Repairs & Restoration
Saturdays 8am-6pm / Sundays 12-5pm
Monday - Friday by appointment only -- Call 908-455-2819 to Schedule
Furniture Repair & Restoration
At Stonehouse Antiques, we believe that any piece of antique or vintage furniture's best value is realized when the piece is maintained in its original condition. We strive to retain every piece's original integrity and repair or refinish only when absolutely necessary. If repair or restoration is required due to neglect or damage, we make every repair as close to original specifications with identical materials to those used when new. We go to great lengths to ensure that every piece we have restored has been done with loving care and fine attention to detail. That is why when you purchase from Stonehouse Antiques, you can be assured that your satisfaction is guaranteed.
In addition to the work we do on our own merchandise, we also do repairs and restorations for customer owned pieces. Be it simple repairs, like tightening and detailing, spot refinishing or complex ground up restorations. Reupholstery is also not a problem. We charge a nominal per hour fee and can usually estimate the work prior to starting on any project. Of course we come to you to inspect things, and pick-up/delivery can also be arranged. Please look through some of our past projects to see the level of quality that we offer.
100-Year-Old Table
We handcrafted new extension leaves, then carefully aged and stained them to match the original wood’s tone, grain, and finish—creating a seamless and historically respectful restoration.
(SPOT REFINISHING) Mid Century Baker Side Table with Olive Burl Veneered Top (Before/After)
The olive burl veneered top was heavily scratched and damaged, while the rest of the table remained in good condition. The top was carefully stripped and refinished to reveal the stunning natural burl grain. The remainder of the table was cleaned and detailed to enhance its original color and finish, creating a seamless and refreshed appearance.
Birds Eye Maple 6 Drawer Lingerie Chest
Completely stripped and professionally refinished, restoring its natural luster and highlighting the unique grain patterns that had dulled over time.
Over-sized Solid Oak Bonnet Chest with Mirror This substantial solid oak bonnet chest with mirror was fully stripped to reveal its natural golden oak grain. The original finish had dulled with age, but once removed, the warm, rich tones of the wood were brought back to life. The piece was then carefully refinished to highlight its scale, craftsmanship, and striking natural beauty.
Empire Period Tall Chest | Bird’s Eye Maple, Curly Maple & Crotch Mahogany with Original Sandwich Glass Knobs
Believed to be Boston-made, circa 1825. The “before” photo shows the chest in original, unrestored condition; the “after” highlights the completed restoration. Approximately 16 hours of meticulous work were required to bring out the full beauty of the fine wood grain and preserve the period details.
Small Oak Cylinder Roll Top Desk
Fully dismantled to the frame and re-glued at all joints for stability. The entire piece was stripped and refinished to a warm golden oak tone. Hardware was replaced, and the pull-out writing surface was updated with fresh felt — bringing this charming desk back to life with a blend of restoration and preservation.
Tiger Maple Open Leg Ladies Desk
Originally hidden under a dark, muddy finish that obscured the beautiful grain, this desk was fully stripped and refinished inside and out. The restoration brings out the striking tiger maple figure and highlights the clean, elegant lines of the piece.
Early Pine Hanging Cupboard (Before/After)
The original shellac finish was extremely dark and heavily soiled. The piece was stripped down to reveal the natural pine beneath, carefully preserving its original patina. It was then refinished with clear shellac, in keeping with the original method.
Tiger Maple Highboy Dresser, Circa 1900
The original dark, muddy finish masked the beautiful natural graining of the tiger maple. As a preview for the client, the top drawers were stripped upon arrival to reveal the vibrant wood beneath. The completed piece now features a clear, refined finish that highlights the dramatic and highly figured grain throughout.
Heavily Inlaid Tramp Art Cabinet with Multiple Drawers and Doors (Before/After)
The original finish had severely deteriorated—crazed and alligatored due to prolonged exposure to intense attic heat. The old finish was carefully removed, revealing the intricate inlay work beneath. The piece was then refinished with a clear coat, as shown, to enhance and preserve the detailed craftsmanship.
Crotch Mahogany Student Desk
This elegant student desk was refreshed with a combination of refinishing and decorative painting. The crotch mahogany drawer fronts were stripped and refinished to bring out their rich, natural beauty. The base and top edge were painted in an off-white tone, with hand-applied gold highlights on the carvings to add a touch of classic charm.
Narrow Hoosier Cabinet (Before/After)
This unusually narrow, apartment-size Hoosier cabinet had been covered in multiple layers of paint. It was completely dismantled, stripped down to the bare wood, and given a clear finish to showcase the grain. It was then carefully reassembled. Originally a painted Hoosier when new.
