Refurbishing preserves the original finish—think deep cleaning, tightening joints, and minor repairs — to refresh the piece without altering its appearance. Refinishing is more dramatic: Pros strip the old finish, sand, then add new stain or paint for an entirely new color or sheen. Both approaches improve appearance; the right choice depends on how much change you want.

Refinishing often only costs about half of what you’d spend on a comparable new piece and lets you keep the character you already love. Beyond the quick savings, you’re also cutting waste and avoiding the higher price of quality, brand-new furniture. For most homeowners, it’s a budget-smart and sustainable win.

Refinishing can affect the value of an antique piece. Serious collectors prize the original finish because it shows a piece’s age and craftsmanship. Stripping that patina can lower market value. If the goal is resale, talk with an appraiser or restoration pro before sanding anything. For heirloom pieces you plan to keep, a careful refinish may still be worth it if it protects the wood and lets you enjoy the furniture every day.