How Much Does Church Pew Restoration Cost?
Published industry figures for pew refinishing generally range from the low tens of dollars per linear foot for light cosmetic work up to a few hundred dollars per linear foot for a full restoration with reupholstery. Here is what actually moves your number, and how Kivett's gets your committee an exact figure.
What Drives the Price
Restoration pricing scales with scope, not a flat per-pew rate. Four factors matter most:
| Factor | Effect on Cost |
|---|---|
| Total linear footage of pews | More footage means a larger overall project total |
| Wood condition | Cosmetic wear costs less than repairing rot, insect damage, or loose joinery |
| Reupholstery | Adds fabric and labor cost beyond a refinish-only project |
| New matching pieces | Manufacturing new pews to match adds cost above restoration alone |
A sanctuary needing only a light refinish with sound joinery sits at the lower end of the range. A project involving structural repair, reupholstery, and new matching pieces for an expansion will run higher.
Restoration vs. New Pew Cost
Per linear foot, restoration is typically the more affordable option, since you are paying for labor and finish rather than new materials and full construction. New pews become the better value when existing pews are damaged beyond repair or the sanctuary is adding seating. See Pew Restoration vs. New Church Pews: How to Choose for the full breakdown, or the general church pew cost overview for new-pew pricing factors.
Why a Free Consultation Gets You a Real Number
Kivett's does not publish flat pricing because no two sanctuaries are the same — wood condition, pew count, and finish choices all move the number. As the largest family-owned pew manufacturer and pew refinisher in the United States, we send our own team, not a subcontractor, to inspect your pews in person and give a written estimate before any work begins. The consultation is free, and it covers removal, refinishing, delivery, and reinstallation as one project, not separate line items you have to piece together.
FAQ
How much does church pew restoration cost?
Published industry figures for pew refinishing generally run from the low tens of dollars per linear foot for light cosmetic work up to a few hundred dollars per linear foot for a full restoration with reupholstery. Kivett's does not publish flat rates, since sanctuary size and pew condition vary too much for one number to be meaningful, but a free consultation gives your committee an exact figure.
What affects the cost of church pew restoration?
The biggest factors are how many linear feet of pews are involved, how much repair the wood needs beyond a standard refinish, whether reupholstery is included, and whether any pieces need to be manufactured new to replace damage beyond repair.
Is restoration cheaper than buying new church pews?
Per linear foot, restoration is typically less expensive than new pews, since you are paying for labor and finish rather than new materials and full construction. New pews become the better value when existing pews are damaged beyond repair or the sanctuary needs additional seating.
Does Kivett's charge for the initial consultation?
No. Kivett's provides free consultations for restoration and new pew quotes, including an on-site inspection of your existing pews before any cost estimate is given.
Does the cost include delivery and reinstallation?
Yes. Kivett's handles removal, refinishing, delivery, and reinstallation entirely in-house, and your consultation quote covers the full project rather than just the refinishing work.
How do we get an exact quote for our sanctuary?
Request a free consultation online or call (800) 334-1139. Our team inspects your pews in person, discusses your goals for stain, fabric, and scope, and provides a written estimate before any work begins.
Related Reading
Not sure which path fits your sanctuary? Read Pew Restoration vs. New Church Pews: How to Choose and What Happens During a Kivett's Pew Restoration Project. For budgeting help, see our Refinishing service page.
Get a Written Estimate for Your Sanctuary
711 Southwest Blvd, Clinton, NC 28328