sanding pieces and applying the new paint or stain. Reupholstering might be needed as well. Refinishing furniture -- depending on how far you take it -- Hobbyist? Skilled craftsperson?

not to sand through the wood veneer. Laminate furniture is the worst candidate for refinishing because the plastic laminate ...

You can refinish a veneer tabletop with sanding, but it's easy to sand through the veneer to the substrate, which you should avoid. Solid wood furniture does not have this problem. You may find ...