Furniture Restoration & Refinishing
Serving Fort Lee, NYC & the Tri‑State Area
Furniture restoration is more than repair — it’s the art of honoring original craftsmanship while renewing beauty, structure, and longevity. At First Class MasterCraft, we restore wood furniture, heirloom pieces, designer tables, and legacy builds with a blend of traditional techniques and modern precision.
Every project is completed 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, finish application, and structural reinforcement is performed by our multi‑generational team with American craftsmanship and pride.
Starting Prices for Furniture Restoration & Refinishing
Pricing varies based on condition, wood species, finish type, and complexity. Typical starting points include:
- Dining Chairs: $250–$450+
- Small Tables / End Tables: $350–$650+
- Dressers / Chests: $650–$1,200+
- Dining Tables: $1,200–$2,800+
- High‑Gloss Finishes: Custom estimate
- Veneer Repair: $250–$650+
- Inlay Restoration: Custom estimate
What Affects Restoration & Refinishing Pricing
- Wood Species: Mahogany, walnut, oak, rosewood, maple, exotic woods
- Finish Type: Lacquer, varnish, shellac, oil, French polish
- Condition: Scratches, dents, fading, water damage, sun bleaching
- Veneer Damage: Missing, bubbled, cracked, or lifted veneer
- Inlay Complexity: Patterned, geometric, or decorative inlays
- Structural Issues: Loose joints, broken legs, unstable frames
- Designer or Antique Status: Baker, Barbara Barry, McGuire, Hickory Chair, etc.
Why Restore Your Furniture
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:
Make Old Furniture Look New
Save Money, Extend Life
Custom Colors & Finishes
Wood Furniture We Restore & Refinish
"We expertly restore and finish all kinds of wood furniture, including:"
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- Historic Furniture / Museum-Grade Pieces
– Commercial Fixtures / Lobby Furniture
Your Furniture Restoration & Finishing Expert
Carlos: Master Furniture Restorer
Your Furniture Restoration & Finishing project is executed by Carlos , our Master Restorer—under the direct guidance of Jeff, First Class Upholstery’s founder and lead craftsman. With deep expertise in reviving aged wood furniture, Carlos brings each piece back to life through expert repairs, precision color matching, and durable, hand-applied finishes. Whether it’s a cherished heirloom or a high-end commercial fixture, every restoration reflects Jeff’s vision and Carlos’s hands-on skill—delivering results that honor legacy and elevate design.
Discover our meticulous
Baker Furniture Refinishing
services, designed to protect and enhance original finishes.
Wood Refinishing
Our expert wood refinishing services can transform a faded or worn piece of furniture into a beautiful centerpiece. We carefully strip away old finishes and apply new stains, paints, and protective coatings to renew the surface and bring out the natural beauty of the wood.
Our Wood Refinishing Services
We can give your wood furniture a new life with:
Stripping Old Finishes: Safely and effectively removing old varnish, paint, or lacquer to prepare the wood for a new finish.
New Stains & Colors: Applying a new stain or paint to perfectly match your home decor or create a fresh, new look.
Protective Coatings: Applying durable, professional-grade topcoats (like lacquer or polyurethane) to protect the wood from future damage.
Finish Consulting: Expert guidance on choosing the right finish for your wood species and furniture type.
Veneer & Inlay Work
Damaged veneers and missing inlays can diminish the beauty and value of a piece. We specialize in the meticulous repair and replacement of these delicate details, ensuring the design is seamlessly restored to its original glory.
Our Veneer & Inlay Services
We can give your furniture a new life with:
Veneer Repair: Carefully mending blisters, bubbles, and cracks to restore a smooth, flawless surface.
Inlay Replacement: Precisely cutting and replacing missing pieces of inlay to match the original design.
Surface Restoration: Expertly smoothing and refinishing the repaired areas to blend seamlessly with the rest of the piece.
Custom Matching: Sourcing and selecting the right wood and finishes to ensure a perfect match.
Structural Repair
The true strength of your furniture lies in its frame. We specialize in fixing wobbly legs, loose joints, and broken frames to restore the structural integrity of your pieces. Our expert craftsmen use a blend of traditional and modern techniques to ensure your furniture is safe, stable, and built to last.
Our Structural Repair Services
We can give your furniture a new life with:
Joint Stabilization: Mending loose or separating joints to eliminate wobbles and restore strength.
Part Replacement: Carefully replacing broken legs, spindles, or other wooden components with matching wood.
Frame Reinforcement: Adding internal support to strengthen the frame without altering the exterior design.
Dowel & Glue Work: Using professional-grade glues and dowels to securely fix any weak spots.
Surface Restoration
Over time, wood surfaces can lose their luster due to light scratches, scuffs, and general wear. Our surface restoration services are designed to address these minor imperfections, carefully polishing, waxing, and touching up the finish to restore your furniture’s original beauty without a full refinish.
Our Surface Restoration Services
We can give your furniture a new life with:
Polishing & Waxing: Expertly polishing wood surfaces to restore their natural shine and luster.
Touch-Ups: Carefully touching up minor scratches, dents, and imperfections to make them blend in seamlessly.
Finish Preservation: Using professional-grade waxes and sealants to preserve the integrity of the original finish.
Light Buffing: Gently buffing the surface to remove minor scuffs and create a smooth, clean feel.
Traditional Materials & Modern Precision
- Hand stripping and gentle refinishing
- French polishing and shellac restoration
- Professional‑grade lacquer and conversion varnish
- Veneer patching and inlay reconstruction
- CNC‑cut replacement components for perfect accuracy
Who We Serve
- Homeowners
- Interior designers
- Antique collectors
- Architects & builders
- Hotels, lobbies & hospitality spaces
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.
