Antique Furniture Repair Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where vintage is in vogue, the focus on antique furniture repair specialists has never been more pronounced.

As appreciation for history and craftsmanship resurfaces, the demand for skilled hands capable of restoring, preserving, and enhancing our antique treasures escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an antique furniture repair specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of antique furniture restoration,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable antique furniture repair specialist job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Antique Furniture Repair Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Antique Furniture Repair Specialists are primarily responsible for restoring and repairing antique furniture to its original or near-original condition.

This role requires a high level of technical skill and a keen eye for detail.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the condition of antique furniture items to determine the most appropriate methods of restoration or repair
• Researching and studying different periods and styles of furniture to ensure accurate restoration
• Using specialized tools to dismantle, repair, and reassemble furniture pieces
• Performing tasks such as stripping, sanding, staining, and refinishing to restore furniture’s original appearance
• Repairing or replacing damaged parts of furniture such as joints, veneers, and decorative elements
• Maintaining meticulous records of all repair and restoration activities
• Consulting with customers to understand their expectations and to provide estimates of repair costs
• Ensuring safe handling and storage of antique items to prevent further damage
• Purchasing and maintaining inventory of tools, materials, and supplies needed for restoration work
• Following safety protocols and regulations when working with chemicals and equipment

 

Antique Furniture Repair Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Antique Furniture Repair Specialist with a strong passion for woodworking and historical preservation.

The candidate will be responsible for the repair, restoration, and maintenance of various types of antique furniture.

Our ideal candidate is an experienced craftsman with a keen eye for detail, a solid understanding of traditional woodworking techniques, and a deep respect for antique furniture preservation.

 

Responsibilities

• Inspecting and assessing the condition of antique furniture
• Deciding on the most appropriate restoration methods
• Performing repairs, including patching, refinishing, and reassembling antique furniture
• Preserving the original characteristics and features of the furniture
• Communicating with clients about their furniture and the restoration process
• Maintaining a clean and organized workspace
• Keeping accurate records of all restoration projects
• Staying up to date on restoration techniques and trends

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a furniture repair specialist, ideally with antique furniture
• Advanced woodworking and upholstery skills
• Familiarity with various types of wood and their characteristics
• Understanding of historical furniture styles and preservation techniques
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to effectively communicate with clients
• High school diploma or equivalent; formal training in furniture restoration is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous learning and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Antique Furniture Repair Specialist
• Work Environment: Repair shop setting. Some travel may be required for in-home repairs or consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Restoration Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio of previous work (if available), and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Antique Furniture Repair Specialist Do?

An Antique Furniture Repair Specialist is a professional who is skilled in restoring and repairing antique furniture.

Their work often requires a deep understanding of historical periods, styles, and construction techniques.

Their primary responsibility is to examine damaged or aged furniture to determine the extent of the damage and the best methods of restoration or repair.

This may involve re-gluing, re-upholstering, or replacing parts of the furniture, always ensuring that the original character and value of the piece is preserved.

In addition to repair work, Antique Furniture Repair Specialists may also clean and polish pieces, as well as applying finishes, waxes, or stains to enhance the furniture’s appearance and protect it from damage.

They also often consult with clients, providing them with estimates for repair costs and advising on the best course of action for their treasured antiques.

This can include suggesting preventative measures to protect the furniture from future damage.

Moreover, they may also be involved in the sourcing and purchasing of period-appropriate materials and tools, to ensure that all repairs are accurate to the original period and style of the furniture.

In some cases, they may work closely with historians, museum curators, or antique dealers to accurately restore historically significant pieces.

 

Antique Furniture Repair Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Antique Furniture Repair Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Technical skills and knowledge about antique furniture to accurately identify and assess the needs of the restoration process.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure that every piece of furniture is restored to its original condition or as closely as possible.
• Strong problem-solving skills to figure out the best methods of repair for each unique piece of furniture.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for handling delicate pieces and performing intricate repairs.
• Knowledge of various restoration techniques and materials to maintain the authenticity of the furniture.
• Good interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and providing excellent customer service.
• Physical strength and stamina to handle heavy furniture and tools, and to stand for long periods.
• Patience and precision to work on time-consuming projects and ensure the best possible outcome.

