Professional Restoration Services
Comprehensive antique repair and restoration solutions for treasured pieces
Furniture Restoration
Our comprehensive furniture restoration service breathes new life into antique chairs, tables, cabinets, desks, and case pieces from all periods. We begin with a thorough assessment to identify structural issues, finish deterioration, and missing components.
Our craftsmen repair broken joints using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, stabilize loose veneers with hide glue, and replace damaged structural elements with period-appropriate wood species. We meticulously match grain patterns and construction techniques to maintain authenticity.
The restoration process includes careful disassembly when necessary, cleaning, repair of all structural components, and reassembly with proper clamping techniques. We document every step with detailed photography for your records.
Wood Refinishing
Expert wood refinishing services that reveal the hidden beauty of aged timber while preserving the piece's historical character. We employ gentle stripping methods that remove old finishes without damaging the wood beneath, using techniques appropriate to each piece's age and construction.
Our refinishing process includes careful hand-sanding with progressively finer grits to achieve a smooth surface, followed by stain matching using traditional recipes when needed. We can replicate original finishes or update pieces with sympathetic modern finishes that maintain period authenticity.
Final finishing options include hand-rubbed oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, or wax, applied in multiple thin coats and carefully buffed to achieve the desired sheen. Each finish is selected based on the piece's era, use, and your preferences.
Structural Repairs
Specialized structural repair services addressing broken joints, loose veneer, split panels, warped boards, and damaged framework. We use traditional joinery techniques including mortise and tenon, dovetails, and doweling to ensure repairs are both strong and historically appropriate.
Veneer work requires particular expertise - we carefully reattach lifting veneer, patch damaged areas with matching wood, and blend repairs seamlessly into original surfaces. For split wood, we employ controlled pressure and appropriate adhesives to achieve invisible repairs.
Chair repair is a specialty, addressing wobbly frames, broken spindles, and damaged legs. We reinforce joints without compromising original construction, replace broken components with exact replicas, and ensure each chair is structurally sound for safe use while maintaining its antique character and value.
Custom Replication
When original components are missing or too damaged to repair, our custom replication service creates handcrafted replacements that seamlessly integrate with the original piece. We precisely match wood species, grain patterns, color, and patina to achieve invisible repairs.
Our process begins with detailed measurements and photography of existing components to ensure exact duplication of profiles, dimensions, and decorative elements. We use period-appropriate tools and techniques to replicate original manufacturing methods, including hand-carving, turning, and shaping.
Common replication projects include replacement drawer fronts, missing moldings, carved decorative elements, table leaves, chair spindles, and hardware. Each replacement is carefully aged and finished to match the surrounding original material, maintaining the piece's authenticity and value for collectors and appraisers.
French Polishing
French polishing is a centuries-old finishing technique that creates an unparalleled depth of color and luster. This labor-intensive process involves applying multiple thin layers of shellac using a hand-wrapped pad called a rubber, building up a finish that enhances the wood's natural grain and figure.
The technique requires exceptional skill and patience - each layer must be applied in careful circular motions, allowing proper drying time between applications. The result is a glass-smooth, deeply lustrous finish that seems to glow from within the wood itself, showcasing the natural beauty of the timber.
French polishing is particularly appropriate for fine furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, including mahogany, rosewood, and walnut pieces. The finish can be built to various sheens from soft satin to high gloss, and repairs can be seamlessly blended into existing French polished surfaces. This authentic period finish significantly enhances both the beauty and value of fine antique furniture.
Hardware Restoration
Original hardware is an essential element of antique furniture character and value. Our hardware restoration service carefully cleans, polishes, and restores brass, bronze, iron, and steel components including pulls, hinges, locks, escutcheons, and decorative elements.
We use gentle cleaning methods that remove corrosion and tarnish without damaging original patina or plating. For pieces requiring it, we can chemically restore brass and bronze to their original luster, or maintain an aged appearance appropriate to the piece. Missing screws are replaced with period-correct fasteners.
When original hardware is missing, we source period-appropriate replacements from our extensive inventory or commission custom reproductions. We can also repair broken locks and keys, straighten bent components, and replate worn brass hardware. All restored hardware is properly fitted to ensure smooth operation while preserving original mounting holes and installation methods.