Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect each chair for loose joints, veneer damage, woodworm evidence and previous repairs

• Disassemble removable parts such as seats and stretchers where required

• Repair and re-glue loose joints, replace or reinforce dowels and fill chips or gouges

• Remove old finish by agreed method (sanding or chemical stripping) or prepare for recoat

• Sand, stain or paint and apply protective topcoat (varnish, lacquer or oil) with drying between coats

• Reassemble, fit new felt pads or feet if requested and clean the workspace; reupholstery quoted separately

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small jobs (1 chair) typically take 2–4 hours on site; a set of 4–6 chairs may require 1–3 days overall because of drying time between coats. Factors that extend time include extensive repairs, chemical stripping, specialist finishes and waiting for stencils or replacement parts

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• Do you have experience with antique or veneered chairs and can you show examples

• Which stripping and finishing methods will you use and why

• Can you do a sample on a hidden area or spare piece so I can approve the colour and sheen

• Are repairs and re-gluing included in the quoted price or itemised separately

• How will you control dust and fumes and what PPE will you and I need while work is done

• Do you include collection/delivery and disposal, and what guarantees do you provide on repairs and finish

How to Avoid Surprises

• Clear access and a work area near a window for ventilation

• Reserve nearby parking or loading space if the tradie needs to collect or deliver chairs

• Remove loose cushions, fragile items and keep children and pets away from the work area

• Agree in writing which repairs and extras are included and whether upholstery is a separate job

• Check building or communal-area rules if work or drying will be in a shared corridor or flat block