Furniture Restoration Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an age of appreciation for the vintage and antique, the focus on furniture restoration specialists is increasingly pronounced.

As trends continue to evolve, there is a growing demand for skilled craftsmen who can revive, transform, and preserve our valued furniture pieces.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a furniture restoration 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 furniture restoration,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Furniture Restoration Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Furniture Restoration Specialists work with a variety of furniture, applying their expertise to restore antique or damaged pieces to their former glory.

They need to be knowledgeable about different materials, finishes, and restoration techniques.

The duties and responsibilities of a Furniture Restoration Specialist include:

• Evaluating the condition of the furniture and determining the necessary steps for restoration
• Repairing damage to the furniture, which may include mending broken pieces, replacing missing parts, and fixing structural issues
• Stripping off old finish, sanding the furniture, and applying new finish to restore its original appearance
• Using hand tools and power tools to perform repairs and restorations
• Maintaining knowledge of current restoration techniques and trends
• Estimating costs of repairs and restorations and providing quotes to customers
• Working with customers to understand their restoration goals and preferences
• Maintaining a clean and organized work space to ensure safety and efficiency
• Providing advice on proper furniture care and maintenance

 

Furniture Restoration Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Furniture Restoration Specialist to restore and repair damaged or worn furniture.

The Specialist’s responsibilities include stripping off old finishes, repairing or replacing damaged parts, applying new finishes, and ensuring items are restored to their former glory or updated to meet modern tastes.

The ideal candidate should have a keen eye for detail, a good understanding of different furniture styles, and a passion for preserving and enhancing the beauty of antique and modern furniture pieces.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating furniture for necessary repairs or restorative work.
• Dismantling and stripping damaged or old furniture.
• Replacing or repairing damaged furniture parts.
• Sanding, staining, and finishing furniture pieces.
• Upholstering or reupholstering furniture where needed.
• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
• Advising customers on furniture care and maintenance.
• Keeping track of inventory and ordering supplies as needed.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Furniture Restoration Specialist or similar role.
• Experience with woodworking tools and machinery.
• Knowledge of different furniture styles and periods.
• Proficiency in restoring and repairing various types of furniture.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good physical condition and endurance.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Formal training in furniture restoration or carpentry is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Furniture Restoration Specialist
• Work Environment: Workshop setting. Physical demands include lifting heavy furniture and using tools and machinery.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Workshop Manager or Business Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $50,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Furniture Restoration Specialist Do?

Furniture Restoration Specialists are skilled professionals who work to restore and refurbish various types of furniture.

They work in a range of settings such as antique shops, furniture manufacturing companies, or they may be self-employed.

Their primary role is to repair and preserve various types of furniture, from antique to contemporary pieces.

This may involve intricate tasks such as replacing damaged sections, refinishing surfaces, reupholstering, and restoring the original color and finish of the furniture.

Furniture Restoration Specialists use a variety of tools and techniques including sanding, staining, and varnishing to bring back the original beauty of the furniture.

They may also work with other materials like metal and glass in mixed media furniture pieces.

They must be proficient in the use of hand and power tools and be well-versed in different types of wood, finishes, and upholstery materials.

These specialists often liaise with clients to understand their restoration needs and provide estimates for the work to be done.

They also advise on the best methods of care and maintenance to preserve the restored furniture.

They might also be involved in researching and authenticating antique furniture, providing detailed reports on the age, origin, and value of the piece.

 

Furniture Restoration Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A competent Furniture Restoration Specialist should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the job description, such as:

• Technical skills to repair and restore various types of furniture with different materials and finishes.
• Strong attention to detail, to spot the smallest imperfections and assess the best course of action for restoration.
• Knowledge of historical and contemporary furniture styles, to restore pieces accurately and sympathetically to their original design.
• Physical strength and dexterity for handling heavy furniture and using hand tools.
• Patience and precision to delicately work on intricate furniture parts without causing further damage.
• Excellent colour perception and mixing abilities to match existing finishes or to reproduce the original finish.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers and understand their restoration needs and expectations.
• Problem-solving skills to tackle any unexpected issues that may arise during the restoration process.
• Business skills for estimating costs, managing time effectively, and maintaining inventory of restoration supplies.

