Repairing old furniture

17 years ago

During our recent move, some of our furniture was damaged and now needs to be repaired. We also have some older pieces that could use some fixing. Nothing really fine--mostly eclectic older pieces that we really like but that look kind of shabby these days.

Someone gave me the name of a local master woodworker. He sounded wonderful and very attentive to detail but almost too good. (So much so that I even told him that I think I won't be able to afford him.) He charges by the hour and, since I have never had this kind of work done before, I have no idea whether his hourly charge is within the ball park. For those of you who are professional wood workers, or who have hired one, what is a reasonable hourly rate? (We're in the Seattle area.) Also, how can I determine upfront how fast or slow he is?

Thanks for any advice!

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Comments (5)

edgemont
17 years ago
I would definately ask for a couple of refernces to call on his work. In Minnesota they charge $35 - $50 per hour or he should be able to give you an estimate for each piece.

Good Luck
kicked_off
17 years ago
Thanks very much. Hopefully his estimates will be accurate.
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kudzu9
17 years ago
Why worry about his hourly rate? Get him to give you a price for fixing each piece and determine if you're ok with that. If he's that good, he should be able to give you a firm price in advance.
jrice
17 years ago
I think edgemont is in the ballpark with those figures. Quality furniture repair is sometimes more involved than one might first consider. You may find that you have more invested in the repair than the piece is worth. It takes a special person to do a proper repair of old furniture, including knowlwdge and skill. An hourly rate is scarry to some. However remember the repairman has his neck out a bit at setting a price prior to doing the repair as well There is more to a quality repair than just looking at the problem and guessing how much to charge. Suppose the repair only takes half the time I estimated, now I am in your pocket, is that fair? There is no real answer but only what you feel comfortable with. Go visit the repair man and his shop if he will let you. Talk to him about the pricing and which he thinks is most fair. Ask him to give you some ideas and thoughts on your repairs. If he is a quality repairman he should have no problem explaining his position. After your visit it is your decision to proceed or not. Good luck
kmealy
17 years ago
I do this type of work and simply couldn't stay in business at $30 an hour.

But like others say, if one person charges $100 an hour and gets something done well in 2 hours that another person charges $30 an hour and takes 10 hours and does a so-so job, what are you ahead?

And there is definitely a difference between a touch up person and a master woodworker.

You might contact some of the smaller furniture stores around and see who they use for their touch up and repair work. Almost every store has someone like this.

Repairing old furniture

Comments (5)

edgemont

kicked_off

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