Start with the piece you already have
Before you replace it, let us take a look.
You do not need to know whether a table needs repair, a chair needs restoration, or a worn surface needs refinishing. Start by showing Lloyd’s Woodworking what you have and explaining what is happening. The Hudson, Massachusetts shop reviews furniture and woodwork inquiries from across Massachusetts and New England and can tell you what information is needed for a useful next discussion.
Lloyd’s Woodworking homeWhat to send
Use the form below to describe the item, its location, the visible damage and what you hope to accomplish. Include approximate dimensions and, if you know it, the item’s age. You can also explain whether it has family or historical significance, whether previous repairs were made, and what changed before the problem appeared. It is fine to say that you are not sure what kind of work it needs.
Photographs help establish context. Include one image of the complete piece, close views of the damaged area and, when practical, views of the back, underside, joints, hardware and labels or maker’s marks. For architectural woodwork, show the surrounding room and the neighboring trim or components. The existing plans and project-files form accepts multiple attachments within its file limits.
What a photo review can and cannot tell you
Pictures can help explain the request and identify useful questions. They may not show hidden joinery, the condition of a veneer beneath a coating, the full scale of damage or what supports a built-in component. A photo is not an in-person inspection and should not be treated as a guaranteed diagnosis or a firm estimate.
After the information is reviewed, Lloyd’s can determine whether the project is one to discuss further and whether measurements, additional views, a sample, an appointment or another qualified professional may be appropriate. Do not discard or dismantle an item solely because a photograph seems to show extensive damage; equally, do not assume every item can or should be saved.
Start with a clear description
A useful note can be simple: what the object is, where it is, what changed, what you can see and what you would like to happen next. If there is a safety concern, say so. If the piece is potentially antique or has a known maker, mention that before any irreversible refinishing is considered.
The form requests contact details and project information so the shop can review the inquiry. Please do not send payment information or confidential personal records. The shop will follow up using the contact details and next-step preference provided. A submission is a request for review, not a promise that work will be accepted or that a quote can be prepared from photographs alone.
Photograph the whole piece and the details
A useful photo set begins with distance: step back far enough to show the entire object and how it sits in the room. Then take clear close-ups of the damage from more than one angle. If the problem involves a joint, show how the parts meet; if hardware is loose, show both the hardware and the area around its mounting point. For a built-in or architectural feature, include the opening and nearby trim so that scale and context are visible.
Use natural light when possible, avoid filters, and do not dismantle a piece just to expose a hidden surface. If there is a maker’s label, stamp or handwritten note, photograph it without scraping or cleaning it. Mention when a view is unavailable. Clear, honest images are more useful than a large set of repetitive or heavily edited photographs.
What happens after you submit
The form sends a project inquiry through the site’s existing submission process. Lloyd’s can review the description and attachments and determine whether the request needs clarification. A phone conversation, additional measurements, a sample or a scheduled shop visit may be useful; visits are by appointment.
If the piece is potentially collectible, historic or part of a building, say so before work is considered. Some projects may call for an appraiser or another qualified trade. Sending photographs does not commit you to work and does not guarantee a quote, a particular repair method or that the shop will accept the project.
Questions worth asking
A few practical answers.
Can Lloyd’s give me an estimate from photos alone?
Photographs can help start a review, but they do not guarantee a diagnosis or estimate. Hidden construction, measurements, materials and condition may require more information or an in-person evaluation.
What kinds of things can I send?
The existing project-files form accepts photographs and other project files. Include an overall view, damage details, joints, hardware, labels and surrounding woodwork where relevant.
What if I do not know whether the item needs repair or refinishing?
That is fine. Describe what you see and what you hope to accomplish. The shop can help identify which questions need to be answered before deciding on a type of work.
Does submitting photos guarantee the shop will take the project?
No. A submission requests a review and follow-up. Project fit and appropriate next steps are determined after the information is considered.
Should I throw away a badly damaged piece?
Do not assume from appearance alone that it cannot be repaired, but restoration is not appropriate for every item. Share clear photos and details before making an irreversible decision.
Photo and project submission
Send the details you have.
Include the item, approximate age and dimensions if known, what happened, your goal and any sentimental or historical context. Add an overall photo and close views of the damage. Photos help start a review; they do not guarantee a diagnosis or estimate.
Lloyd’s Woodworking Inc.
Upload plans or photos.
Contractors, architects, designers, churches, institutions and property owners can send drawings, photographs, schedules and specifications directly to Lloyd’s for review.