Cost to Refinish Oak Kitchen Table & Chairs

Professional Refinishing Costs

• The average cost to have an oak kitchen table professionally finished ranges from $700 to more than $1,200, depending on the size of the table. This price does not include repairs to damaged wood. Refinishing oak kitchen chairs costs about $300 per chair. To refinish the entire set could cost you more than $2,000. Prices vary slightly depending on your geographic region.

Do-It-Yourself Costs

• You can buy the supplies necessary to refinish the oak table and chairs yourself for under $150. You'll need a gel stripper, putty knife, liquid stripper, steel wool, mineral spirits, wood stain, paint brushes, and polyurethane or varnish. If you already have basic supplies, such as paint brushes and sandpaper, you may spend $100 on supplies. Keep in mind, though, that what you save in money, you'll spend in time. Stripping the furniture is the most time-consuming part of the project, especially if the chairs have intricate detailing. In general, plan to spend between 20 to 40 hours on this project.

Considerations

• In most cases, you're better off buying a new table rather than trying to restore the old one. Exceptions would be justified if the table has significant historical or sentimental value, the table has a unique design, or you enjoy restoring furniture and have the time to do it yourself. Consider the condition of the table, as well. A table with minor cracks or dents can easily be repaired, but discard a table that is warped, decayed or structurally unsound.

Alternatives

• If only a portion of the table is damaged or worn, you can repair the table without refinishing the entire piece. Another option is to paint the table. Although this will hide the oak grain, painting the table and chairs is a quick and inexpensive option. In most cases, all you'll need to do is sand the furniture lightly, prime it and apply paint. For a country look, refinish the oak table top and paint the table legs and chairs.