Why Does Furniture Restoration Cost Vary So Much?

DIRECT ANSWER:

Furniture restoration cost varies because the visible size of a piece does not necessarily reflect the amount or complexity of work required. Construction, structural damage, veneer, finish condition, missing components, previous repairs and the desired result can all affect the scope.

TWO TABLES CAN BE THE SAME SIZE.

THEY MAY NOT BE THE SAME PROJECT.

One may need finish work.

The other may need:

Joint repair.

Veneer repair.

A missing component recreated.

Previous repairs corrected.

And finish work.

That is why a photograph and a price-per-foot formula don't always tell the whole story.

STRUCTURAL CONDITION

A piece with stable construction is different from one with:

Loose joints

Broken components

Cracks

Frame damage

Failed previous repairs

VENEER

Veneer problems may involve:

Lifting

Cracking

Missing material

Water damage

Previous sanding

Different conditions require different approaches.

FINISH CONDITION

A worn finish is different from:

Peeling finish

Water damage

Deep staining

Paint

Multiple previous coatings

Sun fading

MISSING COMPONENTS

Missing:

Trim

Hardware

Veneer

Feet

Molding

Drawer components

Decorative elements

may increase complexity.

PREVIOUS REPAIRS

Someone may already have used:

Screws

Nails

Glue

Filler

Brackets

Replacement parts

Previous work can affect the new scope.

THE DESIRED RESULT MATTERS

"Make the chair stable."

and

"Restore the complete dining set."

are different goals.