Showing posts with label pews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pews. Show all posts

8.11.2025

Church Pew Refinishing Bid/Estimate: What We Will Need.


What You Need to Get an Accurate Church Pew Refinishing Bid

Yes, it would be nice if we could give you a church pew refinishing estimate in just a sentence or two. After all—who has time for the details, right?

But skipping the details won't serve you well. In fact, tossing out a number too early—especially for fundraising—can cause problems later.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Info-Gathering Step

Let’s say you raise money based on a rough bid, only to later discover your pews aren’t worth refinishing. Or the project logistics—like removal, storage, or on-site labor—weren’t factored in.

That’s why a proper pew restoration quote requires just a little effort up front. Don’t worry—it’s not complicated. Here's what we need.

Step 1: Send Us Photos of Your Church Pews

Photos help us assess condition, construction, and historical value. Please include:

  • A wide shot of the sanctuary interior

  • An exterior photo or a link to your church’s website (so we can determine architectural period/era)

  • A shot under the pew looking up toward the end (this reveals construction type)

  • Clear images of pew ends and any visible damage or wear

Step 2: Provide Basic Measurements

To prepare a bid, we need the total lineal feet of pews.

Just count the number of pews and the length of each. That’s because church pew refinishing is typically priced per lineal foot.

Step 3: Tell Us About the Project Scope

Give us a sense of the project logistics:

  • Is this bid for immediate work or future fundraising?

  • Will pews need to be removed and stored?

  • Is the project just floors and pews, or a larger remodel?

  • Can your church provide volunteer labor for tasks like:

    • Removing hymnals and kneelers

    • Taking pews up from the floor

    • Loading/unloading pews for transport

  • Or would you prefer we handle everything?

The Bottom Line: We Can Give You a Realistic Estimate—Fast

Once you’ve gathered this info, we can quickly deliver a clear, accurate pew refinishing proposal that you can confidently use for budgeting or fundraising.

Don’t let guesswork derail your project. Send us your photos and details—we’ll handle the rest.

Questions? 


It's also OK to call me right now. 

Good luck on your project!

Scott 




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8.08.2025

Church Pew Refinishing: What NOT to do!




Church Pew Refinishing vs. Re-Coating: What’s the Difference?—And Why It Matters.

When it comes to church pew restoration, there’s a big difference between refinishing and re-coating. Understanding that difference can mean the success—or early failure—of your project.

Let’s break it down.

The Greasy Truth About Church Pews

Over the decades, church pews absorb a surprising amount of grease and grime, especially on the top rails and seat surfaces. Think about it: every handshake, every sermon, every Sunday—those hand oils add up.

Here’s what happens:

  • Natural hand oils gradually break down existing finishes

  • Once the finish is gone, those same hands grind dirt deep into the wood grain

  • The surface becomes dirty, sticky, and unable to hold a new topcoat

Trying to fix this with a quick lite sanding and a fresh coat if finish won’t work. Why?

Because you’re not dealing with clean wood—you’re coating over grease and residue.

Why Re-Coating Doesn’t Work Long-Term

Too often, churches turn to "re-coating" as a budget-friendly fix. The idea is simple: just clean the pews lightly and apply a new finish.

But here’s the problem:

A new finish won’t stick to a greasy surface. It’ll stick to you instead.

That’s why pews treated this way often feel tacky and sticky during hot, humid summer days. The new finish doesn’t bond well—and eventually fails.

The Better Way: Proper Pew Refinishing

Real church pew refinishing means doing the hard, detailed work:

  • Deep cleaning with gentle solvents

  • Removing grease and embedded dirt from the wood grain by hand scrubbing w the grain

  • Preserving the patina, not covering it up

  • Applying a durable, long-lasting finish that is compatible with hand oils and will stand up to decades of use

No waxes. No gimmicks. No short cuts.

This process takes elbow grease, time, and expertise—but it’s the only way to do it right.

