Ferrari Furniture Doctor
Ferrari Furniture Doctor takes pride in projects that showcase technical expertise, aesthetic sensitivity, and client collaboration. Our projects span everyday furniture repair, museum-quality restoration, leather revival, and complex upholstery jobs. Below we describe representative projects, methodologies used, challenges overcome, and the outcomes achieved. These project descriptions illustrate our process and what you can expect when entrusting us with your furniture.
Our Projects Examples of Repair, Restoration & Upholstery Work
Signature Project 1
Early 20th-Century Oak Dining Table — Structural Stabilization & Veneer Repair
Client: Family heirloom dining table with split top seam, loose apron joints, and lifted veneer.
Challenges: Seasonal movement caused seam separation and veneer lifting; multiple prior repairs with non-compatible adhesives.
- Initial assessment and moisture testing indicated uneven humidity exposure.
- Carefully disassembled apron joints; removed brittle adhesives and old nails.
- Repaired and re-glued mortise-and-tenon joints using proper clamping jigs.
- Stabilized tabletop seam with splines to allow wood movement while preventing separation.
- Replaced missing veneer patches with carefully matched oak veneer and used color toning for blend.
- Refinished with a durable oil-based finish that matched existing sheen while enhancing durability.
The table regained structural integrity and a cohesive visual finish. The client retained the original table with improved longevity and usability for family gatherings.
Signature Project 2
Leather Chesterfield Sofa — Tear Repair & Color Restoration
Client: Mid-century leather Chesterfield sofa with several punctures, faded seat panels, and dry leather.
Challenges: Leather was aniline with thin pigmented topcoat in areas; color matching across aged leather required nuance.
- Cleaned and conditioned the leather to assess underlying color and grain.
- Repaired punctures using backing fabric and precision-filled textured compounds to recreate grain.
- Re-dyed seats with custom-matched leather dyes applied in layers to blend old and new colors.
- Applied protective topcoat with UV inhibitors to prevent future fading.
Outcome
The sofa’s repairs were virtually invisible; color across panels matched and the leather regained suppleness. The client reported renewed comfort and extended use.
Signature Project 3
Antique Walnut Chest — Marquetry & Inlay Reconstruction
Client: 1800s walnut chest with missing marquetry pieces and fragile veneer.
Challenges: Historic patterns and fragile, brittle materials required delicate inlay reconstruction.
- Conducted documentation and photogrammetry to preserve before-condition records.
- Recreated missing inlay patterns using matched veneers and traditional inlay techniques.
- Consolidated fragile veneer with reversible adhesives and stabilized edges.
- Applied shellac-based finishing to maintain historical authenticity and patina.
The chest was returned with restored marquetry, preserved original finishes, and a documented record for provenance and insurance.
Signature Project 4
Restaurant Seating — Commercial Reupholstery & Frame Repair
Client: Local restaurant with worn booths and chairs needing commercial-grade solutions.
Challenges: High turnover, need for flame-retardant fabric and durable finishes, and minimal downtime for the restaurant.
- Assessed seating fleet and prioritized critical pieces for immediate repair.
- Repaired frames and replaced springs where necessary.
- Selected contract-grade vinyl and heavy-duty fabrics with stain-resistant and fire-tested properties.
- Implemented staged production to keep seating available during repairs.
The restaurant updated seating for durability and hygiene, extending the life of furniture and improving customer comfort.
Signature Project 5
Mid-Century Modern Credenza — Refinishing & Hardware Rehabilitation
Client: Designer credenza with water stains on top, oxidized brass handles, and missing veneer edge.
Challenges: Maintain mid-century aesthetic and preserve original factory finish where possible.
- Evaluated finish and retained as much original patina as feasible.
- Performed localized finish work to remove water rings and blend top color.
- Rehabbed brass hardware with gentle cleaning and lacquer to protect finish.
The credenza regained a refreshed appearance while preserving its vintage character.
Our Project Process From Consultation to Completion
Initial Contact & Visuals
Clients supply photographs and measurements or bring pieces in for inspection.
Condition Report & Estimate
We document condition and provide detailed estimates and recommended treatments.
Approval & Scheduling
Projects are scheduled with clear timelines and any required deposit information.
Work Execution
Our technicians perform structural, veneer, upholstery, finishing, or leather work in a controlled shop environment.
Quality Assurance & Client Review
Completed pieces undergo thorough inspection and are reviewed with the client for satisfaction.
Delivery & Aftercare
We provide transport/delivery options and care instructions to preserve results.
Documentation & Insurance Support
For projects requiring insurance claims or valuation updates, we provide:
- Photographic documentation (before, during, after)
- Written condition reports and restoration summaries
- Itemized invoices useful for claims and tax records
Client Testimonials
"One of our sofa sets' middle part back support was broken and fell back. I called Ferrari Furniture Doctor, talked to Phil Ferrari, explained the issue, and scheduled an onsite visit to look into the issue. He came on time, looked up the issue, and gave a reasonable quote for repair. We accepted the quote and scheduled the repair. He came on the scheduled date with all the materials and tools. He repaired the sofa in a couple of hours and did it very professionally. He is very knowledgeable, friendly, and nice to the customer. I recommended him for any sofa repair."
— Mathew V.
"He was very prompt when I called for the service, and he came out probably the same day, and he was very knowledgeable about what he was telling us. He was very nice, pleasant, and prompt. He took the cushions with him because he had to put new foam in them and got them back very quickly."
— Judy D.
Why Project Work with Ferrari Furniture Doctor Works
- Owner-led shop ensuring consistent quality and client communication
- Skilled craftspeople with experience across antiques, modern design, and commercial seating
- Focus on durability and finish compatibility
- Commitment to environmental responsibility and material stewardship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you accept large-scale commercial projects?
Yes. We handle both single-item and fleet repairs for residential and commercial clients, with staged scheduling to accommodate business needs.
Can you work on valuable antiques for insurance claims?
Yes. We provide documentation and work closely with adjusters and appraisers to ensure restorations meet insurance requirements.
How do you protect pieces during transport?
We use padded blankets, protective coverings, and secure strapping to protect finished work during pickup and delivery.
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 discuss a project, call (630) 253-1090 or bring photos and the item to our shop at 14 Tiverton Court, Algonquin, IL 60102. We’ll schedule a detailed assessment and provide a written project plan and estimate.