Frequently Asked Questions

Since 2020 we have worked on solid wood tables, chairs, wardrobes, sideboards, chests of drawers, and antique cabinets brought in from homes across Manchester. We handle veneered pieces as well as solid oak, walnut, mahogany, and pine. We do not take on upholstery-only jobs such as sofas with no wood frame repair needed, and we are upfront if a piece falls outside what our team of 9 can properly restore.

Yes. We look at photos you send through the contact form, or visit in person for larger pieces, before giving you a price. This lets us check the wood type, the extent of scratches, water rings, or joint damage, and whether the existing finish needs full stripping. We reply to most requests within 2 hours during working hours, so you are not left waiting to plan your week around the job.

Polishing refreshes the surface finish, removing surface scratches, dullness, and light water marks, then applying wax or French polish to bring back the sheen. Full restoration goes further: it can include repairing loose joints, replacing missing veneer, fixing cracked panels, and re-gluing structural elements before any polishing takes place. Most of the 1,153 jobs we have completed fall into one of these two categories, and we always tell you which one your piece actually needs rather than upselling the bigger job.

In most cases, yes. We mix stains on site to match the surrounding wood tone, and we test on an inconspicuous area first, such as the underside of a drawer, before applying to the visible surface. Wood ages and darkens over decades, so a perfect match on a very old piece is not always possible, but we get close enough that the repair does not stand out. We will always show you the test patch before committing to the full piece.

We cover collection and delivery across the three districts we serve in and around Manchester. For smaller items like chairs or side tables, we can often arrange a same-week pickup. Larger pieces such as wardrobes or dining tables sometimes need on-site work if disassembly and transport risk further damage. We discuss the best option with you once we have seen photos or done an initial visit.

We work with shellac for traditional French polishing, hard wax oils for a more durable everyday finish, and water-based lacquers when a low-odour option is needed in an occupied home. The choice depends on how the piece will be used. A dining table that sees daily wear needs a tougher finish than a display cabinet. We explain the trade-offs for your specific piece before starting any work.

Solid wood antiques are often built from denser, better-seasoned timber than most furniture sold today, and the joinery on a well-made piece can outlast several generations of flat-pack replacements. Restoration also costs less than buying a comparable solid wood piece new. That said, if a piece has extensive woodworm damage or the frame is fundamentally unstable, we will tell you honestly rather than take on a job that will not hold up.

Keep restored furniture away from direct radiator heat and direct sunlight, both of which dry out and fade a finish over time. Use coasters and placemats to avoid new water rings, and dust with a soft dry cloth rather than a damp one on waxed surfaces. For wax finishes, a light reapplication once or twice a year keeps the sheen even. About 20% of our clients come back to us for this kind of light maintenance work on pieces we restored previously.

Send us a few photos of the piece through our contact form, along with a short note on what is bothering you about its current state, whether that is scratches, a wobbly leg, or a dull finish. We reply within about 2 hours during business hours, Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:30. From there we either quote directly or arrange a visit if the job needs a closer look.