Cost to replace a dresser (6-drawer) in a short-term rental
$250–$1200 typical range. 12-year lifespan under STR conditions.
What it costs to replace a 6-drawer dresser in an Airbnb
Honest range: $250-1200. Particle-board IKEA / Wayfair $250-450; mid-tier wood-veneer Ashley / West Elm $500-800; premium solid-wood Article / Crate & Barrel $900-1200+.
For STR, the right default is mid-tier wood-veneer or solid-wood front with engineered-wood box ($500-800). Particle board fails fast in STR — drawer slides separate, edges chip when guests slam drawers, water rings appear on the top. Solid-wood survives 8-10 years; particle survives 3-5.
Why STR dressers wear faster than residential
Residential dressers serve one person who uses 2-3 drawers regularly. STR dressers see every drawer opened every stay, often roughly. Guests:
- Slam drawers (alignment fails)
- Stack heavy items unevenly (frame racks)
- Set drinks on top (water rings on veneer or unfinished wood)
- Use the top as a luggage stand (scratches, gouges)
The first failure is usually drawer slides at year 3-4, then a wobble at year 5-6 from frame racking.
What to actually buy
Default pick: Article Madera 6-drawer (~$799). Walnut veneer with solid-wood drawer fronts, soft-close metal slides, weighs 140 lbs (sturdy = doesn’t rack). 8-10 year STR life.
Budget pick: IKEA Hemnes 8-drawer (~$449 in dark gray-stained pine). Solid pine, real wood not particle. Drawer slides are wood-on-wood — slower than metal but indestructible. 6-9 year STR life.
Premium pick: Crate & Barrel Eaton 6-drawer (~$1099). Solid hardwood, dovetail joinery, soft-close. 10-15 year STR life. Worth it in master suites where the dresser is photographed.
Avoid: Any dresser advertised as “real wood” but listed under $300 — it’s particle board with a wood-look melamine wrap. Drawer bottoms fail within 18 months.
Installation realities
- Assembly: All ship flat-pack. IKEA: ~2 hr per dresser. Article / Crate & Barrel: ~1 hr (pre-assembled drawers).
- Wall-anchor required: Every dresser sold in the US since 2017 ships with a tip-over restraint strap. Install it. Children have died from tipped dressers; STR liability is real.
- Drawer-stop adjustment: Test that drawers open fully without falling out. Adjust stops if needed.
Lifespan math under STR conditions
| Type | Residential life | STR life |
|---|---|---|
| Particle board (any brand) | 5–8 yr | 3–5 yr |
| Engineered wood with veneer | 10–15 yr | 6–9 yr |
| Solid wood with metal slides | 15–25 yr | 8–12 yr |
| Antique / refurbished hardwood | 50+ yr | 10–15 yr |
Maintenance that extends life
- Quarterly drawer-slide lubrication — silicone spray or wax, never WD-40 (gums up).
- Annual screw-tightening — back panel and frame screws work loose; tighten 1/4 turn.
- Top protection — provide a tray for keys/drinks. A $15 tray prevents $300 of water damage to the top.
- Felt pads under drawer pulls — prevents brass pulls from denting drawer fronts when slammed.
Signs it’s time
- Drawer slides off the rails repeatedly
- Frame racks visibly when drawers are open
- Drawer fronts no longer flush with the frame (warping)
- Veneer chipping or peeling on visible faces
- Smell of mildew (particle board absorbing humidity)
Related tools
- Maintenance schedule generator — schedule quarterly drawer-slide lube
- Damage cost lookup — full bedroom capex table
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a dresser (6-drawer) in a rental?
Typical range $250–$1200 depending on brand and quality tier.
How long does a dresser (6-drawer) last in a short-term rental?
~12 years under high-turnover use; expect the lower end if you host more than 200 guest-nights a year.
Which brands hold up best in STR conditions?
Operators we trust use IKEA Hemnes, Article, Crate & Barrel.
Last verified 2026-05-08.