Antique Furniture Restoration
Serving Fort Lee, NYC, Westchester, Bergen, Rockland, and the Tri-State area with expert restoration of antique furniture, heirloom pieces, and legacy builds.
Antique furniture carries history, memory, and craftsmanship that modern pieces simply cannot match. At First Class MasterCraft, we restore heirlooms, rare collectibles, and legacy pieces with a balance of traditional technique and modern precision — preserving their character while strengthening them for generations to come.
Every restoration is performed in our two in‑house facilities: our Fort Lee upholstery workshop and our West Nyack CNC fabrication shop. Nothing is outsourced — every repair, veneer patch, carving restoration, and upholstery detail is completed by our multi‑generational team with American craftsmanship and care.
Starting Prices for Antique Restoration
Pricing varies based on age, condition, materials, and complexity. Typical starting points include:
- Antique Dining Chairs: $350–$650+
- Antique Armchairs: $850–$1,500+
- Antique Sofas & Settees: $1,800–$3,500+
- Veneer Repair: $250–$650+
- Finish Restoration / Refinishing: $450–$1,200+
- Spring & Webbing Rebuild: $350–$850+
- Carving Repair / Decorative Elements: Custom estimate
What Affects Antique Restoration Pricing
- Age & Rarity: Older or historically significant pieces require specialized care.
- Condition: Structural damage, loose joints, missing veneer, or broken carvings.
- Wood Type: Mahogany, walnut, oak, rosewood, and exotic species.
- Finish Type: Shellac, lacquer, varnish, oil, French polish.
- Upholstery Complexity: Tufting, channeling, horsehair padding, coil springs.
- Hand-Carved Details: Restoration of decorative elements and moldings.
- Historical Accuracy: Matching original materials, finishes, and techniques.
Why Restore Your Antiques
We believe restoration is more than repair—it’s about honoring the original craftsmanship while making your furniture beautiful and functional again. Here’s why it’s worth it:
Keep History Alive
Expert & Careful Work
Make Them Usable & Beautiful
Our team offers expert antique furniture restoration, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern precision.
Antique Items We Expertly Restore Simple list format:
We expertly restore and finish all kinds of wood furniture, including:
- Very old chairs, tables, and cabinets
- Family heirloom pieces
- Wooden chests and display units
- Other antique wooden decorative items
- Sideboards / Buffets / Credenzas
- Cabinets / China Cabinets / Display Cabinets
- Coffee Tables, Console Tables, Side Tables / End Tables
- Dining Tables & Dining Chairs (including Cane)
- Beds / Bed Frames, Dressers, Chests / Drawers, Nightstands
- Wardrobes / Armoires, Vanity / Dressing Tables
- Wood-Framed Mirrors, Wooden Chests
Traditional Materials & Restoration Methods
- Hide glue repairs for historical accuracy
- Hand-tied coil spring restoration
- Horsehair, cotton, and natural padding
- Veneer patching and replacement
- Hand stripping and gentle refinishing
- French polishing and shellac restoration
- Carving repair and decorative element reconstruction
Your Antique Restoration Specialist
Jeff: Master Antique Restorer
Your Antique Restoration project is personally handled by Jeff, our Master Restorer. Jeff has a deep respect for historical pieces and unique skills in bringing very old items back to life while preserving their character
Meticulous Antique Restoration: Preserving History, One Piece at a Time
Your cherished antique furniture holds a story. Our master craftsmen specialize in restoring vintage and heirloom pieces, blending a deep respect for historical integrity with a meticulous eye for detail. We carefully repair and preserve your furniture’s original charm, ensuring its history and beauty can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Services to Restore Your Treasured Pieces
We handle all aspects of antique restoration with the care and precision they deserve. Our services include:
Structural Repair: Expertly reinforcing loose joints and mending broken frames to ensure the piece is structurally sound without compromising its original design.
Veneer & Inlay Repair: Meticulously repairing or replacing delicate veneers and intricate inlays using period-appropriate techniques and materials.
Finish Restoration: Carefully removing old finishes and applying a new finish that matches the piece’s original style and protects it for the future.
Upholstery: Reupholstering antique chairs, sofas, and settees with period-appropriate fabrics and traditional methods.
Heirloom-Quality Care
Our restoration process is a careful art form. We take the time to understand each piece’s history, using time-honored techniques and the finest materials to ensure every repair is seamlessly integrated. Our goal is to honor the original craftsmanship while giving the piece a new lease on life.
