When you buy furniture, whether it’s for your home or office, you want to keep it in good condition. But wear and tear eventually catch up with all types of furniture, and some damage becomes irreparable.
Fortunately, professional furniture repair services can often fix these damages and restore your furniture to its former glory. Here are some things to consider when you decide to hire a furniture repair professional to work on your furniture:
Cost
Furniture repairs are an excellent way to prolong the life of your pieces and preserve their original value. They can also help you save money by reducing the need for new furnishings.
The cost of repairing your furniture depends on the type of materials it is made of and its age. Older items are more expensive to repair because they require more careful handling to preserve their material integrity.
Before repairing your furniture, make sure you understand whether the damages are cosmetic or structural. Cosmetic damage is more affordable to fix as it requires less time, materials and expertise than structural ones.
Materials
Professional furniture restorers use a variety of tools and supplies in their work. This includes tools for sanding, stripping, and cleaning.
Sandpaper: Several different types of sandpaper are available, including organic and inorganic grits. The inexpensive flint and garnet papers wear down quickly, but the more expensive aluminum oxide and silicon carbide papers last much longer.
Wood putty and filler: To repair dents, cracks, and other surface damage, you’ll need a large amount of wood putty. You’ll also need a putty knife for spreading it on the damaged area.
Hide glue: Furniture grade hide glue comes from cattle hides that have been heated to extract the gelatinous adhesive. This glue is strong and will last a long time if used correctly.
Other tools include a nail set, which is used to countersink the heads of nails in wood and other materials; and dividers, which are used to transfer measurements accurately when drawing out mechanical parts.
Experience
Furniture repair requires a high level of experience, and it’s essential to have a good understanding of different materials, how they work, and how to fix them. You also need strong communication and organizational skills.
The right equipment can help you get started on a project and make your job easier. Having a good assortment of basic tools is important, including C-clamps, strap clamps, bar clamps and sanding tools.
Choosing the proper adhesive is critical for long-term success. Hide glue is a popular choice for historic pieces that have stood the test of time.
Another way to protect furniture from wear and tear is to use moving blankets instead of plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and damage wood. It’s also a good idea to keep more valuable pieces away from sunlight, which can cause them to fade.
Time
The time it takes for a furniture repair depends on a variety of factors. The number of repairs needed, the size of the repair, and weather conditions will all have an impact on how long the project takes.
For example, if you’re doing the repair yourself, it can take anywhere from one to two hours to complete the project. This will vary depending on the size of the repairs, as well as your skill level.
Generally speaking, you should only do your own furniture repairs if you’re confident with your skills. It’s important to remember that failed DIY projects can cost you more money in the long run.