 

Furniture Restoration Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Furniture Restoration Specialists typically require a high school diploma or GED and an interest in the field.

While formal education is not typically required, a background in woodworking, carpentry, or a related trade can be beneficial.

A minimum of 1 to 2 years of hands-on experience, often through an apprenticeship or trainee role, is usually necessary.

Entry-level professionals may gain practical experience in roles such as Furniture Repair Assistant, Woodworking Assistant, or Upholstery Apprentice, where they learn important techniques like stripping, sanding, staining, and finishing furniture.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their skills in furniture restoration, refinishing, and repair.

They have a deeper understanding of different types of wood, finishes, and historical periods in furniture design.

Individuals with more than 5 years of experience often have a proven track record of restoring and preserving a wide variety of antique and vintage furniture.

These experienced specialists may also possess leadership skills and could be suitable for supervisory or management positions within a restoration workshop or company.

They may also have experience in running their own furniture restoration business.

 

Furniture Restoration Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Furniture Restoration Specialists typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Many enter the field through apprenticeships, where they learn the craft under the guidance of experienced restorers.

A degree in furniture design, woodworking, or a related field can be beneficial.

These programs can provide foundational knowledge in furniture history, design principles, and hands-on restoration techniques.

Specialists often need to be proficient in using a variety of hand and power tools, as well as understanding different types of wood and finishes.

Some may also need skills in upholstery, depending on the specific types of restoration projects they will be working on.

Continuing education is important in this field, as restoration techniques and materials can change over time.

Specialists may take courses or attend workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest practices.

While not mandatory, certification from a reputable institution such as the Furniture Society or the Guild of Master Craftsmen can enhance a specialist’s credibility and demonstrate their commitment to the craft.

On-the-job training is also crucial in this role.

Novices often start by assisting experienced restorers before taking on their own projects.

This practical experience allows them to apply and refine the skills they have learned.

 

Furniture Restoration Specialist Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Furniture Restoration Specialist is $18.22 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, the location of work, and the employer.

 

Furniture Restoration Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Furniture Restoration Specialist need?

Furniture Restoration Specialists should possess excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination as they often work with precision tools.

Strong attention to detail is important for maintaining the integrity of the original furniture.

They should also have good colour vision to match and mix stains, paints and finishes.

Knowledge of woodworking and upholstery, and the ability to assess and repair damage is crucial.

 

Do Furniture Restoration Specialists need a degree?

A degree is not necessarily required to become a Furniture Restoration Specialist, however, many have vocational training or an associate’s degree in carpentry, fine arts, or a related field.

More important is hands-on experience in furniture repair and restoration, and an understanding of the historical and artistic aspects of various furniture styles and periods.

 

What should you look for in a Furniture Restoration Specialist resume?

Firstly, look for evidence of practical experience in furniture restoration.

This can be through formal work experience or apprenticeships.

Knowledge in woodworking, finishes, and upholstery is crucial.

Also look for any specific training in furniture restoration.

Additional skills to consider include problem-solving, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety practices.

 

What qualities make a good Furniture Restoration Specialist?

A good Furniture Restoration Specialist should possess strong problem-solving skills to determine the best method of restoration.

They need patience and attention to detail, as the restoration process can be intricate and time-consuming.

A deep appreciation and understanding of antique furniture and historical periods can also add depth to their work.

They should also be able to communicate effectively with clients, understanding their vision and expectations for the restoration.

 

Is it difficult to hire Furniture Restoration Specialists?

Hiring a Furniture Restoration Specialist can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required.

However, there are specialists who have honed their skills through years of practice and are passionate about their craft.

To attract them, emphasize the quality and range of projects they will be working on and provide a safe and creative work environment.

 

Conclusion

And that’s the long and short of it.

Today, we’ve taken a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to be a furniture restoration specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about refinishing surfaces.

It’s about breathing new life into vintage treasures, one stroke of varnish at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive furniture restoration specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re well equipped for your next career move.

But why limit your potential?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precise job listings or honing your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every stroke of varnish contributes to the overall masterpiece.

Let’s shape that masterpiece. Together.

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