
- Labor costs: The complexity of the project, the refinisher’s experience, and regional labor rates influence the labor costs.
Furniture Complexity and Cost
The complexity of a furniture piece significantly impacts the cost of refinishing. Items with intricate designs, such as dining chairs with multiple slats or ornate carvings, require more time and attention to detail. Conversely, simpler pieces like a fiddleback chair with a single large slat can be refinished more efficiently.
The size of the furniture also plays a role. A small chair typically costs less to refinish than a large dresser due to increased material and labor requirements. Factors like the furniture’s condition, the desired finish, and the refinisher’s expertise can significantly influence the final price.
Furniture Material and Refinishing Costs
The material used in furniture construction significantly impacts the refinishing process and associated costs.
- Reupholstery vs. Refinishing: While often grouped together under the umbrella of furniture restoration, reupholstery and refinishing are distinct processes. Reupholstery involves replacing the fabric or upholstery on furniture pieces, while refinishing focuses on the underlying wood or metal structure.
- Material Impact: The type of material—wood, metal, leather, or upholstered—determines the appropriate refinishing techniques and associated costs.
For instance, refinishing a wooden chair differs significantly from reupholstering a leather armchair.
In summary, the material composition of a furniture piece is a crucial factor influencing the refinishing process and overall cost.
| Type of Furniture Material | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Glass | $300 to $3,000 CAD per panel |
| Leather | $40 to $850 CAD per hide |
| Metal | $9 to $40 CAD per linear foot |
| Wicker | $5 to $25 CAD per inch |
| Wood | $120 to $4,800 CAD per item |
Refinishing Methods and Cost Variations
The method chosen for refinishing furniture significantly impacts both the final result and the overall cost.
- Stripping: This process involves removing the existing finish using chemical strippers or sanding. It’s labor-intensive and can damage delicate furniture if not done carefully. Stripping typically costs between $400 and $2,000 CAD, but can be higher depending on the size of the furniture.
- Sanding: A less aggressive approach, sanding removes the top layers of the finish to prepare the surface for recoating. Costs generally range from $600 to $3,000 CAD, but can be higher depending on the size and complexity of the piece.
- Sealing and Staining: These steps protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Staining typically costs between $300 and $600 CAD per item, while sealing ranges from $200 to $500.
- Reupholstery: This process involves replacing the fabric or upholstery on furniture pieces. Costs vary widely based on the size and complexity of the piece, the type of fabric chosen, and the labor involved. Reupholstering a dining room chair might cost between $200 and $500 CAD, while a sofa could range from $600 to $4,000 CAD, depending on the size and materials involved.
It’s important to note that these are general estimates, and the actual cost can fluctuate based on factors such as the furniture’s condition, the desired finish, etc. It is important to call and get an accurate quote, which can be done at no cost by dialing 416-223-9292.
Labor Costs in Furniture Refinishing
Labor constitutes the most significant portion of furniture refinishing costs, typically accounting for between 50% and 85% of the total price. Professional refinishers typically charge hourly rates ranging anywhere from $80 to $400 CAD, depending on their experience, location, and the complexity of the project.
While these costs might seem high, it’s essential to remember that skilled labor is crucial for achieving high-quality results. Refinishing furniture requires expertise, patience, and attention to detail.
Additional Costs and Considerations in Furniture Refinishing
Beyond the core elements of labor and materials, several other factors can influence the overall cost of furniture refinishing.
- Pre-Refinishing Repairs: Furniture pieces with significant damage, such as broken legs, cracked joints, or water damage, require additional repair work before refinishing can begin. These repairs can add to the project’s cost.
- Antique Furniture: Restoring antique furniture often demands specialized skills and materials, driving up the price due to the delicate nature of the work and the need to preserve the piece’s historical integrity.
Furniture Repair: Restoring Damaged Pieces
Furniture repair is often necessary to restore a piece to its former glory. The extent of the damage determines the complexity and cost of the repair.
Common repairs include:
- Structural damage: Broken legs, loose joints, or cracked frames require skilled craftsmanship and often increase the overall restoration cost.
- Minor damage: Scratches, dents, and peeling finishes are generally less costly to repair but still require attention to detail.
Reupholstery, while not strictly repair, is often part of the restoration process. The cost of reupholstery can vary significantly based on the size of the piece, the type of fabric chosen, and the complexity of the design.
It’s essential to assess the extent of damage before embarking on a furniture restoration project. This will help determine the necessary repairs and provide a more accurate estimate of the overall cost.
Book Your Hardwood Floor Refinishing Project with Masters Wood Finishing Toronto.
Masters Wood Finishing is transforming hardwood flooring across the GTA with our decades of experience in hardwood refinishing services. Request your flooring refinishing project quote by contacting our team at 416-223-9292 or book online!