Refinish and repair vintage, antique or contemporary wood furniture to enjoy for years to come.
Whether it’s a flea-market find, a cherished family heirloom or a well-loved piece already in your home, wood furniture restoration can help bring your beloved pieces back to life.
What Types of Wood Damage Can & Can’t Be Restored
Structural and cosmetic damage to wooden furniture can often be repaired and restored. Most often, repairs made on solid-wood furniture are more successful than wood veneered surfaces, which are more successful than laminated particle-board furniture. Though restoration work can be done on any type, the longevity of the repairs will differ depending on material.
Please note: Vintage and antique furniture made prior to the 1960s is more likely to be made of solid wood, which is sturdier and longer-lasting. From the 1960s and beyond, veneered construction is more common. And stains and finishes react differently depending on the species of wood. Mahogany, for example, can be enhanced but usually not recolored with a lighter stain. Oak, on the other hand, can handle stain going both lighter or darker.
To identify structural issues, focus on connection points like joints, hinges, corners and supports. If any of these feel wobbly, loose or completely free of attachment, your wood furniture may be due for a repair. Depending on the size of the piece and extent of damage, your local technician may be able to complete these furniture repair services onsite at your property.
Usually more noticeable, cosmetic damage includes surface-level nicks, scrapes, gouges, water rings, discoloration and more that impact the color and finish of your furniture. From normal wear and tear to effects from water or smoke, trained technicians can refresh your furniture with expert color matching and precision repairs.
Is your furniture made of medium density fiberboard, or a veneered surface on top of a medium-density underlayer (known as a substrate)? If the damage suffered leaves the furniture with an uneven appearance or the piece has taken on a different shape, it may be beyond repair. Reach out to your local Furniture Medic technician with questions and an expert evaluation.
Common Wood Refinishing & Restoration Mistakes
One of the most common furniture fixes is using paint or other finishes to cover up damage. Unfortunately, adding another layer may cause more harm than good. And if it’s a DIY finish, proper surface cleaning and prepping is often rushed or skipped altogether. While pros can restore finishes after others have been applied, it usually requires stripping the entire piece first and building the color and finish back up. For antique furniture especially, altering the finish can have big implications for value.
Sanding, though somewhat simple, can lead to issues when trying to finish the piece. Going against the woodgrain, sanding too much (or too little), and not properly cleaning the furniture surface afterward can lead to a messy, gritty and uneven appearance once the stain and a sealer are applied.
Another very common mistake: Working on furniture made of wood veneer but thinking it’s solid wood. And unfortunately, this discovery usually happens when it’s already too late. Removing the finish from a wood veneered surface with sander can lead to devastating results, including burning through the thin wood directly into the underlayer.
For an easy way to avoid costly mistakes, choose a qualified, trained Furniture Medic technician to evaluate, prep, repair and restore your wood furniture. Our deep knowledge and expertise will help you get your wood furniture back to its former glory.
Find a Wood Restoration Expert Near You
To learn more about wood furniture restoration, and understand if your damaged furniture could be restored, find your local trusted Furniture Medic technician.