Pricing · 6 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Refinish a Dresser? A 2026 Price Breakdown
Quick answer: DIY supplies for a standard six-drawer dresser run roughly $60–$150 (paint, primer, brushes, and basic hardware). Hiring a professional typically runs $300–$800, depending on size, condition, and whether hardware is replaced. Commission pieces with custom color matching or extensive repair run higher.
“How much would it cost to redo this?” is the question we hear most on Marketplace. The honest answer depends on three things: the size of the piece, its current condition, and whether you’re doing the work yourself. Here’s the real breakdown.
DIY supply costs
- Sandpaper & deglosser — $10–$20
- Primer (if needed) — $15–$25
- Paint (quart, usually enough) — $20–$45
- Brushes & roller — $15–$30
- New hardware (per set, optional) — $20–$80+
Total DIY range: $60–$150 for materials, assuming the piece needs no structural repair — plus your own time, usually 8–15 hours across prep, painting, and cure time between coats.
Hiring it out
Professional refinishing typically runs $300–$800 for a dresser-sized piece. That range covers labor, professional-grade paint and topcoats, and basic hardware. Larger pieces, custom color matching, veneer repair, or replacing all hardware with solid brass will push costs toward the top of that range or beyond.
Where the budget actually goes
Hardware is the most common surprise. A full set of solid brass pulls for an eight-drawer dresser can run $80–$150 on its own — sometimes more than the paint. If budget is tight, we often recommend keeping and polishing original hardware rather than replacing it; a good original piece with quality hardware makes a far bigger visual difference than another coat of paint.
Budget-Friendly Hardware Swap
For a clean, modern update without the solid-brass price tag, we like a set of brushed brass bar pulls. (affiliate link)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to refinish a dresser?
DIY supplies for a standard six-drawer dresser typically run $60 to $150 for paint, primer, brushes, and hardware. Hiring a professional refinisher generally runs $300 to $800 depending on the piece’s size, condition, and hardware needs.
Is it cheaper to refinish furniture or buy new?
Refinishing a solid wood secondhand piece is usually cheaper than buying comparable quality new furniture, and it often nets a sturdier, better-built result than budget new furniture at the same price point.
What adds the most cost to a furniture refinish?
Hardware is the most common budget surprise. Replacement pulls and knobs in solid brass can cost as much as the paint itself, especially on pieces with eight or more drawers.