Ferrari Furniture Doctor

Furniture Repair

Well-made furniture has intrinsic value — structurally, aesthetically, and sentimentally. A broken leg, loose joint, or failing hardware may seem minor, but these issues compromise safety, accelerate damage, and reduce the useful life of the piece. Furniture repair restores functionality, retains value, and is often the most sustainable and economical choice. Repairing rather than replacing reduces waste and preserves the craftsmanship that mass-produced pieces rarely replicate.

Why Furniture Repair Matters

What “Furniture Repair” Covers

Furniture repair is focused on restoring a piece to safe, usable condition. It addresses structural, mechanical, and limited surface-level issues without necessarily performing full refinishing or aesthetic restoration unless requested. Typical repairs include:

Two wooden chairs with blue seats and a round table sit in front of a green sofa, under a lit lampshade.
Bedroom with blue walls, carpet, bed, sofa, armchair, dresser, and window.
Cozy living room with brown leather sofa, wooden table, and plants near a window.
Green velvet couch and red ottoman in a room with plants, artwork, and a coffee table.
Living room with TV, couch, chair, and ottoman. Soft blue walls, neutral carpet, and natural light.
Cozy living area with red couch, ottoman, and rug, beside windows.
Cozy interior: wooden plank walls and ceiling, pendant lights, desk with laptop, plants, and natural light.
Living room with a white sofa, patterned rug, wooden shelves, and an open door.

How Ferrari Furniture Doctor Approaches Furniture Repair

Initial Assessment

We begin with a careful assessment to determine the true cause of failure. Surface-level symptoms like wobbling may come from worn glue joints, missing splines, insect damage, or age-related shrinking. Understanding the failure mode allows us to choose the right repair technique.

Key Benefits of Professional Furniture Repair

Black icon of furniture items for sale with a price tag.

Safety

Properly repaired frames and joints prevent collapse and injury.

A black icon depicts a couch, a wardrobe, and a price tag.

Cost savings

Repairs typically cost a fraction of replacement.

A black icon depicts a couch, cabinets, and a price tag with a dollar sign.

Preservation

Maintain original pieces, keeping character, value, and memories intact.

Black furniture icon with chair, cabinet, and price tag.

Custom solutions

Repairs are tailored to the piece’s construction and your goals.

Black icon of a chair, closet, and price tag.

Longevity

Correctly executed repairs add decades to a piece’s life.

Diagnosis & Proposal

After inspection we provide a detailed proposal that includes:

- The problem diagnosis

- Recommended repairs with explanation of methods and materials

- Estimated timeline

- Price breakdown

Repair Techniques & Materials

We use time-tested joinery methods and high-performance adhesives appropriate to each application:

Traditional joinery

Mortise and tenon, dowels, splines, and corner blocks for structural strength.

Modern adhesives

Titebond and other premium glues selected for wood type and joint stress.

Reinforcement

Steel brackets or concealed plates only when necessary and appropriate for longevity without detracting from appearance.

Replacement components

Carefully matched wood and craftsmanship when pieces are missing or beyond repair.

Structural stabilization

For frames beyond simple repair, we reconstruct using period-appropriate methods to preserve character.

Special Considerations for Upholstered Pieces

When chairs or sofas have frame problems, structural repairs are coordinated with upholstery work:

- Re-gluing and clamp-setting of frames

- Replacing broken or weakened members

- Re-tensioning or replacing webbing and springs as needed

- Coordination with fabric or leather repair to ensure fit and finish

Veneer & Surface

Touch-Ups

Minor veneer damage related to structural issues is repaired as part of the process:

- Re-adhering loose veneer with appropriate adhesives

- Patching small missing veneer with matched wood and grain orientation

- Gentle color blending to minimize visibility

Quality Control & Testing

Once repairs are complete we test load-bearing pieces and seat frames to ensure stability. Bench testing and trial usage help confirm that the repair will perform under normal use.

Common Furniture Repair Scenarios and Solutions

Wobbly Chair

Cause: Loose mortise/tenon joints or dried glue.

Repair: Disassemble joint where possible, clean surfaces, re-glue with a tight fit and clamps, reinforce with splines or dowels if required.

Cracked Tabletop

Cause: Environmental stress, seasonal wood movement.

Repair: Stabilize, fill cracks with matching wood or epoxy fillers for structural support, clamp and plane to restore flatness; for severe damage, supply a repair top or patch.

Broken Drawer Slide

Cause: Worn or broken runners or corroded hardware.

Repair: Replace runners, repair drawer boxes, and ensure smooth operation with new hardware if necessary.

Frame Break in Sofa or Chair

Cause: Overload, brittle joints, or prior damage.

Repair: Reinforce priorities using dovetail or splined joints, replace compromised sections with carefully matched wood, then coordinate upholstery reassembly if necessary.

How We Price Furniture Repair

Pricing reflects materials, labor, and skill required. Simple re-glues and minor repairs are economically priced; structural rebuilds and component replacement cost more. We provide transparent quotes and, when possible, multiple repair options.

Maintenance After

Repair

To prolong repair life:

- Keep furniture away from direct heat sources.

- Maintain moderate indoor humidity to reduce seasonal wood movement.

- Tighten hardware periodically to prevent joint loosening.

- Use felt pads under legs to prevent uneven wear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How long will repairs last?

    When performed correctly, repairs using appropriate adhesives and joinery can last decades. Lifespan depends on use and environmental conditions.

  • Do you repair particle boards or laminate furniture?

    We evaluate on a case-by-case basis. Particle board and laminate are often less durable; repairs may be temporary or not cost-effective compared to replacement. We offer honest advice and cost comparisons.

  • Can you match replacement wood and trim?

    Yes. We select species and grain patterns to match original materials, and we finish and tone replacements to blend.

  • Will a repaired piece look new?

    Our goal is to restore function and appearance. Structural repairs are usually invisible; visible surface repairs are color-matched and finished to be as unobtrusive as possible. Full refinishing is an available option if you want a completely renewed appearance.

  • Do you warranty your repairs?

    We stand behind our workmanship and will honor warranties consistent with the repair performed. Specific warranty terms are included with each estimate.

Contact & Booking

To schedule a furniture repair consultation, call (630) 253-1090 or visit us at 14 Tiverton Court, Algonquin, IL 60102. Provide photos if possible. We’ll assess and provide a clear, written estimate outlining options and timelines.