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Restoration Services

Comprehensive care for antique wooden chests, from minor repairs to complete restoration.

Each restoration project begins with a thorough assessment of your piece. We examine the construction, identify the wood species, evaluate existing damage, and discuss your goals for the restoration. This consultation ensures that the work we perform aligns with your expectations and budget.

Pricing below represents starting points for typical projects. Final quotes depend on the size, complexity, and condition of your specific piece. We provide detailed written estimates before beginning any work.

Surface Renewal

From CAD $385

Over time, finishes degrade. Shellac crazes, varnish yellows, and wax builds up in crevices. Surface renewal addresses these issues, revealing the wood beneath and applying fresh protection.

The process begins with gentle cleaning to remove dirt and old wax. If the existing finish has failed, we strip it using appropriate solvents or careful scraping. Surface imperfections receive attention through filling, sanding, or scraping as needed.

New finishes are selected based on the piece's age, intended use, and your preferences. Options range from traditional oil and wax to more durable modern lacquers. We match sheen levels to complement the chest's character.

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Wood surface being prepared for refinishing

Structural Repair

From CAD $475

Wood moves with changes in humidity, and joints loosen over decades of use. Structural repair stabilizes your chest, addressing the underlying framework that holds everything together.

Common issues include loose corner joints, cracked panels, broken bottom boards, and separated lids. We disassemble affected areas when necessary, clean old adhesive, and reglue using appropriate methods. Where wood has failed, we splice in matching material with careful grain alignment.

Traditional joinery techniques guide our repairs. Mortise and tenon joints are properly fitted, dovetails are cleaned and reglued, and missing components are recreated to match originals. The goal is invisible repair that functions as well as the original construction.

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Detail of traditional wood joinery construction

Hardware Restoration

From CAD $165

Hinges, locks, handles, and decorative metalwork contribute significantly to a chest's appearance and function. Hardware restoration addresses these metal components.

Cleaning removes corrosion and accumulated grime without damaging original patina. Bent pieces are carefully straightened. Broken mechanisms are repaired where possible, with sourcing of period-correct replacements when necessary.

We maintain relationships with specialist metalworkers who can fabricate missing components to match originals. For particularly valuable pieces, we document and preserve original hardware even when replacements are installed for daily use.

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Antique metal hardware and fittings

Interior Restoration

From CAD $295

Many antique chests feature lined interiors, compartments, and trays that require specialized attention. Interior restoration addresses these elements while preserving their functional organization.

Fabric linings are carefully removed, documented, and either cleaned or replaced with appropriate period materials. Cedar linings receive treatment to restore their aromatic properties. Compartment dividers and removable trays are repaired or recreated.

We source traditional lining materials including cotton, linen, and paper appropriate to the chest's era and origin. Where original linings carry historical significance, we can preserve them in place while providing protective covering.

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Interior compartments of restored wooden chest

Full Restoration

From CAD $895

Comprehensive restoration addresses every aspect of your chest, from structure to surface to hardware. This service is appropriate for pieces requiring extensive work or those being returned to active use after long storage.

The process includes complete assessment and documentation, structural stabilization, surface preparation and refinishing, hardware restoration or replacement, interior treatment, and final detailing. Throughout, we balance respect for original character with the functional requirements of the piece's intended future.

Full restoration projects receive detailed photographic documentation showing the piece before, during, and after work. This record becomes part of the chest's provenance for future owners.

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Fully restored antique wooden chest

Consultation Service

CAD $75

Not certain what your chest needs? Our consultation service provides expert assessment and recommendations without commitment to restoration work. Ideal for inherited pieces or recent acquisitions.

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Complete the form below and we will respond with next steps for your restoration project.

Prices shown are starting points for typical restoration projects. Actual costs depend on the specific condition, size, and complexity of each piece. Written estimates are provided before work begins. Some projects may require assessment before accurate pricing can be determined. All prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to applicable taxes.

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