How much does piano restoration, refinishing, or repair cost?
How much does piano restoration, refinishing, or repair cost?
$100 – $300 average cost for tuning and minor repairs
$1,500 – $8,500 average cost to refinish a piano
$2,000 – $17,000 average cost for a full piano restoration
Piano restoration, refinishing, and repair costs
A full piano restoration costs $2,000 to $17,000 on average, depending on the piano type and size, damage severity, and services included. Refinishing a piano costs $1,500 to $7,000 for an upright and $4,200 to $10,200 for a grand. Minor piano repairs or tuning costs $100 to $300.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Grand piano restoration | $6,000 – $22,000 |
| Baby grand piano restoration | $5,600 – $17,500 |
| Upright or spinet piano restoration | $4,200 – $17,000 |
| Grand or baby grand piano refinishing | $4,200 – $10,200 |
| Upright or spinet piano refinishing | $1,500 – $7,000 |
| Piano pin block replacement | $700 – $2,000 |
| Piano restringing | $700 – $2,700 |
| Piano keys cleaning or repair | $50 – $500 |
| Piano key top replacement | $350 – $700 |
| Soundboard cleaning | $100 – $150 |
| Climate control installation | $400 – $750 |
| Installation of under-covers | $200 – $400 |
| String cover installation | $200 – $400 |
| Grand action reconditioning and regulation | $450 – $3,000 |
| Vertical action reconditioning and regulation | $300 – $1,700 |
| Grand action rebuilding | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Vertical action rebuilding | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| Piano tuning | $100 – $200 |
| Piano pitch correction | $30 – $130 |
| Piano pedal repair | $10 – $70 |
| Evaluations and inspection | $50 – $200 |
Piano restoration cost
Piano restoration costs $2,000 to $22,000, depending on the damage severity and services performed. Restoration services vary among piano repair professionals. Most restoration jobs include action regulation, cleaning, tuning, and voicing, while some include complete rebuilding and refinishing.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Limited/partial restoration | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Baby Grand | $5,600 – $17,500 |
| Large Grand | $6,000 – $22,000 |
| Upright or spinet | $4,200 – $17,000 |
Piano soundboard replacement cost
Piano soundboard replacement costs $1,000 to $9,000 and is typically not required unless restoring an extremely old or damaged piano. The soundboard is a thin piece of wood that amplifies the sound made by piano strings. Replacing a soundboard requires removing and replacing the strings as well.
Piano action reconditioning or rebuilding cost
Piano action reconditioning costs $450 to $3,000 for a grand and $300 to $1,700 for an upright. Reconditioning, or regulation, adjusts the thousands of parts that make the hammer hit its string. A piano may need full action reconditioning if keys are stiff, slow to respond, or make no sound.
Piano action restoration or rebuilding costs $5,000 to $8,000 for a grand and $1,000 to $4,500 for an upright. Restoration or rebuilding includes replacing some or all of the parts associated with the action instead of simply adjusting them.
Piano refinishing cost
Piano refinishing costs $1,500 to $8,500 on average or $4,200 to $10,200 for a grand and $1,500 to $7,000 to for an upright. Refinishing includes cleaning the exterior of the piano and applying a lacquer or polyester coating.
Piano repair costs
Most piano repair specialists either charge by the hour or total project. Hourly rates typically do not include the cost for parts.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Piano tuning | $100 – $200 |
| Broken strings (per string) | $20 – $80 |
| Cleaning | $90 – $180 |
| Inspection and formal appraisal | $50 – $200 |
| Pitch raising | $30 – $130 |
| Minor regulation | $200 – $550 |
| Voicing | $100 – $500 |
| Hourly repair rate | $60 – $100 |
Piano pedal repair cost
Piano pedal repair costs $10 to $70. Tightening a pedal’s wing nut or fixing other minor issues typically only takes a few minutes.
Piano tuning
Piano tuning costs $100 to $200 total or $70 to $100 per hour on average, depending on when the piano was last tuned. Regular tuning prevents damage over time.
Is it worth restoring an old piano?
An old piano is worth restoring when the resale or sentimental value is greater than the restoration price. Nearly all pianos can be restored, but not all are good candidates.
Quality and age – A vintage, handmade, or high-end grand piano is typically a good candidate for restoration. Top brands include Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Bosendorfer, and Baldwin.
Timeline – Piano restoration takes 2 to 5 months on average to complete. If the piano is used regularly for a business or lessons, make arrangements for a replacement during the restoration.
New parts and repairs – Repairs cost less than replacements. Key tops, strings, and soundboards are often costly and difficult to replace.
Piano moving and transportation – Local piano moving costs $150 to $550 on average. The restoration company may cover this cost if the piano must be transported to their workshop.
Warranty – Piano warranties last 5 to 10 years on average. Warranties are available from the manufacturer, dealer, and restorer.
Piano restoration FAQs
How long does it take to restore a piano?
It takes 2 to 5 months to restore a piano, depending on the scope of the project. Extensive jobs like restringing or action rebuilding take longer to complete.
When is a piano beyond repair?
Most pianos can be repaired and restored. A piano is considered beyond repair after:
Major water damage
Prolonged exposure to the elements
A broken frame or metal plate
How long does a restored piano last?
A restored piano may last an additional 50 to 70 years, depending on how often it’s played and how well it’s maintained.
Finding and hiring a piano restorer
Before hiring a piano restorer near you, be sure to:
Compare at least three estimates from licensed companies.
Choose a Registered Piano Technician (RPT) from the Piano Technicians Guild.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose insured, bonded companies with 5+ years of experience.
Get a detailed written estimate and contract before any work begins.
Avoid companies that recommend a full restoration or rebuild when only regulation or repairs are necessary.
Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
Don’t pay in full upfront. Follow a payment plan instead and request receipts for each payment.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
How many pianos have you repaired or restored in the past year?
Can you provide references from past work?
Are you a member of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG)?
What repairs or services do you recommend for my piano?
Will you provide a free estimate?
How long will the job take?