Cost furniture restoration.

Furniture restoration in the UK typically costs £200–£3,500 per piece, depending on size, period, condition and how authentic you want the finish to be. Mid-range restoration on a Victorian or Edwardian piece (chest of drawers, bureau, mid-size sideboard) typically falls in the £400–£1,200 bracket. Major projects involving veneer replacement, marquetry repair, or French polishing on a large surface run higher.

"Restoration" specifically means returning the piece toward its original condition using period-appropriate materials and techniques — different from "repair" (functional fix only) or "refinishing" (modern finish over old surface).

Typical UK restoration costs by piece

What's typically included

• Structural repairs — re-glue loose joints, replace broken tenons, repair splits, replace damaged sections of timber.
• Veneer work — patch damaged veneer with matching grain, lift and re-glue blistered areas.
• Surface preparation — strip old finish (sometimes), clean, fill any imperfections, prepare for new finish.
• Refinishing — French polish, wax, oil, or shellac depending on period and original finish. French polishing is the most labour-intensive.
• Hardware refurbishment — clean and re-fit original handles, locks, hinges; replace only when essential.
• Upholstery — for chairs and sofas, may include re-stuffing, springs, fabric (priced separately).

The big spec choice — strip or preserve?

The single biggest decision in any restoration: do you strip the existing finish entirely, or preserve it and just clean/touch-up?

• Stripping — removes all damage but also removes patina (the gradual darkening and depth that comes with age). Inappropriate for valuable antiques where patina is part of the character. Right when the existing finish is severely damaged.
• Preserving — clean with mild solvents, touch up scratches and bare patches, blend with reviver. Preserves character and maintains antique value. Right when the existing finish is largely intact.

A good restorer will discuss this honestly. Be cautious of anyone who jumps straight to "strip and refinish" on a Georgian or earlier piece.

French polishing — the premium finish

French polishing involves applying many thin coats of shellac dissolved in alcohol, rubbed in by hand with a rubber pad. The result is a deep, glossy finish that's the hallmark of quality British antique furniture. It's also delicate and labour-intensive — a typical sideboard top is 30–60 hours of polishing time.

Cost: £200–£800 for a small piece (chair top, occasional table); £600–£2,000 for medium pieces; £1,500+ for large dining tables and sideboards. Expensive, but appropriate for genuine antiques where the original finish would have been French polish.

Things people often miss

• Insurance value before and after — a piece's insurance valuation may change after restoration. Get an updated valuation in writing for your home insurance schedule.
• Original locks and keys — keep these. Many antique restorers can re-key locks rather than replacing.
• Photograph original construction — before any disassembly, photograph joints, marks, and labels. Some will be hidden once reassembled.
• BAFRA membership — the British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association sets professional standards. Members are vetted and audited; worth choosing for valuable pieces.
• Climate after restoration — a freshly restored antique returned to a centrally-heated modern home will move with the lower humidity. Allow it to acclimate slowly; consider a humidifier for very dry rooms.

Frequently asked questions

Want a local pro to handle this? A BAFRA-registered or experienced furniture restorer will assess your piece honestly, advise on what's economic, and use period-appropriate techniques. Worth a 30-minute conversation before committing — restoration is one of those services where the practitioner's judgement matters as much as their price.