Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/21/2008

Question
I am buying a cherry dining room table(Ethan Allen) that has some damage to the tabletop.  The table is 102in long and 44 wide.  Can you get this table refinished and approximately how much will it cost?  I guess i am wondering if it is worth buying it.  Thank you

Answer
Hi Margret
Nice to hear from you.
This table top will no doubt have a lacquer finish and it can certainly be stripped off and a new finish applied.
This of course will need to be done in a shop as its sprayed.
The cost will depend on the damage. Is the wood damaged or just the finish?
Is the table veneer or solid wood, and is the wood actually cherry or is it cherry color?
All of these things should be the deciding factor in your purchase.
The cost to just replace the finish should not exceed $200.00 in my neck of the woods.
But check out carefully what you are buying.
Hope this helps in your decision
Kindest Regards
Eileen