At Harvest + Co, we get this question more often than you'd expect:

"Should I refinish my dining table, or should I just buy (or build) a new one?"

The short answer?
It depends on the table, the material, and what you want long-term.

In this post, we'll break down the real costs, the pros and cons, and how to decide which route makes the most sense for your home and budget.

What Goes Into Refinishing a Table?

Refinishing always sounds like the cheaper option. But in reality, it can be incredibly labor-heavy, especially with older or damaged tables. Here's what the process looks like in our shop:

• Stripping old finish
• Full sanding and surface prep
• Repairs to cracks, dents, or loose seams
• Replacing legs (built or sourced)
• Applying a fresh finish
• Pickup and delivery if needed

Finishing Options We Use

We finish most tables with:

• Sayerlack Hydroplus water-based coating, or
  
• Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C, or
  
• Professional urethane coating applied by our Amish finishing partner

All three are beautiful, durable options -- urethane being the most child-, spill-, and life-proof. That being said, we've finished most of our furniture pieces with the water-based coating and with much success.

Refinishing Price Range

For a typical 36x72 or 42x84 dining table made from red oak, white oak, or maple, refinishing usually runs:

$1,600-$2,200 (Based on 15-20 labor hours at $100/hr + materials)

When Refinishing Makes Sense

• The table has sentimental value
• The top is solid hardwood and worth preserving
• You like your current size but just want a fresh look
• The legs need updating, but the top is still solid

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Older finishes can react unpredictably
• Veneer, MDF, and soft pine don't refinish well
• You can't change thickness, shape, or grain
• Sometimes refinishing takes just as long as building new

What Goes Into Building a New Table?

When we build a new custom table, we're starting with fresh, high-quality hardwoods. That means:

• Stronger joinery
• Flatter glue-ups
• More durable finishes
• Full control over sizing, thickness, and style

New Build Price Range

A custom hardwood dining table in the sizes above typically costs:

$2,700-$3,500 (Based on 25-30 labor hours at $100/hr + lumber and materials)

When Building New Makes More Sense

• The existing table is veneer, MDF, or low-grade wood
• You want a different size, thickness, or shape
• Your old table is warped, cracked, or unstable
• You want a modern style or specific design
• You want a product that will last 20-40+ years

Extra Value in a New Build

• Cleaner joinery
• Perfectly flat surfaces
• Long-term durability
• Easier to refinish in the future
• Full design customization

Refinish or Replace? Here's the Simple Rule.

If you're stuck between the two options, here's our honest rule-of-thumb:

If the table is sentimental and solid hardwood in good shape --> Refinish it
If the table is low-quality, badly damaged, or the wrong size --> Build new.

That's it.

No games. No pressure. Just the most cost-effective, long-term solution for your home.

Want a Personalized Recommendation?

Send us:

• A photo of your table
• The dimensions
• The finish style you want

We'll give you an honest recommendation within 24 hours -- whether that's refinishing, rebuilding, or skipping the project altogether.

We'd rather help you make the right choice than sell you something you don't need.