Furniture Refinisher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of home decor and interior design, the focus on furniture refinishers has never been more prominent.

As craftsmanship and aesthetics evolve, so does the demand for skilled artisans who can restore, recreate, and protect our cherished furniture pieces.

But let’s dig a little deeper: What is truly expected from a furniture refinisher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager trying to outline the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the craft of furniture refinishing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable furniture refinisher job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Furniture Refinisher Duties and Responsibilities

Furniture Refinishers are skilled professionals who restore and refinish old or damaged furniture.

They use a variety of techniques to restore furniture to its original condition or to create a new look.

Furniture Refinishers are primarily responsible for directly assisting clients with furniture restoration and refinishing projects, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Evaluating the state of the furniture to determine the appropriate restoration processes
• Removing old finishes from furniture using sanding, stripping or chemical techniques
• Repairing any damage to the furniture such as dents, scratches, or worn areas
• Selecting and mixing appropriate finishing materials
• Applying finishes to furniture using brushes, spray guns, or pads
• Polishing and waxing finished furniture surfaces
• Restoring antiques to their original condition or altering them to look more modern
• Maintaining a safe and clean work environment, including cleaning and disinfecting tools and workstations
• Communicating with clients about design ideas, color choices, and the progress of the refinishing project
• Ordering supplies as needed for restoration and refinishing projects

 

Furniture Refinisher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Furniture Refinisher to restore and refinish a variety of furniture items to their original condition.

The Furniture Refinisher will be responsible for assessing the furniture’s condition, determining the appropriate refurbishment process, and executing the refurbishment tasks.

Our ideal candidate should be proficient with a variety of restoration techniques including stripping, sanding, staining, sealing, and painting.

They should also have a keen eye for detail and a good understanding of different types of wood and finishes.

The goal is to maintain and preserve the beauty and functionality of our range of vintage and modern furniture.

 

Responsibilities

• Inspecting and assessing the condition of the furniture to be refinished
• Stripping old finish off of furniture using chemical strippers and hand tools
• Sanding furniture surfaces and applying new finish such as paint, stain, lacquer or varnish
• Performing minor repairs on furniture including gluing, patching, and reinforcing joints
• Matching colors and finishes to existing pieces or specified color schemes
• Maintaining a clean and safe workspace
• Restoring antiques to their original condition

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Furniture Refinisher or similar role
• Experience with hand and power tools
• Knowledge of different types of wood and their characteristics
• Familiarity with different finishes and their application processes
• Ability to match colors and create desired finish
• Attention to detail and quality
• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training in carpentry or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Furniture Refinisher
• Work Environment: Workshop setting. Some travel may be required for on-site restorations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Workshop Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Furniture Refinisher Do?

Furniture Refinishers are skilled professionals who specialize in restoring and refinishing old or damaged furniture.

They typically work for furniture restoration companies, antique shops, or as self-employed individuals.

Their primary job is to assess the condition of the furniture and determine the best methods to restore its original appearance or give it a new look.

This often involves removing old paint or varnish, repairing any damages, and applying new finish.

They use a variety of tools and techniques such as sanding, staining, painting, and lacquering.

They may also work with veneers, inlays, and other materials to fix or enhance the furniture’s appearance.

Furniture Refinishers often need a good understanding of different types of wood and their characteristics, as well as knowledge of historical furniture styles and techniques for a successful restoration.

In addition, they work closely with clients to understand their vision and preferences, ensuring that the final product aligns with the client’s expectations.

Depending on the project, they might also coordinate with other professionals like upholsterers or carpenters to achieve the desired result.

 

Furniture Refinisher Qualifications and Skills

A qualified furniture refinisher should possess a blend of technical skills, creativity, and physical stamina to refurbish old or damaged furniture.

These include:

• Knowledge of different types of wood and their properties, allowing them to choose the right techniques and products for each piece.
• Technical skills for using tools and machinery like sanders, polishers, paintbrushes, and spray guns.
• Creativity to envision and realize innovative finishes that can transform a piece of furniture or match a customer’s specifications.
• Attention to detail to identify flaws and ensure the final finish is smooth and even.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to handle heavy furniture and perform detailed work.
• Problem-solving skills to find solutions when unexpected issues arise during the refinishing process.
• Customer service skills to communicate effectively with clients, understand their needs, and ensure satisfaction with the final product.
• Knowledge of safety procedures to avoid workplace accidents and handle tools and materials safely.

