Out if the dozen or so church pew refinishing and restoration inquiries I receive each week about ONE of them is a worthy project. Why? Well that's going to take a couple paragraphs to explain.
Church pews generally have an original finish life of about 40 years. After that the ground in grease, worn pew top rails and general appearance begs improvement. So then comes the question, "Should we buy new or refinish/restore?"
40 years ago was the mid 1960's. That's when the quality of manufactured church pews began to drop off precipitously (ok... fast). Solid wood materials and trade labor started to become scarce and/or expensive. Not only that but technologies also began to find ways to more efficiently use the dwindling wood resources. The answer? Veneer. Very thin veneer. Another answer? Foam and fabric. Upholstering church pews began to replace solid wood formats. OR- thin veneers (1/32") over plywood began to simulate solid wood. The point is that now many of the church pews folks are considering refinishing aren't projects that can be done well and last another 40+ years. Take a look at other articles on this blog to get the details but suffice it to say- if you have all solid wood church pews you are VERY lucky. New pews of exactly similar structure would run $200-$300 per lineal foot. It's not complicated math that shows the value of what you have. Church pew refinishing and restoration runs from $60 per foot to $100 per foot (depending on the amount of site work the church can self preform). Now that IS the same price as cheaply made new church pews. Let's call them "disposable" church pews. They aren't likely to have pews ends. They lack solid wood other than a top rail piece or a seat front rail. They are fabric and foam. They are IMHO- bleck!
Before you consider throwing away great church pews or if there's any consideration of doing such on the planning committee/etc- send us some photos. We'll be happy to help you discern good from bad. The bleck from the choice. Here are links to other articles that will help:
Church Pews: Restore or Replace:
Bid Estimate/What We Will Need:
Of course I'm always willing to talk with you. Feel free to call us at 262-527-8969 .
Or email to woodworkrestoration@hotmail.com .
Thanks!
Scott Beddome
