Restoring antique furniture
when a repair is worth more than something new

Old wooden furniture carries a story. Your grandmother's wardrobe, your grandfather's desk chair, an antique chest of drawers picked up at a flea market — each of these pieces holds a value that goes well beyond the material. Restoration brings back their shine without stripping away their character.

Why restore rather than buy new?

• Quality of material — Old furniture is often built from solid wood (oak, walnut, cherry) that is rare and expensive today. New mass-produced furniture uses engineered panels with a service life of 10-15 years.
• Sentimental value — Family pieces simply cannot be replaced. Restoration keeps the memories intact and passes them on to the next generation.
• Sustainability — Restoration is the greenest form of recycling there is. No new timber, no waste.
• Cost — A restoration costs 30-60% of the price of a new piece of the same quality.
• One of a kind — A restored antique is unique — nobody else has one quite like it.

Our restoration process

1. Assessing the condition

We go over every centimetre of the piece, judging the condition of the timber, the joints, the veneer and the moving parts. We photograph everything and draw up a restoration plan with a cost estimate.

2. Taking apart and cleaning

We carefully dismantle whichever components need it. Then we strip the old finish, paint or veneer, using either chemical or mechanical methods depending on the type of wood.

3. Structural repair

This is the heart of any restoration:

• Re-gluing — Joints that have opened up are re-glued and cramped tight
• Replacement parts — Damaged components are replaced with new ones cut from the same timber
• Wooden plugs and dowels — Traditional techniques for repairs that stay invisible
• Flattening — Warped boards are brought back true with moisture and pressure

4. Sanding

Sanding is done in stages — from coarse (P80) through to fine (P320). Each pass reveals a little more of the timber's beauty. On antiques we work carefully to preserve the patina that gives the piece its character.

5. The finish

This depends on the type of piece and what the client wants:

• Lacquer — For a modern, well-protected surface
• Oil — For a natural, matt appearance
• Wax — For antiques, an authentic sheen
• Wood stain and lacquer — For changing the tone of the timber

When restoration is NOT worth it

We will always be straight with you — there are cases where restoration simply does not add up:

• Chipboard or MDF furniture that has swollen with moisture
• Pieces with no sentimental value where the restoration costs more than a replacement
• Structures that are damaged beyond saving (termites, complete rot)

That is why we offer a free assessment before any work begins — we will tell you honestly whether it is worth doing.

"A good joiner doesn't only make new things — he also knows how to save the old. Every piece of timber deserves a second chance."

Do you have an old piece of furniture that deserves a second chance? Take a look at our restoration service or get in touch for a free assessment.