What Type of Furniture Is Worth Restoring?

What Type of Furniture Is Worth Restoring? A Complete Guide

The Art and Value of Furniture Restoration

Not all furniture is created equal—some pieces are worth restoring, while others may not justify the investment.

Whether you’ve inherited a family heirloom, found a vintage treasure at a flea market, or simply want to extend the life of your favorite chair, understanding which furniture is worth restoring can save you time, money, and disappointment.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

✅ Key factors that make furniture worth restoring
✅ Types of furniture that typically offer the best return on investment
✅ When restoration isn’t worth the cost
✅ DIY vs. professional restoration considerations
✅ How to assess your furniture’s potential

By the end, you’ll know exactly which pieces deserve a second life—and how to get the most value from restoration.

📞 Need expert advice? Call us for a free consultation.

Key Factors That Make Furniture Worth Restoring

Before deciding whether to restore a piece, consider these critical factors:

✔ Material Quality

• Solid wood (oak, mahogany, cherry, walnut) is always worth restoring
• High-quality veneers can often be repaired
• Particleboard or MDF are rarely worth the effort

✔ Craftsmanship

Look for:

• Dovetail joints
• Hand-carved details
• Sturdy construction
• Original hardware

✔ Age and Historical Significance

• Antiques (100+ years old)
• Mid-century modern pieces
• Designer or branded furniture

✔ Sentimental Value

Family heirlooms and memory-filled pieces often deserve preservation regardless of market value.

✔ Current Condition

• Structurally sound pieces with surface damage are ideal candidates
• Severe rot or termite damage may be too far gone

Top Furniture Types Worth Restoring

 

✔ Solid Wood Dining Tables

• Often made from durable hardwoods
• Tabletop scratches and leg repairs are typically cost-effective
• Can be refinished multiple times over decades

Restoration Tip: Consider keeping original patina on antique tables for character.

✔ Vintage Chairs (Dining, Arm, Rocking)

• Wooden frames are easily repaired
• Can reupholster seats for a fresh look
• Bentwood and Windsor chairs have excellent restoration potential

✔ Wooden Dressers and Chests

• Dovetailed drawers indicate quality
• Veneer surfaces can often be saved
• Hardware replacement modernizes cheaply

✔ Leather Furniture

• High-quality leather can last generations
• Professional reconditioning restores suppleness
• Worth repairing if frame is solid

✔ Wicker and Rattan

• Natural materials respond well to professional repair
• Can be repainted or re-stained for updated look
• Outdoor pieces often worth weatherproofing

✔ Mid-Century Modern Pieces

• Teak, rosewood and walnut pieces are highly collectible
• Clean lines make repairs straightforward
• Original finishes often preserved successfully

📞 Have a piece you’re considering? Call us for an expert assessment!

Furniture That’s Usually NOT Worth Restoring

 

❌ Particle Board or MDF Furniture

• Laminated surfaces can’t be properly refinished
• Water damage causes irreversible swelling
• Hardware often pulls out of weak material

❌ Mass-Produced Pressboard Furniture

• IKEA-type flat-pack items
• Laminated finishes can’t be stripped
• Structural integrity is typically poor

❌ Severely Damaged Upholstered Pieces

• When frame is broken beyond repair
• If filling and fabric both need complete replacement
• Exception: High-end designer pieces

❌ Rusted Metal Furniture

• Unless it’s a valuable antique
• Restoration costs often exceed replacement
• Structural integrity may be compromised

How to Assess Restoration Potential

Follow this simple checklist:

• Material Test: Is it solid wood or quality veneer?
• Construction Check: Are joints tight and sturdy?
• Damage Evaluation: Is damage mostly cosmetic?
• Value Consideration: What would replacement cost?
• Sentiment Factor: Does it have personal value?

🔹 Rule of Thumb: If restoration costs less than 50% of replacement value, it’s usually worth doing.

📞 For valuable pieces, call us for professional results!

Special Cases: When to Restore Despite Costs

Sometimes restoration is worth it regardless of economics:

• Family heirlooms with sentimental value
• Rare antiques with historical significance
• Custom-built pieces that can’t be replaced
• Sustainable living choices to reduce waste

Restore What Matters Most

Quality furniture deserves a second life. By focusing on:

• Solid wood construction
• Quality craftsmanship
• Repairable damage
• Emotional or historical value

You can make smart restoration decisions that pay off for years to come.

📞 Ready to restore your furniture? Call us today!

In addition to Charleston, WV, we also service South Charleston, St Albans, Dunbar, Nitro, and Cross Lanes.