At Artabelle Furniture, we believe every chair has a story worth preserving. Whether your favourite seat has a wobbly frame or a snapped spindle, Mike specialises in breathing new life into tired timber. We often dismantle chairs completely for repair and reassembly to ensure every joint is sound. The restoration often requires the production of new parts, which is a lovely opportunity to do some turning or machining and hand-fitting. Our workshop handles everything from structural stabilisation to the creation of entirely new, bespoke seating.

18th-Century Italian Chair Restoration

This stunning eighteenth-century Italian chair arrived at the workshop in a fragile state. Time had not been kind to its delicate structure, leaving several decorative elements missing. Consequently, the chair lost both its aesthetic charm and its structural integrity.

To restore this piece, Mike focused on recreating the intricate turned components that had disappeared over the centuries. Firstly, he selected timber that matched the original grain and density perfectly. Subsequently, he used a lathe to turn new parts, ensuring every curve mirrored the 18th-century design. After machining, he hand-fitted each piece into the framework to guarantee a seamless, stable bond.

The final result is a breathtaking marriage of history and craftsmanship. The Italian chair now stands proudly, with its new components indistinguishable from the originals. This restoration ensures the piece will remain a functional work of art for another century.

American Maple Rocking Chair Frame Repairs

A Regency-style rocking chair requires perfect balance to function correctly. This particular piece suffered from failed supports, which made rocking unsafe. Furthermore, the original wood had succumbed to stress fractures, requiring a complete structural overhaul.

Mike decided to manufacture an entirely new set of supports using high-quality Sapele. Firstly, he carefully dismantled the damaged base to avoid further harm to the seat. Next, he machined the Sapele to match the elegant Regency profile. Finally, he stabilized the entire framework, ensuring the rocking motion was smooth and the joints were rock-solid.

The rocking chair is now back in peak condition. The rich tones of the Sapele blend beautifully with the existing wood, providing a sturdy foundation. It is once again a comfortable, reliable piece for any home.

Intricate Spindle and Leg Salvage

Spindles are notoriously delicate and often snap under pressure. This chair arrived with a severely damaged spindle that initially appeared beyond saving. However, these components are vital for both the chair’s weight distribution and its traditional silhouette.

Mike uses specific workshop tricks to salvage snapped legs and spindles rather than replacing them. Firstly, he carefully aligns the fractured fibers to ensure a clean join. Consequently, he reinforces the break internally to provide lasting strength, and once the repair is secure, he sands the surface meticulously to remove any evidence of the previous trauma.

The spindle is now as strong as the day it was first turned. Because of this specialised approach, the chair retains its original timber and character. It is now ready for years of continued use.

Regency Style Rocking Chair Reconstruction

A Regency-style rocking chair requires perfect balance to function safely and smoothly. This particular piece, featuring striking oxblood button-tufted leather, arrived with failed side legs. These critical components link the seat to the rockers, bearing the full weight of the user. Consequently, the chair was unusable until these structural elements were entirely replaced.

The restoration required Mike to recreate the curved side legs from scratch. Firstly, he selected premium Sapele for its strength and beautiful grain. Using the original damaged parts as a template, he machined the new legs to the exact dimensions required for the rocking motion. Furthermore, he hand-fitted the joints where the legs meet the seat frame and the rockers. These new components provide a robust, reliable replacement for the fractured originals.

The rocking chair now possesses the structural integrity it had when it was first made. The final staining process will ensure these new legs match the dark, rich aesthetic of the frame. It is once again a sturdy, graceful piece of furniture ready for daily use.

Solid Wood Seat Restoration

Daily use and changing humidity often cause the solid boards of a chair seat to separate. This chair featured a significant split where the original glue had failed over time. Furthermore, the gap had begun to collect debris, making a simple repair more complex.

To fix the seat, Mike first cleaned the old adhesive from the joint to ensure a fresh bond. Next, he applied high-strength wood glue and used specialized clamps to bring the boards back together perfectly. Consequently, the new bond is actually stronger than the surrounding wood grain. Finally, he leveled the surface to ensure the seat was perfectly flat and comfortable once again.

The seat is now completely seamless and structurally sound. After applying a new finish, the split is entirely invisible to the naked eye. This chair has been successfully saved from the scrap heap through careful intervention.

The Art of the Final Finish

Once the structural repairs are complete and the new components are seamlessly integrated, the chair enters the most critical aesthetic phase. Every repair, from a stabilized leg to a replaced spindle, requires a professional finish to unify the piece. Initially, the raw timber and repair work are visible, but the final finish serves to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.

The secret to a flawless finish lies in the preparation. Firstly, Mike meticulously sands every surface to remove old, degraded varnish and any evidence of surface damage. He carefully masks any areas that do not require treatment, such as original upholstery or leather. Subsequently, he applies specialised stains to ensure that new sapele or walnut components match the patina of the original antique timber. Finally, he applies several coats of high-quality oil, wax, or lacquer, depending on the historical requirements of the piece.

The finished chairs exhibit a depth of colour and a smooth lustre that highlights the intricate grain of the wood. Furthermore, the new finish provides a durable protective barrier against future wear and moisture. Whether it is a deep, dark stain for a Regency rocker or a natural oil for kitchen chairs, the final result is a chair that looks as magnificent as it feels.

Bespoke European Walnut Kitchen Chairs

From Concept to Kitchen

Occasionally, our work starts with a blank slate rather than a repair. A recent client requested a set of custom kitchen chairs built to their exact specifications. They chose European Walnut for its incredible durability and striking, deep grain patterns.

Handcrafted Joinery

Mike managed every stage of this build, from selecting the raw timber to the final polish. Firstly, he cut and shaped the Walnut to follow the client’s preferred ergonomic design. Afterward, he used traditional joinery techniques to ensure the chairs could withstand the rigours of daily kitchen life. Every joint was hand-finished to ensure a premium feel.

Modern Heirloom Quality

The finished set of European Walnut chairs is a testament to modern craftsmanship. These bespoke pieces offer a level of comfort and beauty that mass-produced furniture cannot replicate. They are truly unique additions to the client’s home.

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