Is Church Pew Refinishing Worth It? Here's What You Need to Know
Every week, I receive a dozen or more inquiries about church pew refinishing and restoration. But here's the truth: only one out of every ten or twelve projects turns out to be a worthwhile investment.
Why is that? Well, it's going to take a couple of paragraphs to explain—and if you're considering refinishing your church pews, this will be worth the read.
How Long Do Church Pew Finishes Last?
Most original church pew finishes have a lifespan of about 40 years. After that, years of wear and tear—ground-in dirt, grease, and worn-down top rails—start to show. The question then becomes:
"Should we buy new church pews or restore the ones we already have?"
The Problem with Church Pews Made After the 1960s
If your church pews are older than 40 years, you may be in luck.
Back in the mid-1960s, the quality of church pew manufacturing began to decline. Why? A few key reasons:
-
Solid wood became expensive and harder to source
-
Skilled labor costs rose
-
Manufacturers turned to cheaper, faster methods
The result? Veneer. Very thin veneer. In fact, some pews today are made from veneer that's only 1/32" thick, glued onto plywood. Others are built with foam and fabric upholstery instead of wood.
So when people ask if they should refinish their pews, the answer often depends on what their pews are actually made of. If you’re working with real solid wood, restoration is usually a no-brainer.
The Hidden Value of Solid Wood Church Pews
Let’s break it down:
-
Solid wood pews (like yours, if you're lucky) would cost $200–$300 per linear foot to replicate new.
-
Refinishing solid wood pews typically costs between $80–$150 per foot, depending on how much prep work your church can do in advance.
That’s a fraction of the cost of new—and you're keeping something built to last.
Compare that to the modern disposable pews: made with minimal solid wood, no decorative pew ends, and lots of foam and fabric. These cheaper options don’t hold up to long-term use and definitely don’t age gracefully.
IMHO? They're bleck.
Before You Replace, Reach Out
If your church is considering replacing your pews, or if the topic comes up in planning or renovation meetings, pause before making a decision. Send us a few photos of your existing pews. We're happy to help you determine whether your pews are worth restoring.
We can help you separate the "keepers" from the "bleck."
