Refinishing

Many churches start on a project and think refinishing will save money versus the cost of new pews.  While some refinishing might - good refinishing will generally cost more.  So when do churches refinish?

• Refinishing makes sense when the pews are curved.  Curved pews were very popular a one time, but today they are quite costly.  Generally refinishing will offer the church a better value than replacement.  It is especially effective when the curved or radius pews are in relatively good condition.

• Refinishing makes sense when the pews are old and historic.  Sometimes pews become an integral part of the church environment.  Ancestors sat on them and the same pew has been "part of the family" for generations.

• Refinishing makes sense when the pews have a unique feature.  Solid walnut or other expensive wood is often very costly to replace, so here refinishing is definitely worth consideration.  Sometimes the seat of the pew is unique for capacity reasons.  Some old pews have a 13 or 14 inch seat.  While not as comfortable as today's pew, the narrow seat width allows for more rows of pews.  The seating in the additional rows may be critical for the church when it is running at or near full seating capacity.

Email us with some pictures of your pews if refinishing is an option your church would like to explore.

Used Pews

Selling your pews.

When you decide to buy new pews or seating, the question becomes what to do with your old pews.  The web pages listed below offer some options.  Other choices include local want ads or the Salvation Army (for a donation) or Ebay.  You won't get much money, but you will clear out your space for renovation or rebuilding.  Also, remember nice pews can be cut down and sold to church members as a fundraiser.  Call us with questions and for recommendations. 

When you're listing your pews have the lengths of each one, the number of pews at each length and a digital picture if possible.  Pews are hard to sell without pictures. Try to have the approximate age and the manufacturer, if possible. Be aware when you list pews for sale, you may start to get calls from churches in search of a donation. 

www.andersonpews.com - Anderson Pews buys and resells pews.  The company comes to pick up the pews and pays you for them.  The church is then ready for the next step in the project.  The company will offer your old pews online, but you will not be involved in or waiting for them to sell.  You will have your payment and be moving ahead.  This is a great turnkey solution, but Anderson Pews is selective about the pews it takes.

www.usedpews.org - this is a listing service for used pews.  It shows them by geographic region for convenience.  They do ask for a donation of a percentage of the sale when they put the pews online. 

www.qualitychurchfurniture.com - another listing service for used pews.  They ask for a flat fee or a percentage when listing pews, whichever is greater.

There are other options too, so when you find them please let us know so we can include them in the site.