Mid-Century Modern Pieces
Mid-century modern furniture is defined by its clean lines and timeless design. We specialize in restoring these iconic pieces, carefully repairing structural issues and refreshing their original finishes. Our goal is to bring back their unique character while ensuring they are ready for modern use.
Our Mid-Century Modern Services
We can give your mid-century modern furniture a new life with:
Finish Restoration: Carefully stripping and refinishing wood surfaces to bring back their original luster.
Frame Repair: Stabilizing and reinforcing tapered legs, joints, and other structural elements.
Reupholstery: Reupholstering seats and backs with era-appropriate fabrics and foam.
Fabric Sourcing: Helping you find authentic or period-inspired fabrics that match the furniture’s original design.
Our Victorian & Edwardian Restoration Services
We can give your Victorian and Edwardian furniture a new life with:
Structural Repair: Mending loose joints and reinforcing frames to ensure stability and longevity.
Wood Detailing: Restoring intricate carvings and ornate wood trim with precision and care.
Traditional Upholstery: Reupholstering with period-appropriate fabrics and techniques to honor the original design.
Finish Restoration: Carefully restoring the original finish or applying a new one that matches the piece’s era
Victorian & Edwardian Styles
Victorian and Edwardian furniture is known for its elegant, intricate details and rich upholstery. We specialize in restoring these historical pieces with a deep understanding of their original craftsmanship. From delicate wood carvings to traditional button tufting, we bring these stunning heirlooms back to life while preserving their timeless character
French Provincial Furniture
Known for its elegant curves and decorative details, French Provincial furniture brings a touch of rustic charm to any space. We specialize in restoring these timeless pieces, from their ornate carvings to their delicate finishes, ensuring their beauty and authenticity are preserved for years to come
Our French Provincial Restoration Services
Our team can give your French Provincial furniture a new life with:
Structural Repair: Carefully mending loose joints and reinforcing frames.
Carving Restoration: Meticulously restoring intricate carvings and ornate wood trim.
Custom Upholstery: Reupholstering with period-appropriate fabrics and techniques.
Finish Renewal: Applying a new finish that matches the piece’s original patina or creating a new distressed look.
Spring & Webbing Repair
The springs and webbing are the hidden foundation of comfortable, durable upholstery. We specialize in restoring the structural integrity of your antique furniture by repairing or replacing broken springs and worn-out webbing, ensuring a supportive and long-lasting seat.
Our Spring & Webbing Repair Services
We can give your antique furniture a new life with:
Webbing Replacement: Carefully removing old, brittle webbing and installing new, strong webbing for proper support.
Spring Repair & Tying: Retaining or replacing broken springs, and hand-tying them to the webbing using traditional methods.
Foam & Fill Replacement: Upgrading old, worn-out padding with new, high-density foam or natural fillings.
Structural Reinforcement: Mending or reinforcing any weak spots in the frame to prepare it for a new foundation.
The Difference is in the Details
At First Class MasterCraft , our restoration process is a blend of craftsmanship and precision. We meticulously repair structural damage, refinish surfaces, and restore carved details—ensuring your wood furniture not only looks stunning but is built to last. Every joint, grain, and finish is handled with care, so your renewed piece reflects both its original character and our commitment to quality.
Why Designers & Collectors Choose First Class MasterCraft
- Craftsmanship Since 1952 — multi‑generational expertise
- Master Upholsterer Oversight — every project led by Jeff
- Traditional Techniques — hide glue, hand‑tied springs, French polish
- CNC Precision — perfect replacement parts for damaged components
- White‑Glove Delivery — careful handling of fragile antiques
- Trusted by Collectors — Baker, McGuire, Hickory Chair, and more
Craft Your Vision with First Class MasterCraft
Send Photos for a Fast Estimate
Call: 201‑944‑2282
Email: info@firstclassmastercraft.com
Visit: 2431 Lemoine Ave, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
More Restoration & Upholstery Services
Our antique restoration work is part of a broader commitment to craftsmanship. Explore more of what we offer:
Furniture Refinishing – Surface restoration for antique wood and finishes.
Furniture Frames – Structural rebuilds for heirloom pieces.
Leather Repair – Restoration for vintage leather seating and panels.
Custom Furniture – Bespoke builds to match antique styles.
