Speaking of cabinet finishes, etc. Anyone ever re-stain?

[PurplePotato]

I'm seriously contemplating restaining some of the oak in the house. Specifically the stair treads, banisters and shelving/trim in the library. HUGE projects. Also possibly the bar cabinets in the family room.

I've read about how to do it and, frankly, it doesn't sound hard, just very very tedious.

Anyone done it? I'd love to hear from a "real" person as opposed to an internet blogger about how much of a PITA it is.

I doubt I would do this until next winter but it has been in the back of my mind for about 3 months now.

And it is a rainy day here, I'm spring cleaning and contemplating all kinds of projects. Most probably will never see the light of day...you know, once I get out of spring cleaning mode and come to my senses.

[cchhbb]

lhall did it a few years ago. I have done it in a previous house. It just took a lot of time and elbow grease. Proper preparation was important.

In this house, we did do the stairs. Again, a lot of work, but it was easy.

[Wendy w]

I had this done in my childhood home right after I bought it. Not being able to afford new cabinetry, I had the existing cabinets (that were in good condition, but needed a face lift) restained and added new hardware. It cost me between $500-600 and was money well spent as opposed to new cabinetry. The staining matches a hand built china cabinet from 50 years ago. Somewhere down the line, I'd like to add organizational stuff to the drawers and cabinets.