Furniture restoration studio in a rented unit
Run a dedicated restoration workshop taking on larger pieces and steady work from dealers, auction houses and designers.
- C$8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A full-time restoration business in a small rented industrial unit or shared studio, handling bigger jobs such as dining sets, sideboards and chairs in volume, with space for spraying, finishing and storage.
Your first three steps
- Price out small industrial units or shared maker spaces nearby and check they allow finishing work
- Put together a portfolio and a price list, then meet dealers and auction houses to offer a trial piece
- Set up a simple booking and job-tracking system with written quotes and condition reports
Who pays
Antique dealers, auction houses, interior designers and private owners with higher-value pieces.
How it makes money
Quoted price per piece, with dealer and auction work giving a steadier flow. Extras like upholstery referrals, pickup and delivery can add income.
Skills that help
- Advanced joinery and finishing
- Period furniture knowledge
- Quoting and scheduling several jobs at once
- Building trade relationships
Watch out for
- Check zoning, fire code and landlord rules for flammable finishes and dust extraction
- Check workplace health and safety rules, and WCB/WSIB coverage in your province if you hire help
- Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for customers' property while in your care
- Rent is a fixed cost in slow months, so test demand before signing a long lease
- Check whether you need to register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: furniture restoration studio in a rented unit
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a furniture restoration studio in Canada?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the size and rent of the unit, equipment, dust extraction and finishing setup. Test demand before signing a long lease.
How much revenue can a restoration studio make each month?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the size and number of jobs, your trade relationships and your pricing. The estimates assume at least about 30 hours a week.
What rules should I check before renting a restoration workshop?
Check zoning, fire code and landlord rules for flammable finishes and dust extraction. Also check workplace health and safety rules, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help, commercial general liability insurance and GST/HST registration.
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