How Much Does Furniture Restoration Actually Cost?
16 August 2026 at 8:57:49 am
A basic restoration of the reference chair, touch-up polish, a standard joint repair, and partial foam and fabric replacement can costs about ₹4,700. A fuller restoration full melamine matt repolish, extra structural support, dense cane weaving, and premium fabric costs between ₹5000-₹12000. An important factor for refurbishment what most people do not account for is the number of different skilled craftsmen involved, and how well their work is coordinated.
Cost Breakdown, Tier by Tier
Polish: Touch-Up vs Melamine Matt
A touch-up polish means light scraping and refinishing worn areas. It costs about ₹1,000 per chair. A full melamine matt repolish means stripping the piece back to bare wood before refinishing. It costs about ₹2,500. The right option depends on the condition of the existing finish.
Joint Repair: Standard vs Extra Support
Tightening or re-gluing a loose joint costs about ₹700. If the chair needs extra structural support or leg reinforcement, expect about ₹1,200-1500. The difference depends on whether the joint only needs tightening, or the wood around it needs strengthening too.
Cane
Cane replacement is priced per square foot. A standard weave costs ₹600 per square foot. A denser or coloured weave costs up to ₹1,200 per square foot.
Cushion and Fabric
Foam replacement and cushion base repair cost about ₹1,000 just for the seat. Fabric is priced separately. Thadi’s Ikat range costs ₹600–1,200 per metre, and the reference chair needs about one metre for the seat.
Why Restoration Quotes Vary So Much
A full restoration can involve four different craftsmen: a carpenter, a polisher, a cane weaver, and an upholsterer. Explaining exactly what you want to each of them, and making sure nothing is lost between them is an important skill. Add transport between craftsmen working from different locations, and the coordination cost adds up quickly.
When you send us a piece for restoration, we bring in skilled craftspeople, and our expertise (which isn't accounted for in the above estimates!). You have conversations with one person, one point of contact.
Is It Worth Restoring, or Buying New?
For solid wood furniture in sound structural condition, restoration is usually the cheaper option. Restoring a chair often costs a few thousand rupees. A comparable new solid wood chair can cost ₹15,000 or more.
Restoration is usually not worth it for furniture built from veneer over MDF or laminate, since the structure underneath often cannot be repaired. If you suspect termite damage, get the piece assessed first.
When It’s About Memory
Many pieces come to the workshop because they belonged to a grandparent or have been in the family for decades. In these cases, the cost of a new piece is rarely the deciding factor. The real question is whether there is enough sound material left to rebuild.
Solid wood can often be repaired, even after serious damage. Engineered material usually cannot. Once the base material fails, there is very little left to restore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to restore old wooden furniture? For the reference chair in this guide, a basic restoration (touch-up polish, standard joint repair, cushion work) costs about ₹2,700. A fuller restoration (full melamine matt repolish, extra joint support, cushion work) costs about ₹4,700. This does not include cane or fabric, where needed.
Is it worth restoring old furniture instead of buying new? For solid wood furniture with a sound frame, yes. Restoration usually costs much less than a new piece and keeps materials and craftsmanship that are hard to find today.
What does furniture polishing cost in Delhi? A touch-up polish costs about ₹1,000 for the reference chair. A full melamine matt repolish for a chair like the one above costs about ₹2,500. The right option depends on the condition of the existing finish.
How much does reupholstery cost in India? Foam replacement and cushion repair cost about ₹1,000. Fabric is priced separately. Thadi’s Ikat range costs ₹600–1,200 per metre, and the reference chair needs about one metre.
Can termite-damaged furniture be restored? Sometimes. Surface damage on solid wood can often be repaired. Structural damage to load-bearing parts is usually not worth restoring and should be assessed by a professional first.
Why do furniture restoration quotes vary so much? The experiences of the craftsmen, materials costs and also how many craftsmen are involved, how well their work is coordinated, and the transport between them are all factors. Cut corners elsewhere but offer a fair wage to your craftsmen.