 

Furniture Refinisher Experience Requirements

Entry-level furniture refinishers are typically required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through internships or part-time roles in furniture restoration or a related field.

They may also gain practical experience through vocational training programs, or by working in roles such as woodworking assistants, furniture repair technicians, or carpentry apprentices.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have likely honed their skills in furniture repair and restoration, including techniques such as stripping, sanding, staining, and sealing.

They may have also developed familiarity with different types of wood and finishes, and gained experience in identifying and repairing furniture damage.

Furniture refinishers with more than 5 years of experience are often considered experts in their field.

They may have experience in antique restoration and complex furniture repair tasks.

They may also have some managerial or supervisory experience, making them eligible for roles such as team leader or workshop manager.

Their expertise could also extend to instructing others in the art and craft of furniture refinishing.

 

Furniture Refinisher Education and Training Requirements

Furniture Refinishers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

They usually learn their skills on the job, often through an apprenticeship under a seasoned refinisher.

During their training, aspiring Furniture Refinishers learn about different types of wood, finishes, and furniture styles.

They are also taught the techniques for stripping, sanding, staining, sealing, and painting furniture.

Some community colleges and vocational schools offer courses related to furniture refinishing, which can provide more formal training and deepen their understanding of the trade.

These courses may cover areas like furniture history, wood identification, color theory, and the use of power and hand tools.

Although not always necessary, certification from a professional organization, like the Professional Refinishers Group, can demonstrate a Furniture Refinisher’s competence and commitment to the trade.

Continuing education is important in this field as it allows the refinishers to stay updated with the latest techniques and materials.

This may involve attending workshops, trade shows, or additional coursework.

 

Furniture Refinisher Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Furniture Refinisher is $15.50 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings may vary depending on the experience, location, and the size of the employing company.

On an annual basis, a Furniture Refinisher can expect to earn around $32,240 (USD).

This may vary if the refinisher has specialized skills or if they operate their own business.

 

Furniture Refinisher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Furniture Refinisher need?

A Furniture Refinisher should have excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination as the job requires detailed and precise work.

They should have knowledge of different types of wood, finishes, and furniture styles.

Proficiency in using power and hand tools, and the ability to perform minor repairs are also essential.

Additionally, they should have good problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

 

Do Furniture Refinishers need a degree?

A degree is not typically required for a Furniture Refinisher, but some level of vocational training or an apprenticeship is often preferred.

Many Furniture Refinishers learn their skills on the job or by working under an experienced professional.

Knowledge of woodworking, carpentry, and different finishing techniques are crucial for this role.

 

What should you look for in a Furniture Refinisher’s resume?

An ideal Furniture Refinisher’s resume should highlight experience in furniture restoration or related fields such as carpentry or woodworking.

It would be beneficial if they have knowledge of different types of wood and furniture styles.

Proficiency in using various tools and equipment, as well as any experience with custom or antique furniture restoration, is a plus.

Any formal training or relevant certifications should also be noted.

 

What qualities make a good Furniture Refinisher?

A good Furniture Refinisher should be detail-oriented as they must be able to replicate intricate designs and finishes.

They should be patient as the refinishing process can be time-consuming and requires a steady hand.

Problem-solving skills are also crucial as they must find solutions when dealing with damaged or antique furniture.

Creativity and a good eye for design can help a Furniture Refinisher to restore furniture to its original beauty or give it a new look.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Furniture Refinisher?

Hiring a Furniture Refinisher can be challenging as it requires a unique skill set.

It’s essential to look for candidates who have experience and a passion for the craft.

The demand for this profession isn’t as high as others, so finding the right person might require a thorough search and a detailed vetting process.

However, with the right recruiting strategies and incentives, you can attract experienced Furniture Refinishers.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an inside look into the world of a furniture refinisher.

Surprised?

It’s not just about sanding and staining.

It’s about breathing new life into each piece of furniture, one brushstroke at a time.

With our detailed furniture refinisher job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to dive in.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting the perfect job listings or refining your resume to stand out from the crowd.

Remember:

Each brushstroke contributes to the overall beauty of the piece.

Let’s create that beauty. Together.

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