Refinishing old furniture brings back the charm that new store-bought pieces often lack. The weight, the wood species, and the craftsmanship are simply not made the same way anymore. At Renowned Finishing, we see old furniture come through our Airdrie shop every week, and the common thread is always the same: people don’t want to throw away something that still has life in it. They want it renewed.
It can be a piece passed down through generations or a quality dresser that’s seen better days; professional refinishing can restore it and extend its lifespan. But many homeowners wonder: Is refinishing old furniture worth it? Let’s break it down.
Before we ever touch a piece, we help clients imagine what it could become. Old furniture often has a sturdiness and character that make it perfect for transformation, and some pieces are far more versatile than people realize. Here are some specific ideas we often suggest to clients:
These ideas help clients see that refinishing isn’t just about “fixing” something. It’s about creating something new, functional, and beautiful using the bones of a well-built piece.
In most cases, yes, especially when the furniture is made from real wood, is structurally sound, or holds sentimental value. But there are a few other factors worth understanding.
Generally, pieces worth refinishing are:
Many clients also ask whether older pieces, like something from 40 years ago, are considered antique. The truth is, most furniture must be around 100 years old to be classified as antique, so a piece from the 1980s or 1990s technically isn’t. But age alone doesn’t determine value. Plenty of “not antique” pieces are still incredibly worth refinishing because the wood quality is to die for.
In some specific cases, refinishing may reduce antic piece value. For example, museum-grade or collectible antiques often lose value when altered.
However, most furniture people own is not museum-worthy; it’s functional. In those cases, refinishing restores value by making the piece usable, attractive, and structurally sound again.
There are situations where we advise clients not to refinish a piece:
In cases involving true antiques, we often recommend preservation instead of refinishing, ensuring the finish and patina remain intact.
The cost varies depending on size, condition, and finish type. A small nightstand and a multi-piece dining set are two very different projects. At Renowned Finishing, we provide customized quotes because each piece requires a different level of work and materials.
Here is an example cost breakdown of refinishing old furniture. But keep in mind it can vary according to your exact furniture’s condition.
Furniture Piece | Approx. Price Range (CAD) | What influences cost |
Small side table/end table/nightstand | $200 – $500 | Small surface area, minimal prep/repair, simple finish |
Dining chair (wood) | $150 – $400 each | Size, number of chairs, complexity of legs/back, finish type |
Coffee table / small bookcase / TV stand | $300 – $800 | Medium size, might need sanding & refinishing on multiple surfaces |
Oak dresser or 5–6 drawer cabinet | $500 – $1,500 | Size, drawer removal/rehang, number of surfaces, finish complexity |
Dining table (solid wood, no leaves) | $700 – $2,000 | Large surface, may require prep, even finish, possible disassembly |
Large piece (armoire/china cabinet/hutch) | $1,200 – $2,500+ | Multiple doors/drawers, large surface area, intricate finishing for shelves/doors |
Many homeowners try to refinish old furniture themselves and quickly realize the complexity involved. Old finishes behave unpredictably, wood grain varies, repairs require skill, and achieving a smooth, factory-grade finish is nearly impossible without a professional spray booth, high-quality equipment, and commercial-grade coatings.
DIY refinishing often leads to:
Professionally refinished furniture not only looks dramatically better, but it also lasts longer because it’s done using a controlled process and advanced finishing systems.
Old furniture isn’t just “used”, it often has better materials, stronger construction, and more character than anything mass-produced today. At Renowned Finishing, we specialize in bringing these pieces back to life with professional refinishing techniques that honour the original craftsmanship while giving the furniture a fresh, modern look.
If you have a piece that’s worn, outdated, or sentimental, we’d love to help you reimagine it. Reach out to us to explore what your old furniture could become.
