Commercial wood restoration cost varies dramatically by scope — from single-door refinishing on a historic entry to whole-lobby millwork restoration in a luxury hotel. This guide breaks down 2026 pricing ranges for commercial wood work in the DC metro area.
Rose Restoration provides free on-site assessments for wood restoration throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Request one or call (703) 327-7676.
Commercial Wood Restoration Cost Ranges (2026)
| Scope | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single wood door refinishing | $400 – $1,200 | Strip, sand, stain, lacquer |
| Wood paneling wall refinishing | $8 – $25 / SF | Depends on stain, lacquer coats, and condition |
| Bar top refinishing | $50 – $150 / LF | Per linear foot; includes strip, sand, fill, stain, seal |
| Executive desk / table refinishing | $800 – $3,500 | Depends on size and custom finish requirements |
| Custom millwork restoration | $15 – $50 / SF | Trim, moldings, built-ins |
| Hotel lobby wood package | $15,000 – $75,000+ | Multi-surface hospitality scope |
| Historic wood (preservation-grade) | $25 – $80 / SF | Period-appropriate methods, documentation |
| Wood floor sand/stain/finish | $4 – $10 / SF | Commercial hardwood, herringbone higher |
| Day minimum (small jobs) | $700 – $1,200 | Crew mobilization on small commercial work |
What Drives Commercial Wood Restoration Cost
1. Type and Condition of Wood
Softwoods (pine, fir) refinish faster and cheaper than hardwoods (oak, walnut, mahogany, cherry). Heavily damaged wood (deep gouges, water damage, failed previous finishes) takes longer to prepare than lightly worn wood.
2. Target Finish
Simple re-clear-coat: cheapest. Matching an existing stain color: moderate (requires sample matching). Full strip-and-restain to a new color: expensive (layers of stripping, color testing, multiple coats). Hand-rubbed French polish and specialty finishes: most expensive.
3. Scope and Scale
Single-door or single-surface work usually hits a day minimum. Large projects (full lobby, whole boardroom, extensive millwork) scale economically per SF or per LF.
4. On-Site vs Off-Site
Some wood elements (doors, loose panels, removable furniture) can be restored off-site in our shop with better environmental controls. Fixed architectural elements (built-ins, paneling, stair treads) must be restored in place. Off-site work is often cheaper because of better workflow efficiency.
5. Access and Operational Constraints
Overnight work, weekend scheduling, security protocols, and tenant coordination all add cost. Hotel and restaurant work almost always requires off-hours scheduling.
6. Historic Preservation Requirements
Buildings on the National Register or in historic districts require preservation-grade methodology: period-appropriate finishes, documentation, and sometimes preservation-office coordination. This adds 30-50% to standard pricing but is essential for listed buildings.
7. Coatings System
Standard lacquer finish is baseline. Oil-based polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, conversion varnish, hand-rubbed oil, and specialty coatings all have different costs and performance. Commercial-grade clear coat runs $1-3/SF extra.
Commercial Wood Projects We Commonly Quote
- Hotel lobby wood packages. Reception desks, paneling, bar tops, elevator surrounds, and architectural wood. $15,000–$75,000+ depending on scope.
- Corporate boardroom refinishing. Conference tables, paneling, built-ins. $5,000–$25,000 per room.
- Historic interior restoration. Preservation-grade work on listed buildings. Project-specific; typically $25–$80 per SF.
- Restaurant bar and booth refinishing. High-wear surfaces needing periodic refinishing. $5,000–$20,000 per restaurant.
- Building entry door restoration. Ornate historic wood entry doors. $500–$2,500 per door.
- Elevator interior wood. Paneling, handrails, and trim. $2,000–$8,000 per cab.
- Millwork repair and refinishing. Trim, moldings, coffered ceilings, and architectural millwork. $15–$50 per SF.
Wood Restoration FAQ
Can heavily damaged wood be restored?
Almost always yes. Water damage, deep gouges, burn marks, and failed finishes all have restoration paths. The only cases where replacement is necessary: structural rot, pest damage through the wood thickness, or unrepairable split grain.
Do you work in historic buildings?
Yes — extensively. Our preservation-grade wood work follows Secretary of the Interior Standards, uses period-appropriate finishes, and coordinates with preservation offices where required.
How long does commercial wood refinishing take?
Single door or single piece: 2–3 days including drying time. Full hotel lobby or boardroom: 1–2 weeks typically. Historic preservation-grade work: often several weeks due to methodology requirements.
Can you match an existing stain?
Yes. We produce color-matched stain samples on the same wood species before committing to any visible surface. For older buildings, we sometimes match to original drawings or surviving original samples.
Do you offer free commercial wood restoration estimates?
Yes — free on-site assessments for commercial wood restoration throughout DC, MD, and VA.
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Related Services
- Commercial Wood Restoration Services
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- Historic Building Restoration
- Hotel & Hospitality Restoration
