HOW MUCH DOES FURNITURE RESTORATION COST? 

IS FURNITURE RESTORATION EXPENSIVE?

 

Remembering the words of a lady whose parents' furniture had lost its original freshness: "No, it's not expensive at all - it only needs to be restored once in a hundred years."

The cost of furniture restoration does not depend on whether it's a cupboard, dresser, or table, but rather on the scope of work to be done.

It's crucial to know the repairable defects – generally, it's better to have one significant defect than ten small ones. Understanding the material of the furniture, whether it's oak or ash, makes restoration easier. Veneered or solid wood furniture has different considerations (veneered or few defects such as peeling veneer). Knowledge of the previous finish is essential (worse if someone has lacquered or painted it with a synthetic finish). Check for insect damage, broken legs, and damage from rodents. Difficult to repair are damages caused by dog bites and cat scratches. Assess whether drawer guides need fixing (too worn out - drawers are challenging to insert).

Check if the furniture is missing any hardware, especially decorative ones (handles, keyhole covers). Crafting a copy of decorative handles costs around €25.

Understand your personal preferences – whether minor defects can be left to emphasize the furniture's age and authenticity or if a thorough cleaning of the furniture's interior is necessary (internal surfaces often constitute a larger area than external ones). Know where you plan to use the furniture (kitchen, bedroom, or perhaps stored in an unheated summer house).

If you could send a photo of the furniture to juris@mebelurestaurators.lv or via WhatsApp to +371 29269501, an estimate could be attempted with some precision.

 

WOODEN ITEM RESTORATION

Restoration costs for a two-door oak cabinet from the 1920s-1930s could range from €400 to €800.

Dresser - from €400 to €1000.

Sideboard - from €500 to €1000.

Dining table - from €400 to €800.

Dining chair without springs - from €100 to €250.

In non-standard situations (furniture kept in very unsuitable conditions, missing essential parts, poorly done previous repairs), costs can significantly increase.

Very labor-intensive furniture polishing with shellac polish.

 

RESTORATION OF ANTIQUE UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE

 

Initially, it's crucial to determine the technology used in their upholstery.

Until the 1950s, all soft furniture was primarily upholstered with rigid, sturdy springs using linen-hemp twine or other durable cord and padded with seaweed, horsehair.

After World War II, in Soviet Latvia, relatively low-quality materials like packaging straw, lime loops, rags, etc., were used for upholstery.

One sign that furniture is upholstered is the visible sackcloth underneath a mattress, chair, or sofa. Modern furniture, which is made on spring block bases, will have chipboard or pressed cardboard.

In our workshop, upholstered furniture is restored using old technologies. We primarily work with seaweed and occasionally with horsehair. We do not use packaging straw or chipboard. If you consult with another craftsman, make sure to ask about the materials they use. Typically, seaweed is used, supplemented as needed from the existing furniture.

The upholstery of upholstered furniture is a relatively expensive service, not because there are few craftsmen who can do it but because it requires prolonged and meticulous work.

Upholstering a chair with four or five springs could cost €150 to €250.

Armchair with armrests - €250 to €350.

Simple sofa upholstery - €350 to €550.

Club sofa upholstery costs vary widely depending on the condition of the armrests and backrest - €450 to €1000.

These costs already include the cost of internal materials, assuming that the seating (or sleeping) part's springing is entirely recreated.

 

Juris Kraulis