What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Furniture Restoration Shop?

DIRECT ANSWER:

Before hiring a furniture restoration shop, understand what work is proposed, what problem it is intended to solve, whether original material will be preserved or replaced, how previous repairs will be handled, what finish work is planned and what the expected result actually means.

DON'T ASK ONLY:

"HOW MUCH?"

ASK:

"WHAT ARE YOU ACTUALLY GOING TO DO?"

1. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS WRONG WITH THE PIECE?

The proposed work should relate to the actual condition.

2. IS THIS REPAIR, RESTORATION OR REFINISHING?

Those terms do not mean exactly the same thing.

3. WHAT ORIGINAL MATERIAL CAN BE PRESERVED?

Especially important for:

Heirlooms

Older furniture

Architecturally significant pieces

Potential antiques

4. WHAT WILL BE REPLACED?

If material must be replaced, understand why.

5. WHAT HAPPENS TO PREVIOUS REPAIRS?

Old repairs may influence the new work.

6. WHAT IS THE FINISH PLAN?

Understand whether the proposed work involves:

Localized finish work

Broader refinishing

Color changes

Other surface treatment

7. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT THE FINISHED PIECE TO LOOK LIKE?

Words such as:

Restored

Refinished

Repaired

Like new

Preserved

can mean different things.

Clarify expectations.

8. ARE THERE RISKS OR LIMITATIONS?

A responsible project conversation should acknowledge uncertainty where it exists.

9. WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED FROM ME?

History and desired use can matter.

10. WHAT SHOULD I NOT DO BEFORE THE PROJECT STARTS?

Avoid accidental damage caused by well-intentioned cleaning or DIY repairs.