Solid Oak "Hoosier" Cabinet, Circa 1920 (Before/After)
Found in a basement, upon arrival completely dismantled and sent to stripper as shown. When returned, had to replace several panels due to water damage from basement, reglued entire frame and lower body, new canvas on roll up door, added restoration hardware, finished with clear and reassembled as shown.
Rosewood Extension Table (Before/After) - Mid-19th Century Extension Table with Two Leaves
The tabletop had suffered extensive sun and water damage, with cracked and lifting veneers throughout. The original veneer was carefully removed and replaced with new rosewood veneer, as shown. Both extension ends and the two leaves (not pictured) were book-matched for visual harmony and authenticity. The restored top was finished with multiple clear coats for durability and luster. One loose leg was also stabilized and repaired during the restoration process.
Deco Dresser, Circa 1910 (Before/After)
This matching dresser to the tall chest above had a severely distressed finish. The piece was fully disassembled; one drawer required veneer repair, and all loose joints—including the detached top—were carefully re-glued. The dresser was then completely refinished to highlight its striking burled walnut faces.
Solid Oak Murphy Bed, circa 1900 (Before/After)
The original finish was dark and muddy, obscuring the natural beauty of the wood. The entire piece was stripped—inside and out—and carefully refinished in a warm, natural Golden Oak to restore its original charm.
High Deco Tall Dresser, Circa 1910
This striking early 20th-century dresser came in with a heavily distressed finish and structural issues. It was completely disassembled, with all loose joints and the top re-glued for stability. The piece was then fully refinished, bringing out the rich character of the burled walnut drawer faces and restoring its bold Deco presence.
Seller's Oak "Hoosier" Cabinet, Circa 1925 (Before/During/After)
Purchased from the original owner in Rockville Centre, Long Island. Removed directly from their kitchen, exactly as shown. The piece was completely dismantled and sent out for professional stripping. Once returned, it was reassembled and restored using its original hardware.
This cabinet came fully equipped with all its original features, including the patented Seller’s Ant-Proof Casters—a unique design that allowed ant poison to be poured into the caster wells to prevent infestation.
Originally sold as a painted cabinet when new. Approximately 30 hours were invested in its full restoration.
Circa 1910 Tall Dresser (Before/After)
The original finish was heavily distressed, with missing moldings and damage to several drawer fronts. The dresser was completely dismantled, and all loose joints were re-glued as needed for structural stability. The entire piece was stripped to its natural wood, revealing beautifully figured burled walnut and bird’s eye maple drawer fronts.
The original wide moldings that framed the three large drawers were removed due to damage, and all six drawers were instead individually picture-framed—an approach that both concealed imperfections and enhanced the visual symmetry. The damaged applied carving on the top center drawer was removed for a cleaner look. The dresser was then refinished with a clear coat to highlight the natural grain, and the original hardware was reinstalled.
Small Mahogany Sewing Cabinet (Before/After)
The original finish was dark and muddy, obscuring the beautiful natural grain of the mahogany veneer. The door, sides, and top were carefully stripped to reveal the wood’s character, while the base’s original finish was retained for contrast and historical integrity. The newly exposed surfaces were then finished with a clear coat to highlight the rich graining and restore the cabinet’s original charm.
Twin Beds Converted to Create King (Before/After)
Matched pair of mahogany twin beds were repurposed to form a single king-size bed. The side columns were modified to allow secure side-by-side attachment, with additional connections made at the back and inside the footboards—discreetly placed below the mattress line for a seamless appearance. The beds were painted white and lightly distressed for a soft, vintage finish.
A freestanding steel frame was also modified to anchor securely to both the headboard and footboards, providing full structural support. This type of conversion can be done with most pairs of twin beds to create a custom king-size setup.
Matched Pair of Twin Beds to Create King
Another example of twin beds seamlessly joined side by side to create a king-size bed. This pair dates to circa 1890 and features classic Victorian styling. A steel frame was added to support a standard king mattress while ensuring structural integrity. The transformation preserves the original headboards and footboards while offering a functional and visually cohesive final piece.
Upholstery Work on Folding Arm Loveseat (Before/After)
Shown in its original condition, this folding arm loveseat arrived with a dark, muddy finish, damaged webbing and broken springs. The fabric was dry-rotted, torn, and the original stuffing had deteriorated. The piece was fully disassembled for restoration.
The frame was stripped and refinished to reveal natural oak prior to upholstery. All previous upholstery materials—springs, padding, webbing, and fabric—were removed down to the bare frame. Structural repairs were made as needed, with all joints tightened and re-glued for stability. The original ratcheting side mechanisms were cleaned, adjusted, and restored to full working condition. New webbing and under-fabric were installed, and the springs were retied and reinstalled. Extra-dense padding was used for enhanced comfort, and new fabric was applied, tufted, and finished as shown—bringing the piece back to life both structurally and visually.