How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Teak Furniture?

Teak furniture is a beautiful addition to any home. This sleek wood offers the perfect combination of sophistication and warmth, whether you’re using it for lounge chairs, bar stools, or an entire dining set. Though teak is famously low-maintenance, it can still benefit from the occasional refinishing. Here’s what you can expect from this process.

Average Furniture Refinish Costs

On average, homeowners pay $619 to refinish a piece of furniture. The exact cost varies greatly depending on the type of furniture, the shape it’s in, and the type of care that’s required to restore it to its original or near-original state. You may pay as little as $100 for a simple refinishing job, or as much as $1,000 to $2,000 for a complex restoration process for a large item.

Furniture restoration and refinishing professionals usually charge by the hour at a rate of $40 to $100 per hour. You may pay a minimum of $100 for the service call, no matter how small the job. 

For this reason, it’s often best to have several pieces of furniture refinished at once. This makes better use of the professionals’ time, as they can allow the first piece to dry while moving on to the next. When they’re finished with the final piece, it might be time to go back and apply a second coat of finish or final sanding to the first item.

For teak furniture, you can typically expect to pay between $150 and $400 for a table. It may cost you $125 to $300 to refinish a dining chair and $100 to $250 to refinish a bar stool.

The Process for Refinishing Teak Furniture

Refinishing teak furniture can be an extensive process depending on the state of the piece and the desired results. It’s important to note that there are two ways to approach teak. Your first option is to restore the furniture to its original honey-blonde color and remove the natural silvery patina that occurs with oxidation. Your second option is a careful restoration process that will clean and refinish the teak while allowing the patina to shine through.

Any teak refinishing project will begin with a thorough cleaning. Specialized brushes and tools allow professionals to get in between slats and around the edges of boards to thoroughly remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew from the piece. Teak doesn’t require special cleaning products. However, working with the grain and maintaining the teak furniture’s natural beauty does require time and care.

In some cases, a teak specialist may need to disassemble and reassemble the furniture to properly clean and refinish the wood. Once the item is clean, you can discuss the next steps with your hired professional and determine what your item needs to get the finish that you’re after. Your options may include the following:

• Remove a previous finish, particularly if you want to allow the teak to oxidize naturally.
• Remove oxidation on unfinished teak to restore the blonde appearance.
• Strip the wood of oils, lacquers, or other products that were previously applied.
• Sand the furniture to remove deep stains and create a smooth finish.
• Fill chips or holes.
• Repair scratches and dents.
• Use a pH rebalancing product.
• Apply a wood brightening product.
• Apply a protectant to retain a pale blonde finish.

Teak is not a good candidate for painting, as its natural oils stop paint from adhering properly to the surface. Teak isn’t usually stained, but you may opt to apply a semi-transparent stain to enhance its sheen.

When You Should Refinish Your Teak Furniture

Teak naturally changes color over time. You’re typically advised not to clean the wood in any way for the first several months of ownership. This will allow the wood to age naturally and take on an elegant look. If you want your teak to stay golden in color, you should use a UV protectant to prevent oxidation over time. If you like the silvery appearance of teak’s natural patina, you can leave the wood unprotected.

In either situation, you may notice that your furniture begins to look dirty and dingy over time. Though teak is a low-maintenance wood, it still needs regular cleaning, as it can accumulate dirt, grime, and stains like anything else. It’s best to have your teak furniture professionally cleaned at least once a year to maintain its appearance. If you live in a beachfront location, you may need to schedule more frequent cleanings.

A full refinishing project is something you should only need every few years. The location of your teak furniture, its daily use, and the amount of care it receives will all play major factors in determining when the furniture needs refinishing. You may have to use your best judgment and make this call when you’re no longer happy with the appearance of the wood. If you’re having your teak cleaned professionally each year, your furniture cleaner may also recommend the ideal time to have your furniture refinished.

The Benefits of Refinishing Teak Furniture

Refinishing teak furniture will make a dramatic difference in its appearance. Teak is a particularly special case because you can opt to have your furniture take on a different color and patina simply by choosing or removing a protectant. After you’ve had your teak refinished, you’ll enjoy:

• Clean, sanitary furniture that’s free from mold or mildew and ideal for dining.
• Smooth, well-sanded surfaces that won’t cause scratches or splinters.
• The elimination of tricky stains, such as oil or grease.
• A fresh, even color.
• Expert finishing that highlights the teak’s stunning natural grain.
• A longer lifespan from your furniture since it has regular maintenance.
• The increased monetary value for your teak furniture should you ever decide to sell it.
• Enhanced curb appeal for your home if teak furniture is visible on a porch or deck.

If you’re interested in having your teak furniture restored and refinished,  contact our team at Teak Master. Since we specialize in caring for teak and bringing out its natural beauty, we can help you get the look you’re after. With our routine cleaning services, you can maintain your teak’s gorgeous, refinished appearance easily for years to come.