Furniture restoration and upholstery workshop

Homeowners with sentimental or antique pieces, interior designers, restaurants and hotels, antique dealers and furniture retailers.

Quoted price per piece based on labor and materials. Trade work from designers and businesses can fill quiet periods.

• Woodworking and refinishing
• Upholstery (sewing, stapling, foam and fabric)
• Quoting jobs accurately
• Managing customer expectations

• Check zoning, fire code and ventilation rules for finishing and spraying, and how you store solvents and finishes
• General liability and property insurance, plus cover for customers' items while in your care
• Check your city or county business license, and state sales tax registration if you sell materials or goods
• Older finishes may contain lead paint, so check safe handling rules before sanding or stripping
• Turnaround times: jobs can take weeks, so manage cash flow and set clear deposits

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your workshop space, tools, ventilation and materials. Jobs can take weeks, so manage cash flow and set clear deposits.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on the size of your jobs and your mix of refinishing, repairs and upholstery. Estimates start from about 25 hours of work a week.

Check zoning, fire code and ventilation rules for finishing and spraying, and how you store solvents. Older finishes may contain lead paint, so check safe handling rules. Also check your city or county business license, state sales tax registration and insurance.