Crafted by Masters, Chosen by You
Each piece in our gallery reflects the precision, care, and artistry that define First Class Upholstery. These aren’t just projects—they’re collaborations built on trust, detail, and timeless design. Whether you’re restoring a legacy or creating something new, your journey begins with a conversation. Let’s craft something extraordinary together.
Craft Your Vision with First Class MasterCraft
Whether it’s a custom furniture build, a precision upholstery project, or handcrafted cabinetry, we’re ready to bring your vision to life. Let’s talk about your space and create something timeless—built with care, backed by legacy.
Or Reach Us Directly
Call: 201‑944‑2282
Email: info@firstclassmastercraft.com
Visit:
2431 Lemoine Ave, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
More Services That Support Furniture Refinishing
Explore restoration, upholstery, and logistics services that complement our refinishing work:
Antique Restoration – Refinishing for legacy wood and historic finishes.
Custom Furniture – Surface prep for bespoke builds.
Custom Cabinets – Refinishing for built-in cabinetry and millwork.
Upholstery – Integrated refinishing and reupholstery services.
On-Site Repair – Mobile refinishing for residential and commercial clients.
Furniture Restoration & Refinishing FAQs
Can you match the original color, sheen, and grain depth of my furniture’s finish?
Yes — we specialize in precision color matching using custom‑mixed stains, dyes, and toners that replicate the original tone and depth of the wood. We evaluate the wood species, grain absorption, and existing patina to create a finish that blends seamlessly with the untouched areas. Whether it’s satin lacquer, hand‑rubbed oil, or French polish, we match the sheen and clarity with exacting accuracy.
How do you repair water damage, sun fading, or heat marks without stripping the entire piece?
We use targeted surface restoration techniques such as controlled re‑amalgamation, localized refinishing, color blending, and professional‑grade polishing compounds. These methods allow us to correct damage while preserving the original finish whenever possible. This approach is ideal for high‑end or designer furniture where full stripping would remove valuable patina or factory finishes.
Can you restore veneer or inlay patterns that are rare, discontinued, or highly detailed?
Yes — we hand‑cut replacement veneers and inlays using species‑matched wood and period‑accurate tools. For complex patterns, we replicate the geometry, grain direction, and shading to ensure the repair is indistinguishable from the original. This level of craftsmanship is essential for Baker, Barbara Barry, McGuire, and other luxury or collectible pieces.
How do you ensure structural repairs remain invisible while strengthening the piece?
We reinforce joints and frames using internal dowels, mortise‑and‑tenon repairs, and concealed supports that do not alter the exterior design. All adhesives and materials are selected based on the wood species and original construction method. The result is a structurally sound piece that retains its original appearance and proportions.
Can you restore high‑gloss, piano‑grade, or specialty finishes?
Yes — we restore and recreate high‑gloss, mirror‑polished, and specialty finishes using multi‑stage sanding, precision color toning, and professional‑grade lacquer or conversion varnish systems. These finishes require controlled environments and expert layering techniques to achieve flawless clarity and depth. Our refinishing process matches or exceeds factory‑level quality for luxury brands.
How do you prevent color mismatch when refinishing only part of a piece?
We use advanced color‑matching techniques that account for wood species, grain absorption, existing patina, and the natural aging of the finish. By blending dyes, stains, and toners directly on the piece, we create a seamless transition between restored and original areas. This ensures the repair is invisible, even under natural light.
Can you repair structural damage without compromising the original design?
Yes — we reinforce frames using internal joinery techniques such as concealed dowels, mortise‑and‑tenon repairs, spline inserts, and species‑matched replacements. All structural work is performed from the inside out, preserving the exterior profile and decorative details. The result is a stronger, safer piece that retains its original craftsmanship.
Do you work with exotic woods or discontinued materials?
Absolutely. We source and match exotic woods such as rosewood, zebrawood, mahogany, walnut burl, and other rare veneers. When original materials are discontinued, we use custom‑cut veneers and hand‑tinted finishes to replicate the look, grain, and depth of the original. This level of precision is essential for designer and collectible furniture.
Can you restore factory finishes from luxury brands like Baker, McGuire, or Hickory Chair?
Yes — we specialize in replicating factory‑grade finishes from high‑end manufacturers. These brands often use multi‑layer lacquer systems, hand‑rubbed oils, or proprietary toners that require expert color matching and controlled application. Our refinishing process is designed to match the original depth, clarity, and sheen so the piece retains its designer‑level authenticity.
How do you handle wood movement, warping, or splitting during restoration?
We evaluate the wood’s moisture content, grain direction, and structural stress points before beginning any repair. Warped or split components are stabilized using controlled humidity, clamping, and species‑matched inserts that respect the wood’s natural expansion and contraction. This ensures long‑term stability without compromising the original construction.
Can you restore pieces with high‑gloss or specialty finishes without creating swirl marks or haze?
Yes — high‑gloss finishes require a multi‑stage polishing process using fine abrasives, professional compounds, and controlled buffing techniques. We restore clarity and depth without introducing holograms, haze, or swirl marks. This level of precision is essential for modern lacquered pieces and high‑end dining tables.
Do you offer conservation‑grade restoration for museum or historically significant pieces?
Absolutely. For historically important furniture, we use reversible materials, minimal intervention, and documentation‑based restoration methods. Our goal is to stabilize and preserve the piece while maintaining its provenance, patina, and original craftsmanship — the same standards used in museum conservation labs.