Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect furniture for structural issues, previous coatings, glue lines and loose joints

• remove or mask hardware and protect surrounding areas to limit dust and overspray

• sand surfaces to the required profile using hand or machine abrasives, containing dust with extraction where possible

• apply stain or dye to agreed sample areas and allow appropriate drying between coats

• apply protective topcoat (oil, varnish or polyurethane) and carry out light sanding between coats if needed

• reattach hardware and perform a final inspection with the customer

• clear and responsibly dispose of sanding dust and used materials, and leave area clean

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Most small items (chairs, bedside tables) take 2–4 hours on site including prep and finishing; a larger piece or multiple items can take 1–3 days because of repair work and drying times

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• can you do a small test patch so I can approve the stain and finish

• will the work be done on-site or in your workshop and how does that affect price and drying time

• how many coats of stain and topcoat do you recommend and what are the drying times between coats

• how will you control and clear sanding dust and what PPE or ventilation will you use indoors

• do you charge extra for repairs, replacement hardware or colour-matching difficult woods

How to Avoid Surprises

• clear room access and protect floors and adjacent furniture before the tradie arrives

• confirm parking or loading access for a van to avoid delays and extra travel time charges

• agree a colour sample and sign off process so you avoid unwanted final colours

• flag any suspected old finishes (lead paint or shellac) or precious veneers before work starts

• check building rules for working hours and noise restrictions if in a flat or communal block