 

Antique Furniture Repair Specialist Experience Requirements

Antique Furniture Repair Specialists typically gain experience through apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or relevant education programs.

These programs often focus on traditional woodworking techniques, wood finishing, and the restoration of antique furniture.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through a part-time role or internship at a furniture restoration workshop or museum.

These professionals can also gain invaluable experience in roles such as Furniture Restorer, Woodworker, or Conservator.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level Antique Furniture Repair Specialist roles.

They tend to have a better understanding of different styles and periods of antique furniture, as well as the appropriate restoration methods for each.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a higher level of expertise in restoration and conservation techniques and are usually adept at using a range of traditional hand tools and modern machinery.

They may also have some experience in consulting with clients or managing a workshop, making them suitable for leadership roles within the field.

All Antique Furniture Repair Specialists should be able to demonstrate a portfolio of their work, showcasing their ability to restore and conserve a variety of antique furniture pieces.

 

Antique Furniture Repair Specialist Education and Training Requirements

To become an Antique Furniture Repair Specialist, individuals typically start by getting a high school diploma or equivalent.

Often, they move on to vocational schools or community colleges where they take classes in woodworking and furniture repair.

Some even further their education by pursuing degrees in art history, history, or anthropology to gain a deeper understanding of historical periods and styles of furniture.

Specialists in this field need a thorough understanding of different types of wood, their properties and how to work with them.

They also need to know how to repair various types of damage, such as scratches, burns, watermarks, and broken parts.

Practical experience is very important in this field.

Apprenticeship programs are highly valued and provide hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Many specialists start out as assistants and learn on the job.

In addition to formal education, professionals in this field often attend workshops, seminars, and continued education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and materials used in antique furniture restoration.

While not always required, some professionals in this field may choose to become certified.

Organizations such as the Professional Restorers International offer certification programs that demonstrate a specialist’s competence and commitment to the profession.

Excellent manual dexterity, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for preserving the past are essential traits for an Antique Furniture Repair Specialist.

 

Antique Furniture Repair Specialist Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Antique Furniture Repair Specialist is approximately $40,000 (USD) per year.

However, earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, location, and the scale of the employing firm.

Specializing in certain types of antique furniture or having skills in various restoration techniques can also impact the salary.

 

Antique Furniture Repair Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Antique Furniture Repair Specialist need?

An Antique Furniture Repair Specialist should have a good understanding of different antique furniture styles, materials, and historical periods.

They should also be skilled in woodworking, finishing techniques, and furniture restoration.

A keen eye for detail and a strong sense of aesthetics are important.

They also need problem-solving skills to figure out the best methods to restore and repair various pieces.

 

Do Antique Furniture Repair Specialists need specific training or education?

While a degree is not necessarily required, specific training in furniture restoration, woodworking, or a related field can be extremely beneficial.

Additionally, many specialists learn through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

Knowledge of art history can also be useful to understand the context and value of the pieces they work on.

 

What should you look for in an Antique Furniture Repair Specialist’s resume?

Look for experience working with antique furniture, whether through previous jobs or apprenticeships.

A background in woodworking, carpentry, or art history can also be beneficial.

Certifications or coursework in furniture restoration should also be noted.

References that can vouch for the quality and authenticity of their repair work are a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Antique Furniture Repair Specialist?

A good Antique Furniture Repair Specialist should have a passion for antique furniture and preservation.

They should be meticulous and detail-oriented, as restoration work often involves delicate and precise operations.

Patience is also key, as some projects may take a significant amount of time to complete.

They should also have good communication skills to interact with clients and understand their specific needs and expectations.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Antique Furniture Repair Specialist?

Hiring an Antique Furniture Repair Specialist can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the job.

It requires specific skills, knowledge, and experience.

To attract the right candidates, offer competitive pay and emphasize opportunities to work on unique and valuable antique pieces.

Make sure to check their portfolio and references to ensure the quality of their work.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the essence of what it means to be an Antique Furniture Repair Specialist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about restoring furniture.

It’s about breathing new life into timeless pieces, one restoration at a time.

With our reliable Antique Furniture Repair Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every restored piece contributes to preserving our historical heritage.

Let’s restore that history. Together.

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