Antique Cabinet and Bureau Repair
Designed for owners of Victorian, Georgian, or Edwardian storage furniture requiring sympathetic conservation. We address lifting veneers, warped door leaves, seized brass locks, and distressed French polish. The outcome is a fully functional, stable cabinet whose historical value and authentic patina are strictly respected.
What is included
- ✓Veneer re-laying using reversible animal protein glue
- ✓Straightening and re-hanging of dropped cupboard doors
- ✓Servicing of original brass locks and mortise catches
- ✓Drawer runner rebuilds with matching hardwood slips
- ✓Sympathetic revival of original shellac finishes
- ✓Gentle beeswax polish applied and buffed by hand
Request an Estimate
Provide a brief description of your furniture piece, and we will contact you promptly.
Questions about this service
Do you replace old brass handles with modern reproductions?
We always prefer to clean and repair the original hardware. Replacement is considered only if an original fitting is broken beyond repair.
Is French polishing suitable for heavy water contact?
Shellac is vulnerable to standing alcohol and hot liquids, so it is best reserved for display furniture, bureaus, and bookcases.
Can missing sections of moulding be reproduced?
Yes, we run custom mouldings from matching reclaimed timber to marry into missing sections seamlessly.
How We Carry Out Your Commission
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1
Historical Assessment
We document the original construction methods and identify which previous repairs require gentle reversal.
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2
Veneer and Carcase Repair
Loose veneers are relaxed with warmth and re-adhered using traditional scotch glue under weight.
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3
Running Surface Renewal
Worn oak or pine drawer runners are planed flat and built back up with sacrificial hardwood slips.
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4
French Polish Revival
The existing shellac is cleaned and replenished using a traditional polishing rubber and neat spirits.
Why Clients Entrust Their Furniture to Us
Reversible Conservation Standards
All glues and polishes used conform to conservation principles and may be reversed by future conservators.
Restored Daily Utility
Drawers glide smoothly and cabinet doors close flush without dragging against the face frame.
Authentic Luster
Hand-applied shellac provides an optical depth that modern synthetic polyurethanes cannot replicate.
All services
Solid Wood Dining Table Restoration
Complete surface refinishing and structural tightening for family dining tables.
from £280 per tableDetails & pricing
Wooden Chair Frame Repair and Regluing
Rebuilding loose, wobbling, or fractured chairs to safe working order.
from £95 per chairDetails & pricing
On-Site Timber Scratch and Gouge Repair
Discreet in-situ repairs for scratches, burns, and dents on fixed or heavy timber items.
from £160 per visitDetails & pricingWhat Our Clients Note
The Victorian dining table had two split leaves and unstable legs. Healthysimplehabits collected it from our home, reinforced the undercarriage with reclaimed oak, and French polished the surface. The table looks magnificent and stands solid.
Edward M., Manchester, GBArthur attended to our family bureau with tremendous care. The pigeonhole drawers slide smoothly once more and the original patina was conserved rather than stripped away. Exceptional, polite service from Newton Street.
Clare H., Salford, GBA set of six mahogany chairs had broken dowels and loose rail joints. The workshop re-glued every frame using traditional hide glue. They were returned carefully wrapped in blankets and remain entirely rigid.
Robert B., Stockport, GBDiscuss Your Furniture Project With Us
Send us a brief description or photographs of your wooden furniture for an initial appraisal. We will respond with honest guidance and an estimate within four business hours.