Quality furniture, when well-cared for, can last generations. Sometimes, in spite of our best efforts, old furniture can fall victim to loose joints and accidental damage. Rather than throw out all of your nice wood furniture and buy new, you may be able to enjoy your furniture for many more years with proper repairs and restoration. Because every piece of furniture is unique, the prices are types of repairs listed below are only rough quotes and are limited to the most common occurrences. The cost for repairs are determined by balancing the extent of the damage with the estimated time to complete the repair and any materials or supplies needed. Final pricing would be determined after a proper, in-person inspection of the piece. Please contact us for a detailed quote and repair plan.

Repairs

Chairs 

Re-glue/Reattach leg joints, spindle joints, seat mounting brackets, etc.: $60-$100

Repair broken parts (i.e., parts where the wood itself has broken and not simply a joint that has become loose): $80-$120

Sets of chairs - You can often save some money per chair by having a whole set repaired rather than one at a time. 

Dining Tables

Repairs where the original joint/dowel is still in tact: $60-$100

Repairs where wood is broken and require either new material or shaping/repairs to original finish: $100-$120 depending on complexity

Rocking Chairs/Gliders 

Because of the complexity and variety of building techniques found in rocking chairs, rocking chair repairs usually range between $150 and $400. Gliders tend to be more complicated and often require replacement of the bearings which takes more time to order replacement parts.

Refinishing and Restoration

Costs in this category can vary greatly depending on the type of work needed and level of finish desired. The following factors will influence the final cost:

• Type of present finish (clear is less expensive to strip than paint, especially heavy paint).
• Final sheen desired for the new finish (flat, satin, or gloss).
• Thickness of finish.
• Amount of sanding needed.
• Color change, if desired and possible. Light to dark is much much easier than dark to light.
• Amount of detail (carvings, lathe turnings, etc.).
• Need for disassembly and re-assembly. 

Estimated Costs Per Piece:

Dining chairs: $100-$150 per chair

Dining tables: Tops are calculated by linear foot. A basic refinish (sanding with clear satin finish) will cost $100 per linear foot (i.e., an 8 foot table top would cost $800). If there is an apron (vertical piece running around the edge on the underside of the table, the cost is usually $200 to refinish. 

End Tables and Coffee Tables: $130-$200 depending on size and complexity.

Dressers and Blanket Chests: $300-$400 depending on size and complexity.

Hutches and other pieces with many small wood parts and ornamentation: Start at $1000 but will require an in-person assessment.

More Information About Repairs and Refinishing

Common Reasons for Glue Joint Failures:

1. Moisture and Humidity: Over time, wood absorbs and releases moisture, leading to expansion and contraction. This constant movement can weaken traditional glues, causing joints to loosen or fail.

2. Inferior Glue Choices: Older furniture often relied on animal-based glues or hide glues, which can degrade over time. These glues may not offer the same durability as modern alternatives.

3. Poor Surface Preparation: Inadequate surface preparation during the initial assembly of furniture can compromise the strength of the glue joint. Dirt, oils, or poorly fitted joints hinder the adhesive's effectiveness.

Modern Adhesives: The Promise of Permanence with Two-Part Epoxy:

Enter modern adhesives, with two-part epoxy standing out as a go-to solution for furniture repair. Here's why:

1. Chemical Resilience: Two-part epoxy forms a chemical bond that is impervious to moisture and humidity changes. This resilience makes it an ideal choice for furniture subjected to varying environmental conditions.

2. Strength and Flexibility: Epoxy provides exceptional strength and flexibility, accommodating the natural movement of wood without compromising the integrity of the joint.

3. Gap-Filling Properties: Unlike traditional glues, epoxy can fill gaps and irregularities in the joint, ensuring a tight, solid connection even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Factors Influencing Furniture Repair Costs:

1. Type of Damage:

   • Minor Repairs: Surface scratches, small dents, or simple joint re-gluing often fall into this category, resulting in lower repair costs.
   • Structural Damage: Extensive joint failures, broken components, or major structural issues may require more time and expertise, contributing to higher costs.

2. Style of Furniture:

   • Complexity: Elaborate or intricate designs may require additional effort and skill, impacting the overall repair costs.
   • Materials Used: The type of wood, finishes, and detailing can influence the complexity of the repair process.

3. Quality of Craftsmanship:

   • Original Construction: Well-crafted furniture may be easier to repair, while poorly constructed pieces may present additional challenges, affecting repair costs.

4. Restoration vs. Refinishing:

   • Preservation Efforts: If the goal is to preserve the original character of the furniture, restoration may be more intricate and time-consuming compared to simple refinishing.

Please don't hesitate to reach out for more information or to get a specific quote for your furniture!