Get matched with top furniture refinishers in Poultney, VT

Telling the difference between high-quality wood furniture and lower-quality pieces is challenging, but there are a few sign that indicate whether your furniture is worth repairing:

• Push your fingernail into an inconspicuous section of the wood. If it doesn’t leave a dent, it’s likely hardwood and is well worth a repair.

• Unzip the bottom of couches to look for the structural components. If they’re made of wood rather than particle board, it’s likely worth refinishing.

• Ask a local furniture repair technician. A reputable professional will let you know if you’re better off replacing rather than refinishing your specific item.

Minor water damage on wood tables can be reversed fairly easily. You can remove stains and light surface damage with a sandblock, then repaint and re-varnish the wood surface. For swollen and rotten wood, you can cut away the damaged parts and use a wood filler as long as the affected area isn’t too much.

Stay away from using window cleaners and other harsh cleaning solutions on antique wood—or any wood in your home for that matter. The pH of the cleaners can break down the finish and permanently damage and stain the wood below. Even when it comes to more durable areas, such as when cleaning your baseboards, only use cleaning solutions that are safe for porous materials. 

It is possible to refinish your own furniture, but it’s usually a good idea to leave the work to the professionals. Furniture refinishing often requires the use of paint stripper or solvents to remove existing finish, which can be dangerous to inhale. Additionally, it’s easy to make mistakes during the process that could permanently damage your piece, limiting its lifespan instead of extending it. Hiring a furniture refinishing professional is especially worthwhile for antique furniture, which often requires more delicate refinishing work.