Master Furniture
Restoration Services

In most cases, yes. Heirloom furniture is often constructed from old-growth hardwoods that are denser and more durable than modern materials. Beyond the superior wood quality, these pieces carry irreplaceable sentimental value passed down through generations. Professionally restored antiques can also appreciate in value, especially when the work preserves their historical authenticity. We provide honest assessments during our free consultations, helping you weigh restoration costs against replacement and the piece's personal significance to your family.

Look for hallmarks of handcrafted quality: dovetail joints instead of staples or nails, solid wood construction rather than particleboard or veneer over composite, and maker's marks or stamps often found in drawers or on the underside. Genuine antiques have a distinct heft due to dense old-growth lumber and show natural aging patterns in the wood grain. During your consultation, our master craftsman can help identify the piece's age, origin, and construction methods to confirm its authenticity and historical value.

Restoration costs depend on the complexity of damage and the level of finish required. Minor structural repairs such as re-gluing loose joints or fixing small cracks start at $150. Full chair restoration, including structural work and refinishing, begins at $450. Dining table refinishing with complete surface preparation and hand-applied finishes starts at $1,200. We provide detailed quotes after examining your piece during a free initial assessment, ensuring complete transparency before any work begins.

Absolutely. Water damage and heat rings require a multi-step approach. We first extract damaged finish layers, then assess whether the damage has penetrated the wood fibers. Surface-level stains can often be removed through careful refinishing, while deeper damage may require wood stabilization techniques. We also advise on preventing future environmental damage, such as using coasters and maintaining proper humidity levels in your home to protect your restored piece.

Yes, we offer pick-up and delivery services throughout our service area, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Shelton, and the surrounding South Sound region along the Highway 101 corridor. Our team uses specialized padding and handling techniques to safely transport fragile antiques. We coordinate scheduling to minimize the time your cherished pieces are away from your home while ensuring they receive the careful treatment they deserve.

Project timelines typically range from 2 to 6 weeks depending on scope. Finish curing times account for much of this duration, as hand-rubbed oils and lacquers require proper drying between coats for optimal durability. Complex structural repairs involving joinery reconstruction or veneer work add to the timeline. We provide realistic estimates during consultation and keep you informed throughout the process so you know exactly when to expect your restored heirloom.

Refinishing focuses primarily on the surface appearance, stripping old finish and applying new stain and protective coats. Restoration goes much further, encompassing structural repairs, joinery stabilization, hardware restoration, and preservation of historical authenticity. Restoration aims to extend the piece's functional life while maintaining or enhancing its value as an antique. We help you determine which approach best suits your goals, whether cosmetic improvement or comprehensive preservation.

Yes, custom stain matching is one of our specialties. We blend colors precisely to match your existing furniture set, accounting for how wood ages and changes color over time due to light exposure and natural oxidation. Our hand-applied finishing techniques ensure seamless integration between restored pieces and the rest of your collection, maintaining visual harmony throughout your dining room or living space.