Pricing refinished furniture means covering materials, labor, business expenses, and the value added by the finished piece. A small table may sell for $150-$350, while a larger dresser can bring $400-$1,000 or more, depending on condition, finish, design, and local demand.
For a dependable starting price, add direct costs and labor, then compare the result with similar pieces buyers can actually find nearby.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small side table | $75 | $200 | $450 | Price varies with condition, style, and finish quality. |
| Dining table | $250 | $650 | $1,500 | Large tops, leaf mechanisms, and base repairs raise labor. |
| Dresser | $200 | $550 | $1,200 | Size, drawer function, and hardware influence the range. |
| Dining chair | $50 | $125 | $300 | Price is typically per chair; upholstery adds expense. |
| Direct materials | $15 | $60 | $200+ | Per piece, before labor or overhead. |
Typical hands-on time ranges from 2-5 hours for a simple side table, 6-12 hours for a standard dresser, and 8-18 hours for a dining table. These estimates assume ordinary access and no major structural repair. Stripping multiple layers, working around intricate spindles, or repairing veneer can add several hours.
Choose an hourly rate that reflects the operation. Independent refinishers may use $25-$50 per hour for straightforward work and $50-$75 or more for specialized restoration, depending on skill, local costs, and demand. If the work is sold as a finished piece rather than a service, the labor estimate still helps establish a minimum viable sale price.
Record actual time by task for several jobs. If a supposedly four-hour dresser consistently takes seven hours, update the base rate or add a condition tier. Avoid charging customers twice for the same time by including labor in a flat project price and then adding it again as a separate line item.
Use hands-on time, not elapsed drying time, as the core labor calculation.
Three Sample Furniture Quotes With Realistic Scope
Examples show how a selling price can emerge from costs, but each assumes a different item and finish. The final asking price should still reflect comparable local pieces and likely negotiation. A seller expecting buyers to bargain may list somewhat above the minimum acceptable sale price.
| Piece and scope | Labor calculation | Materials and other costs | Suggested price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small side table, clean and stain | 3 hours × $35 = $105 | $35 materials, $20 overhead | $200-$260 |
| Six-drawer dresser, repairs and paint | 10 hours × $45 = $450 | $85 materials, $45 overhead | $650-$800 |
| Dining table, strip and refinish top | 14 hours × $50 = $700 | $120 materials, $60 overhead | $950-$1,200 |
The suggested prices include more than the listed cost components because the business needs profit and a buffer for small overruns. The table does not assume major delivery, upholstery, or extensive structural repairs. Add those costs when they apply rather than relying on the upper end to cover unknown work.
Use sample quotes as starting points, then adjust for actual hours, condition, and local sale prices.
Refinishing Versus Selling Furniture As-Is
Refinishing does not always increase a piece’s value by more than the work costs. A common particleboard dresser may sell for $40-$100 as-is and still require $150-$300 in labor and materials. Even a polished finish may not support a price that recovers that investment. Check whether similar finished pieces are selling before starting a labor-intensive project.
Solid-wood furniture, recognizable vintage designs, and pieces with strong construction are more likely to justify restoration. A repair-only approach can sometimes be more economical: tighten joints, clean the surface, replace a missing pull, and list the item honestly. That may cost $15-$75 in materials and a few hours, compared with $200-$600 or more for a full refinish.
For customer-owned furniture, clarify whether the quote covers refinishing, repairs, or both. Photograph existing damage, specify the planned finish, and state that hidden damage may require an approved change order. For a piece being resold, include purchase price and transportation in the cost basis as well as refinishing expenses.
Choose full refinishing only when the expected selling price or customer-approved value supports the added labor.
When Add-Ons and Delivery Need Separate Charges
Upholstery, hardware replacement, drawer repair, and color matching can change the job substantially. Replacing basic pulls may add $20-$80 in parts and labor; extensive upholstery can add $150-$600 or more depending on fabric, foam, and seat count. Custom stain matching may require test samples and extra finishing time, so quote it separately when the customer requests a precise match.
Delivery should reflect distance and handling. A local curbside drop-off may cost $25-$60, while stairs, long carries, or a 20-mile trip can push the fee to $75-$150. For sellers, include loading and transport in the price only if the delivery area and conditions are clearly defined. Otherwise, quote transport after confirming the address and access.
Write the scope in plain terms: which surfaces will be refinished, whether the old finish will be stripped, what repairs are included, and whether hardware or delivery is extra. A written estimate protects both parties from treating an uncertain restoration as a guaranteed fixed-price result.
Separate optional upgrades and access-related charges from the base refinishing price to keep the estimate clear.