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Dale’s Furniture Refinishing

Furniture Refinishing Services

Antique Furniture Restoration in Saint Paul, MN

Careful, hand-done restoration that preserves the character and value of your treasured antiques.

Antique furniture restoration in Saint Paul, MN by Dale's Furniture Refinishing

Antique furniture restoration in Saint Paul, MN is one of Dale’s specialties, and it takes a steady hand and decades of experience to do it right. Dale’s Furniture Refinishing restores antiques, heirlooms, and vintage pieces for families across Saint Paul and the Twin Cities, bringing tired old wood back to life while protecting the history that makes each piece special. As a solo master craftsman, Dale does every step by hand.

Our restoration process

Antiques deserve patience, not shortcuts. Dale begins by evaluating the piece, the type of wood, the original finish, and the damage, then chooses methods that respect its age and construction. Where possible, he conserves the original surface; when refinishing is needed, he hand-strips old, failing finishes and applies a new custom finish that suits the era of the piece.

Color and stain are matched by eye so repairs blend seamlessly with the surrounding wood. Dale’s custom finishes give a unique sheen and bring wood to life, guaranteed not to have a manufactured look. Loose joints are re-glued, veneer is patched, and worn hardware is cleaned or replaced to keep the piece true to its original character.

What we restore

  • Antique dressers, bureaus, and chests of drawers
  • Dining tables, sideboards, and buffets
  • Chairs, rockers, and settees (including chair caning)
  • Desks, secretaries, and bookcases
  • Cabinets, curios, and china hutches
  • Heirloom and inherited pieces of sentimental value
  • Water-damaged, sun-faded, or insect-damaged antiques

Why choose Dale’s for antique restoration

  • All work done by hand by a single master craftsman, never rushed or farmed out
  • Custom finishes matched to the age and wood of your piece
  • Fair, honest pricing with no upsells
  • We always guarantee our work
  • 40+ years of craftsmanship serving the Twin Cities since 1975
  • FREE estimates so there are no surprises
  • Local to Saint Paul and easy to work with

Restore, don’t replace

That dresser from your grandmother or the dining table that has hosted decades of family dinners simply can’t be replaced by something new. Restoration keeps the story alive, and you can often save up to 70% by restoring rather than buying a comparable antique. Good antiques were built to last for generations, and with the right care they will.

Ready to bring your antique back to life? Call Dale today at (651) 748-9465 for a FREE estimate, or contact us here. You can also explore our full furniture refinishing services or check current pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does antique furniture restoration cost?

Every antique is different, so pricing depends on the piece, its condition, and the work involved. Dale offers a FREE estimate so you know the cost up front. See our pricing page for general guidance.

Will restoring my antique hurt its value?

Done correctly, sympathetic restoration preserves and often protects the value of an antique. Dale takes care to keep original character and uses appropriate, period-suitable methods rather than over-restoring.

Can you restore an antique that's badly damaged or has missing parts?

Yes. Dale repairs broken joints, replaces missing trim and hardware, rebuilds veneer, and addresses water, heat, and insect damage. Bring it in for an honest assessment.

How long does antique restoration take?

Timelines vary with the scope of work and the number of pieces in the shop. After your free estimate, Dale will give you a realistic schedule. Most single pieces are completed within a few weeks.

Can you repair veneer and inlay on an antique?

Yes. Loose, bubbled, or missing veneer, plus banding, inlay, and marquetry, are common on antiques, and Dale repairs them by hand, matching the old wood and color. See our dedicated veneer repair page.

What is the difference between antique restoration and refinishing?

Refinishing renews the surface: stripping the old finish and applying a fresh stain and topcoat. Restoration is broader and aims to return the piece to sound, original condition, which can include structural repairs, veneer and part replacement, and period-suitable finishes. Many antiques need a bit of both. See our furniture refinishing service.

Ready to bring your furniture back to life?

Get a free, no-obligation estimate. We always guarantee our work.

Call Now Free Estimate