Custom Cabinets – Millwork for antique built-ins and wood panels.
Custom Wall Panels – Upholstered panels for historic interiors.
On-Site Repair – Mobile restoration for delicate antiques.
Luxury Brand Furniture Services
We specialize in the restoration, upholstery, and refinishing of iconic luxury furniture brands. Explore our dedicated brand pages:
Antique Furniture Restoration: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you restore my antique without reducing its historical or collector value?
Yes. Our restoration approach prioritizes conservation over replacement. We preserve original joinery, finishes, and materials whenever possible, using reversible techniques and period‑accurate methods such as hide glue, hand‑tied springs, and traditional padding. Every decision is made to maintain the piece’s authenticity and long‑term value.
Do you match original finishes, carvings, and materials from the piece’s era?
Absolutely. We specialize in replicating historical finishes such as shellac, French polish, oil varnish, and hand‑rubbed stains. We also recreate missing carvings, moldings, and veneer patterns using species‑matched wood and period‑correct tools.
How do you determine whether an antique should be restored, conserved, or left as‑is?
We evaluate structural integrity, historical significance, and the condition of original materials. Some pieces benefit from full restoration, while others require minimal intervention to preserve patina and provenance. We guide you through the best approach based on the piece’s age, rarity, and intended use.
Can you restore antique upholstery using traditional materials and techniques?
Yes. We offer true period‑correct upholstery, including horsehair stuffing, cotton batting, jute webbing, and hand‑tied coil springs. For daily‑use pieces, we can blend traditional methods with discreet modern comfort upgrades while preserving the antique’s character.
Can you preserve the original patina or finish instead of fully refinishing the piece?
Yes. When historical patina is valuable, we use conservation‑grade techniques to clean, stabilize, and revive the existing finish rather than stripping it. This maintains the piece’s age, authenticity, and collector value.
How do you handle missing veneer, inlay, or carved details?
We recreate missing elements using species‑matched wood, hand‑cut veneers, and traditional carving tools. Each repair is blended seamlessly into the original surface, matching grain direction, color, and aging.
Do you evaluate antiques for structural integrity before beginning restoration?
Absolutely. Every piece undergoes a full structural assessment, including joints, frame stability, spring systems, and substrate condition. This ensures the restoration plan strengthens the piece without altering its historical construction.
Can you restore antiques that were previously repaired or poorly refinished?
Yes — we frequently correct past repairs, mismatched finishes, and non‑period materials. We reverse inappropriate work, stabilize the original structure, and restore the piece using historically accurate methods.
How do you ensure restoration work does not reduce the value of my antique?
We follow conservation‑grade principles that prioritize preserving original materials, finishes, and patina. All interventions are minimal, reversible, and historically accurate, ensuring the piece retains or increases its value.
Can you match historical finishes like shellac, French polish, or aged patina?
Yes — we specialize in replicating period‑accurate finishes using traditional materials and hand‑applied techniques. We match sheen, color, and texture so the finish remains authentic to its era.
How do you handle antiques with non‑original materials or hardware?
We evaluate past repairs to determine what can be preserved and what should be reversed. Inappropriate glues, veneers, and hardware are removed and replaced with historically accurate materials.
Can you restore antiques that have fire, water, or smoke damage?
Yes — we specialize in restoring antiques affected by fire, water, or smoke. We stabilize the structure, remove contaminants, repair damaged wood, and restore the finish using conservation‑grade methods. Our goal is to preserve as much original material as possible while returning the piece to safe, beautiful condition.
Do you offer estimates from photos, or do you need to see the piece in person?
We can provide accurate preliminary estimates from photos. For complex antiques, we may request additional angles or close‑ups of joints, carvings, or damaged areas. Final pricing is confirmed once we inspect the piece in person at our Fort Lee workshop or during pickup.
Can you match missing hardware, knobs, or decorative elements on antique furniture?
Absolutely. We source or custom‑fabricate hardware to match the original era — including brass pulls, escutcheons, hinges, and decorative mounts. When originals are unavailable, we create replicas using CNC precision or hand‑carved methods to ensure a seamless match.
How long does antique restoration typically take?
Most antique restorations take 2–6 weeks, depending on complexity, finish work, upholstery needs, and the extent of structural repairs. Museum‑level or highly detailed pieces may require additional time. We always provide a clear timeline before beginning work.