Should We Buy New Pews or Used Pews?

Are you trying to decide between purchasing new or used pews for your place of worship? There are advantages and drawbacks to both approaches, and the right choice for you depends largely on your specific needs, budget, and ambitions.

Let’s take a look at the most important factors you should consider when deciding between used and new church pews. We’ll cover a number of important factors but the list of considerations is far from exhaustive, so feel free to reach out if you need more assistance.

The Differences Between New and Used Church Pews

New church pews are typically more expensive than used ones. Church pews will typically cost between $800 to $1,200 per bench, although more ornate furniture, or pews using more expensive woods can cost more.

 

Buying High-Quality Church Pews Now May Save You Money Later

Most churches will want to budget roughly $1,000-$1,200 per bench. This will allow you to select high-quality, durable woods, along with comfortable fabrics and attractive ends. Cheaper furniture may be made out of lower quality material, and you may find yourself having to replace or restore them in just a few short years.

Used Church Pews Are An Affordable

If you buy a used church pew from us, you may be able to secure a high-quality pew for as little as $350. We check the used benches to ensure that they are in good shape and are made of high-quality materials, so you’re still getting a great pew.

Keep in mind, however, that the above cost does not include delivery, reupholstery or other restoration work, or installation. While the used church pews we sell are all high-quality products, a bit of upgrade or restoration work could go a long way.

Used Pew Upgrade and Restoration Considerations

A high-quality used church pew offers an excellent and affordable foundation. However, by reupholstering benches, adding foam, or applying new stains/paints, it’s possible to dramatically improve the look and feel of your church pews. This could also increase the longevity of your furniture, so a small investment now could save you a lot of money further on down the road.

How Much Does it Cost to Upgrade and Restore a Used Church Pew?

Costs will vary depending on how much work is needed, the condition of the used furniture, and the materials selected for restoration. Typically, reupholstering a used church bench will cost $200 to $350 per pew. Refinishing and rejuvenating the wood to restore the original luster and shine of the pew will normally cost between $5-$10 per foot.

New and Used Church Pew Transportation and Installation Considerations

Transportation costs typically do not vary for new and used church pews. Costs may increase if we have to special order anything. Benches are quite large and heavy, and if you do not transport them properly, pews may be damaged. It’s also possible that someone could end up hurt while moving the pews.

As such, professional transportation is recommended. That said, we’ll gladly work with churches who want to transport their new or used church furniture themselves.

Pew Installation Costs

Installation costs will vary depending on your facility and other factors. That said, new and used church pew installation costs are roughly the same. Our professional installers will ensure that benches are installed correctly and in a timely manner.

If you’re confident in your abilities, you can also install the pews yourself. If a problem arises, we are happy to offer advice over the phone and can dispatch professional installers if requested.

Are New or Used Pews a Better Investment?

There’s no one right answer. High quality new church furniture may offer an excellent investment, even if it carries a high initial price. However, some church furniture manufacturing companies are selling low-quality benches-often with a high markup- that look nice but aren’t built to last. Also, you’ll generally have more options when buying new church pews than used.

A high-quality, professionally restored church pew often offers an excellent value. You need to make sure, however, that the original furniture is of good quality and restoration has been carried out by professionals. An expert restoration company can help you customize used benches to your needs.

Also, consider the age of used church furniture. Many are 30 years old or older and may be approaching the natural end of their lifespan. Restoration may help preserve them, but if the pews were not properly cared for or professionally restored, they may break down in the near future.

If your church has the budget, high-quality new pews are often the best choice. Even if you’re trying to save money, new furniture often offers a better value proposition in the long run. That said, if you’re on a tight budget, you may be better off with high-quality used benches rather than low-quality new church pews.

Other Purchasing Considerations

Do New and Used Church Pews Come With a Warranty?

New church furniture usually come with a warranty, and high-quality pews are typically covered for 25 years. Unfortunately, used church pews do not come with a warranty. However, we inspect all used furniture we offer to ensure they are in good condition and not damaged.

What Are the Benefits of New Pews?

First, don’t underestimate the benefits of a 25 year warranty. If a problem arises, you can give us a call anytime and we’ll help resolve issues. Also, when you buy new church pews, you’ll have access to a wider selection of colors, end pieces, and other choices.

With used church furniture, stock is generally quite limited and depending on the size of your church and your needs, you may have only a few options. Often, you’ll have little leeway in choosing color, say a light colored wood or a dark walnut. Still, used church benches do offer some benefits.

When Used Church Pews Make Sense

Sometimes you can secure a great deal for high-quality used church pews that are still in great shape. Perhaps the used benches are only a few years old, or maybe they’ll fit perfectly in your space with little need to shorten or refurbish them. Maybe the build quality and wood type is simply fantastic. Further, by reusing church furniture you can reduce your impact on the environment.

Often, used church pews make the most sense if they are coming from a sister church that is remodeling or upgrading their sanctuary. Or perhaps you can secure a great deal directly from another church in town that is upgrading their interior. With a bit of finishing and upgrading, you may be able to turn the used church pews into an excellent set of high-quality, like-new seating.

Need help deciding? Not sure what else you need to look for? Get in touch!