Restoring heirloom pieces isn’t cheap—antique furniture restoration cost now averages $40 to $3,800 per item, with hourly labor running $40–$100 across U.S. shops.AirtaskerZipRecruiter Yet a smart DIY or partial-pro approach can slash bills—and listing the finished piece on Asherfield lets you keep 85 percent of the resale price after the buyer’s 15 percent deposit.
National price snapshot
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic touch-up (scratch fill) | $40 | $90 | $150Airtasker |
| Strip + refinish side table | $150 | $350 | $800HomeAdvisor |
| Victorian dining table (top + legs) | $400 | $1,100 | $1,900Reddit |
| Museum-grade restoration | $900 | $2,400 | $3,800+Airtasker |
| Hourly labor rate | $40 | $70 | $100AirtaskerZipRecruiter |
Key takeaway: surface size, detail work, and antique sensitivity push numbers up fast.
What drives price up or down
- Age & provenance – rare makers demand hand tools and reversible finishes.Architectural Digest
- Detail level – carved legs can double sanding hours at $70+/hr.Airtasker
- Old finish type – thick lacquer needs harsher (costlier) strippers.Reddit
- Repair vs. refinish – loose joints add glue-ups before any stain work.
- Metro labor premiums – big-city shops quote 10–20 % higher than rural peers.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
| Option | Out-of-pocket | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY partial refinish | $120–$300 supplies | Big savings, creative control | Time-heavy; risk on valuable antiquesReddit |
| Hire a restoration shop | $350–$3,800 | Expert joinery, historic finishes | High cost; wait times 2–6 weeksAirtasker |
Flip restored pieces on Asherfield
- Serious buyers only – we take a 15 % deposit, slashing no-shows.Reddit
- Fast payout – you collect the other 85 % at pickup or delivery.
- Free-delivery badge – lifted conversions 19 % on a furniture site.Growth Rock
- Power photos – quality images can raise price up to 15%.Photoroom
Pro tip: add a before/after carousel—buyers love the transformation.
Internal links
- Furniture refinishing cost – master price guide
- Dining table refinishing cost – detailed table rates
- Furniture painting price guide – paint-only math
- How to refinish wood furniture (beginners) – easy DIY steps
- Furniture upcycling business – turn skills into income
- Back to the furniture refinishing cost pillar
FAQ
How much does antique restoration usually cost?
Most projects land between $350 and $2,400, but museum pieces hit $3,800+.Airtasker
Is a full strip always needed?
No—light cleaning and wax saves money on sturdy finishes.Architectural Digest
Are DIY restorations safe for antiques?
Only if you know reversible methods; otherwise hire a pro at $40–$100/hr.ZipRecruiter
Can I recover costs?
Yes—list on Asherfield; keep 85 % once the buyer pays their deposit.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor, Average Furniture Repair Costs 2025HomeAdvisor
- Angi, Furniture Refinishing Cost Guide 2025Angi
- Airtasker, Antique Furniture Restoration PricingAirtasker
- Reddit r/furniturerestoration, Pricing Tips ThreadReddit
- ZipRecruiter, Furniture Restoration Hourly Pay (US)ZipRecruiter
- Architectural Digest, Furniture Reupholstery TipsArchitectural Digest
- Angi, Furniture Stripping vs. Refinishing CostReddit
- Reddit r/FacebookMarketplace, Deposit Advice to Cut No-ShowsReddit
- GrowthRock, Free Shipping Conversion Case StudyGrowth Rock
- Photoroom, Images & Conversion Rates on MarketplacesPhotoroom
- Architectural Digest, Hourly Rates—Restoration Specialist
