PRICE GUIDE · HOME REPAIRS & HANDYMAN · 2026–2027
French Polishing cost in Ireland
€150–€700 per item. Typically €350.
A french polishing in Ireland costs €150–€700 per item, typically around €350. The price is set by item size and surface area, condition and stripping needed and number of coats.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does french polishing cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €150 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €350 | what most people pay |
| High end | €700 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the handymen and repair firms near you.
What moves the price
- Condition of the wooden item — a heavily marked surface needs the old finish stripped before any polishing can start.
- Complexity of the work required — carved legs and mouldings take far longer to polish than a flat table top.
- Item size and surface area — a dining table or piano has much more surface to polish than a small side table.
- Surface repair — filling scratches, dents or water marks adds time before the French polish goes on.
- Number of coats — a deep, high-gloss French polish needs more coats and drying time than a lighter finish.
Services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling prices in Ireland are up 23% over five years (CSO Consumer Price Index, Services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, to 2025 December). Five years ago a typical french polishing would have cost about €280 — an estimate from today's guide price and that index, not a recorded price. Source: CSO CPM18, CPM12 →
WHAT YOU GET
What a french polishing booking includes
Takes: The duration of a French polishing job can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the complexity and size of the piece being polished..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common french polishing jobs
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French Polishing near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- Asking for a touch-up of worn areas rather than a full strip and repolish can cost far less.
- Protecting the polished surface from heat and spills with mats avoids paying for water damage repairs later.
- Bringing a small item to the polisher's workshop yourself can save on collection and delivery costs.
- Having several pieces French polished together can be cheaper than booking each as a separate job.
- A lighter finish with fewer coats costs less than a deep high-gloss French polish; say which you want.
Before you book
- Access to the wooden items needing polish, ensuring they are in a clean, well-lit area.
- Information regarding the history of the piece, including any previous finishes or repairs.
- Clear instructions regarding your desired finish and any specific concerns you may have.
- Check the polisher's experience with French polishing on pieces like yours, such as antiques, pianos or kitchen cabinets.
- You can ask how to care for the finished French polish, as shellac marks easily with heat and water.
- Agree the timescale and whether the item will be polished at your home or taken to the workshop.
- You can ask how the French polisher handles solvents safely, especially if the polishing is done in your home rather than the workshop.
French Polishing cost: questions people ask
Factors such as the type of wood and the intricacy of the work can also influence pricing. French polishing requires a high level of skill; ensuring your professional has experience in this technique is crucial.
The duration of a French polishing job can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the complexity and size of the piece being polished. Larger or more intricate items may require additional time for proper finishing.
While general furniture restoration professionals can perform French polishing, hiring a qualified specialist is recommended for high-value or antique items to ensure the best results. They have the expertise to handle delicate finishes and provide a superior finish.
Emergency or same-day French polishing services may be available, but they can come at a premium price. It’s advisable to check with local professionals for their availability and any additional fees associated with urgent requests.
Yes, many professionals offer discounts for booking multiple jobs together, such as polishing different pieces of furniture in one visit. This can be a cost-effective way to enhance the appearance of your furniture.
French polishing is primarily focused on the finishing of wooden surfaces, so any structural repairs or extensive wood restoration should be handled by a specialist. If the furniture has significant damage or requires repairs beyond polishing, it’s best to consult with a qualified woodworker.
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