Restoration Process • Inspect vintage furniture for structural integrity and signs of wear • Clean surfaces thoroughly to remove dust, grease and old finishes •...
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
| Piece | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Dining chair (per chair) | £80–£250 |
| Carver chair / armchair | £150–£450 |
| Side table / occasional table | £150–£500 |
| Dining table (refinish + repairs) | £400–£1,500 |
| Chest of drawers | £350–£1,000 |
| Bureau / desk | £600–£2,500 |
| Sideboard / dresser | £500–£1,800 |
| Wardrobe / armoire | £700–£2,500 |
| Bookcase / display cabinet | £500–£2,000 |
| Antique long-case clock | £800–£3,500 |
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
How long does a typical restoration take?
Small pieces (single chair, occasional table): 2–4 weeks in the workshop. Medium (chest of drawers, bureau): 4–8 weeks. Large or major restorations: 2–4 months. Add waiting time for the restorer's queue — most have 2–6 week lead times before they can start.
Is restoration worth more than the piece's value?
Sometimes — particularly for sentimental pieces or where replacing equivalents new would cost more than the restoration. For purely commercial decisions, calculate cost vs. an equivalent new piece; for family heirlooms, the calculation is different.
Can I do basic restoration myself?
Yes for surface care (waxing, scratch concealment with a wax stick). Some structural work (re-gluing chair joints, simple veneer patches) is achievable with care. French polishing, marquetry, and major refinishing are specialist skills — DIY attempts often need professional rescue afterwards.
Will restoration affect resale value?
Sympathetic restoration usually maintains or increases value (broken antiques are worth less than restored ones). Aggressive over-restoration (stripping patina, replacing original hardware, modern lacquer over period finishes) reduces value, sometimes substantially. The restorer's approach matters more than the price.
How do I find a good antique restorer?
BAFRA (British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association) maintains a member directory. Local antique dealers often recommend specific restorers they trust. Always view recent work in person before committing — photographs flatter restorations beyond reality.
Should I restore or sell as-is?
For sale, often as-is is better — buyers tend to prefer to make their own restoration choices. For your own use, restoration makes sense when the piece will live with you for years and the cost is reasonable against equivalent replacement.
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.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
