Whether you need a leg on a chair fixed, or a hutch refinished, you can give your old furniture a fresh new look. Wood can be made to look as good as new and fabric can be re-upholstered.
Angie’s List tips for hiring a
furniture repair and refinishing company:
- Look at the work you need done: If repair will cost more than half the cost of the new furniture piece, then it may be better to replace. Also consider the length of time you expect that repair to add to the life of the furniture. Keep in mind, just because furniture is old, doesn’t mean it should be refinished. For example, stripping an antique can actually hurt the value.
- DIY or hire help? Just because you have the ability and tools to repair or refinish a piece of furniture doesn’t mean you should. Many things can go wrong restoring wood furniture. You must use the right technique and identify the wood type. It’s worth investing in the services of a professional for items with significant material or sentimental value.
- Do your research: Hire a professional who is trained to work on a wide array of problems from repairing a damaged finish to replacing missing parts to complete rebuilding of most complex objects. Ask for before and after photos of their work or even stop by the shop to take a look at pieces they are working on.
- Think about the costs: Cost will depend upon the type of furniture, the extent of damage, the materials required and the amount of time it will take to complete the task.
- Start small: Take a small piece of furniture that you’re not emotionally tied to, to find out what the company’s work looks like to make sure it meets your expectations. Don’t start with a family heirloom as the guinea pig.
Angie's List furniture care tips:
- Good, quality wood should last 15-20 years or more, and upholstered furniture generally last 10-15 years – but if you lay on your couch every night it’s going to wear faster.
- Dust your wood furniture regularly and vacuum/clean your upholstered furniture regularly – stains can add to the wear and tear of fibers.
- Protect your furniture from excessive exposure to sunlight, heat, cold or damp conditions. Use window curtains to shield light and a humidifier/de-humidifier.
- One of the most common ways people damage their furniture is through careless moving. Pieces of furniture should never be dragged across the floor – but lifted with care. When lifting, support the structure where it’s the strongest.