Keeping British Antiques Beautiful with Expert Wood Furniture Repair
Antique wood furniture holds stories, memories and charm that new furniture just can’t match. From elegant Victorian chairs to rustic Georgian tables, these pieces are not just useful – they’re part of our history. But over time, they can get damaged, scratched, or worn out. That’s where our team of skilled professionals comes in. At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we help you bring back the beauty of your antique treasures with gentle care and proper craftsmanship.
Why Antique Furniture Repair Takes a Special Touch
Not all furniture can be treated the same way, especially when it’s over a hundred years old. Some pieces are made using techniques that are no longer common, with rare types of wood or handmade joints. That’s why repairs need a careful hand and plenty of knowledge. We treat each piece with respect and always aim to keep as much of the original material as possible. Whether it’s a simple surface scratch or a broken leg, our main goal is to make repairs without changing the character of the furniture.
When we take in a piece, we first research its age and background. This helps us decide the best methods and tools to use. We only apply finishes and polishes that match the period and style. Some jobs need a full strip-down and reassembly, while some only require minor touch-ups. Either way, we put just as much effort into every single job.
Spotting the Signs: When It’s Time to Call in a Repair Expert
Some damage is easy to see – chips, loose joints, broken legs. But other signs are more subtle. Warping, fading, and crunchy, sticky finishes can suggest that age is catching up with your furniture. Uneven surfaces or drawers that don’t slide smoothly are also common problems.
Furniture that lives in the kitchen or near heaters can suffer from changes in moisture or temperature. These pieces might crack, swell or shrink. If you’ve spotted any of these problems, it’s better to act now than put it off. Leaving repairs too long can turn a small problem into a much bigger one and could damage your piece beyond repair.
Our Tried and Tested Repair Methods
At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we don’t believe in rushing things. Our process always starts with a full check of your furniture. We often photograph it from different angles and take careful notes before we start anything. This lets us compare the ‘before’ and ‘after’ images, which you can see for yourself in our before and after gallery.
We fix all kinds of issues – split wood, gum residue, scratches, broken chair spindles, lost veneer, sun damage – you name it. Our workshop is stocked with tools that help us fit joints back together, restore carvings, match stain colours, and polish wooden surfaces to a warm, smooth finish.
Sometimes old nails or screws have rusted and need replacing with more suitable ones. We do everything by hand, making sure the look and feel of your original furniture is not lost. If hardware is damaged or missing, we search for similar ones or create handmade replacements that fit your item perfectly.
Choosing the Right Professionals for Antique Repairs
Handing off your beloved furniture to someone else can be a little nerve-racking. That’s why we always recommend choosing a professional who has genuine experience working with older pieces. Always ask for examples of past work. We keep an up-to-date gallery of our restoration projects that shows the variety of jobs we’ve done.
It’s also helpful to work with a repair team that takes time to explain what’s needed. Our customers are always involved in the process from start to finish. Whether it’s a prized Edwardian rocker or a rare walnut desk that needs polishing, we explain every step clearly, so there are no surprises or extra costs.
We’re proud of how many return customers we have. Many people trust us with multiple pieces, even full room restorations. That connection only grows stronger when they see their worn furniture look beautiful again.
Protecting the Past, One Piece at a Time
We believe giving new life to a classic piece is more than just a repair job. It’s about respecting the work that went into making it. Most of the antique furniture we come across has been passed down through families. Restoring these pieces for the next generation feels like a small way we can help protect our shared history.
At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we offer more than just quick fixes. We look into the history of your furniture and make careful, lasting repairs. Some jobs even require us to make tools by hand to match the original ones. It’s slow work, but it gives the best results.
Our work is also good for the environment. Rather than throwing away old furniture and buying new, repairing old wood creates less waste and keeps precious materials in use for longer. In a world full of throwaway items, it’s a satisfying feeling to breathe life into something classic.
The Value of Antique Repair: More Than Just Looks
When a piece is restored properly, its value increases. But it’s not just about the money. Many people feel a strong bond with their furniture. A table passed down from a grandmother or a dresser that stood in a childhood home can carry strong memories. Seeing these pieces brought back to life means those memories get polished, too.
We’ve worked on hundreds of different items, and every one tells a story. Some clients even bring in handwritten letters, old photos of their furniture in use, or notes from their grandparents. Restorations like these are more than just paint and glue — they’re acts of care.
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Attempting DIY Repair
It’s tempting to try and fix a loose joint or scratch yourself. But modern tools and products can do more harm than good. Store-bought fillers and varnishes are often too harsh or too shiny. When they’re applied to fragile antique wood, they can stain or seal in moisture, leading to further damage.
Some people use wood glue without clamping pieces properly. Others try sanding down damaged surfaces and removing too much material. In the end, attempting these repairs yourself can lower the value and look of the furniture considerably.
If something seems wrong, it’s always better to contact a professional. We’re always happy to give advice and explain what can be done. Whether your piece needs a light polish or deeper curing for cracks or fading, we’ll let you know what to expect upfront.
FAQs
Do antique furniture repairs affect the value?
If done well by professionals, repairs often help your furniture hold or even increase its value. Poor repairs, especially over-polishing or using the wrong stains, can reduce it.
How long do repairs take?
Smaller jobs may be completed in a few days. Complex or rare pieces take longer, usually anywhere between two to six weeks, depending on the work needed.
Can matching materials still be found?
In most cases, yes. We use reclaimed materials, carefully selected modern options or create custom matches. Matching grain and texture is one of our specialities.
Is it better to repair or replace old furniture?
When it’s antique, repairing is almost always better. Replacement cannot match the character and materials of true vintage pieces.
Can you restore furniture painted or stained many times over?
Yes. We remove modern layers carefully and return finishes to their original style wherever possible. Stripping is done gently to avoid damage.
Bringing Back the Heart of the Home
Antique furniture has a spirit that newer pieces often lack. It’s aged with grace, shaped with care, and survived generations. At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, our job is to help you keep that spirit alive.
From your first call to the final polish, we treat each item as if it were our own. Take a look at how we’ve brought furniture back to life in our project gallery. If you’ve got a favourite piece that needs expert care, let us give it the attention it deserves.
Whether it lives in the lounge, hallway or bedroom, let your furniture stay part of your family’s stories with the support of our expert team. Visit our homepage to find out how we can help.
Explore more examples of our repaired furniture on our before and after page and see how skilled work can bring wood back to life. Let’s restore more than furniture. Let’s restore memories.