Our Honest Opinion (With Just a Dash of Grumpiness)

We know budgets are tight. We get it. But if your church can’t afford to do the project properly, it’s often better to wait than to waste money on a quick fix that won’t last.

In our humble (and okay, slightly grumpy) opinion:

"Re-coating" dirty pews is 100% wasted money.

Let’s Restore Your Church Pews the Right Way

We're passionate about helping churches bring their historic pews back to life—beautifully, respectfully, and durably.

Let’s make sure your pews don’t just look good—but last for generations.

(Don’t worry. I promise—I’m not always this grumpy.)

Scott 

(262) 527-8969 

woodworkrestoration@hotmail.com

http://churchpewrestoration.com




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restore church pews, pew restoration cost, church pew repair, pew restoration vs replacement, historic church pew restoration, church pew finishing techniques, church sanctuary furniture restoration

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8.05.2025

Church Pew Restoration at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Kalispell, MT


"Yes we are happy and satisfied with the results of our pew refinishing. You and your crew were timely and efficient."
-Mike Galvin
Building Committee Chair



Church Pew Refinishing Project in Kalispell, MT – A Restoration Journey at Bethlehem Lutheran Church

What an incredible experience it was to bring our church restoration road show to Kalispell, Montana! Set against the stunning backdrop of Glacier National Park, we had the privilege of working on a beautiful project at Bethlehem Lutheran Church—a historic gem full of character and warmth.


Project Overview: Church Pew Refinishing 

The project scope for this historic church included:

  • Complete pew refinishing

To complete the pew restoration efficiently, we transported all pews to a nearby warehouse where we could control the environment and focus on craftsmanship.


Before Restoration: Worn Church Pews Needing Revival

Here's how the sanctuary looked before our work began:


  • The pews were faded and washed out, clashing with the rich Tudor-style woodwork throughout the church interior.

  • Years of use had left surface-level scratches and dullness that made the pews look tired and out of place.

Take a closer look at the wear:


Why Restoration Was Worth It

Despite their worn appearance, the pews were made from solid hardwood—a perfect candidate for full restoration. Scratches and blemishes were mostly superficial and easily addressed through our refinishing process, which preserves the original character of the wood.

Our Refinishing Approach: Preserving Patina, Restoring Beauty

A key goal for us was to maintain the original patina and ensure the pews looked like they belonged in the space. That meant:

  • Avoiding a “too-new” look

  • Color-matching the pews to the existing wood tones throughout the sanctuary

  • Creating a harmonious, historic feel

The result? A sanctuary where all the wood—floors, trim, and pews—feels unified, warm, and well cared for.

Family-Run Craftsmanship with a Personal Touch

This project was extra special because it became a family effort. My son and daughter joined me in the refinishing process. Here they are hard at work, applying the custom stain:


We take pride in not just the final result, but also in how we get there—hands-on, personal, and efficient.

Project Timeline: Completed in Just 14 Days

Despite the size and detail of this restoration project, we completed the pew refinishing in just two weeks. Fast, high-quality turnaround is one of the things we’re known for.

Looking for Church Pew Restoration or Refinishing Services?

Whether your church is in Montana, across the country, or right down the road—we're ready to help.

Services We Offer:

  • Pew Refinishing & Restoration

  • Church Woodwork Restoration

  • Stain Matching for Historic Interiors

  • On-Site or Off-Site Refinishing Options

Our mobile restoration crew (my son and I) are always ready. The Conestoga is loaded and on the move!

📞 Call us today to share your church restoration story or request a free consultation. We love partnering with churches to preserve and beautify sacred spaces.

- Scott 

Woodwork Restoration, LLC

woodworkrestoration@hotmail.com

http://churchpewrestoration.com


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8.09.2021

Solid Wood Church Pews Are Very, Very Rare!

church pew refinishing restoration


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."

Check out these articles to help you in your journey:

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 .


Thanks!

Scott 




    
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restore church pews, pew restoration cost, church pew repair, pew restoration vs replacement, historic church pew restoration, church pew finishing techniques, church sanctuary furniture restoration
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