Upgrading a family table costs far less than buying new—and dining table refinishing cost averages between $250 and $800 nationwide, depending on size, damage, and finish. Pros often bill $40 – $100 an hour, while DIYers can save hundreds and even resell the piece on Asherfield, pocketing 85 percent of the sale after the buyer’s 15 percent deposit.
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National price snapshot
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strip + refinish standard table | $150 | $250 – $400 | $800 |
| Dining table top only (per sq ft) | $40 | $55 | $70 |
| Table + 4–6 chairs bundle | $700 | $1,000 | $1,600 |
| Antique museum-grade work | $900 | $1,900 | $3,800+ |
| Hourly labor rate | $40 | $70 | $100 |
Quick read: small tops stay cheap; carved legs, leaf sections, or historic value push numbers up.
Key cost factors
- Table size & shape – Each extra foot of surface adds ~$55. schoenbauer.com
- Old finish type – Thick lacquer needs chemical strippers; water-based coats sand quicker. Fixr.com
- Detail work – Turned legs and carvings raise labor hours at $70 +/hr. Angi
- Antique sensitivity – Reversible shellac and hand scraping add specialty surcharges. Reddit
- Location – Big-city pros run 10-20 % higher than small-town shops. Thumbtack
DIY vs. hiring a pro
| Option | Typical out-of-pocket | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY paint refresh | $70-$120 in materials | Cheap; creative control | Time-heavy; tool learning |
| DIY strip + stain kit | $140-$220 | Mid-level savings | Messy chemicals; ventilation |
| Hire a refinisher | $250-$800 | Fast, flawless finish | Higher cost |
Flip it on Asherfield (keep 85 %)
- Serious buyers only – 15 % deposit cuts no-shows. Reddit
- Fast payout – remaining 85 % paid at pickup or delivery.
- Free delivery tag – boosts conversions 19 % for furniture online. Fixr.com
- No showroom drop-offs – list from home; edits go live in minutes.
Pro tip: Add a fresh “before/after” photo carousel—strong visuals can raise sale price up to 15%. schoenbauer.com
Internal links
- Furniture refinishing cost – master price guide
- Furniture painting price guide – detailed paint math
- Antique furniture restoration cost – specialty rates
- How to refinish wood furniture (beginners) – 5-step DIY
- Furniture upcycling business – turn skills into steady income
FAQ
How much does it cost to refinish a dining table?
Expect $250–$800 for a standard six-foot table; antiques or leaf extensions climb higher. Angi
Is DIY worth it?
If you own basic tools, a paint overhaul can run under $120. Angi
What drives price up?
Carved legs, multiple leaves, and thick varnish add stripping time and labor. schoenbauer.com
How long does pro refinishing take?
Most shops quote 5–10 business days including cure time. Thumbtack
Can I earn money on an old table?
Yes—DIY the refinish, list on Asherfield, and keep 85 % of the sale once the buyer pays their deposit.
Sources
- Angi, How Much Does It Cost to Refinish a Table? Angi
- Angi, Furniture Refinishing Cost (Hourly Rates) Angi
- Schoenbauer Furniture, Refinishing Pricing Guide schoenbauer.com
- Fixr, Cost to Refinish Furniture Fixr.com
- AntiqueRestorations.com, Stripping & Refinishing Price Guide furniturerepair.net
- HomeAdvisor, Average Furniture Refinishing Costs HomeAdvisor
- ZipRecruiter, Furniture Restoration Hourly Pay ZipRecruiter
- Thumbtack, 2025 Furniture Refinishing Cost Thumbtack
- Reddit r/woodworking, Pricing Thread (rate + overhead discussion) Reddit
- Pabau, How Deposits Reduce No-Shows Reddit
- GrowthRock, Free Shipping Conversion Case Study Fixr.com