Furniture Restorer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of home and office aesthetics, the demand for skilled furniture restorers has never been higher.

With the rise in appreciation for vintage and antique furniture, coupled with the desire to preserve and restore these pieces, the need for experienced individuals who can breathe new life into old furniture steadily grows.

But what does a furniture restorer truly do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the process of furniture restoration,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable furniture restorer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Furniture Restorer Duties and Responsibilities

Furniture Restorers are highly skilled artisans who can bring worn or damaged furniture back to life.

They handle a variety of tasks related to furniture repair, restoration, and finishing.

Furniture Restorers are primarily responsible for directly servicing clients’ furniture restoration needs, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Assessing the condition of furniture to determine the appropriate restoration techniques
• Consulting with clients to understand their preferences and provide estimates for the restoration project
• Stripping old finishes from furniture using sanders, steel wool, solvents, or dip tanks
• Repairing or replacing damaged parts of furniture such as loose joints, broken sections, or missing elements
• Applying stains, lacquers, or paints to restore or change the furniture’s appearance
• Using hand and power tools to reassemble and secure restored furniture
• Performing detailed work such as carving, gilding, inlaying, or marquetry
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment in accordance with health and safety standards
• Keeping records of restoration processes for future reference and client communication

 

Furniture Restorer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Furniture Restorer to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for restoring and refurbishing antique and modern furniture pieces.

Key responsibilities include evaluating the condition of the furniture, determining the appropriate restoration techniques, and performing the necessary repairs and finishing.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of different types of wood, metals, and fabrics, along with a solid knowledge of historical and contemporary furniture styles.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the condition of furniture pieces and determine the necessary restoration techniques
• Perform repairs, including structural repairs, veneering, and polishing
• Strip and refinish furniture using appropriate techniques
• Upholster and reupholster furniture as required
• Preserve the original features of antique furniture where possible
• Ensure all work is performed to high quality standards
• Keep a clean and safe workspace
• Provide excellent customer service, including consultations and estimates

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Furniture Restorer
• Knowledge of different types of wood and appropriate restoration techniques
• Proficiency in using hand tools and power tools
• Ability to handle delicate and expensive items with care
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training in furniture restoration is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Furniture Restorer
• Work Environment: Workshop setting. Physical activity, including lifting and moving heavy items, is a key part of the job.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Workshop Manager or Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $55,000 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 portfolio of your past restoration projects to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Furniture Restorer Do?

Furniture Restorers are specialized professionals who repair and restore various types of furniture, maintaining their functionality and appearance.

They work closely with clients to determine the desired outcome for the restoration project, whether it’s to restore the piece to its original condition, make it functional again, or adapt it to a new style.

Furniture Restorers use a variety of techniques and materials to bring furniture back to life, including woodworking, upholstery, painting, varnishing, and gilding.

They may also be skilled in the use of antique techniques and materials to maintain the authenticity of older pieces.

They often work in restoration workshops, antique stores, or museums.

However, many also operate as self-employed individuals, providing their services directly to clients.

Furniture Restorers may also provide expert advice on how to care for furniture, help identify antiques, and provide estimates for restoration work.

In addition, they may work on preserving important historical and antique pieces, a job that requires a delicate hand and a deep knowledge of various periods and styles of furniture design.

Being detail-oriented, patient, and knowledgeable about different furniture styles and periods are key traits of a successful Furniture Restorer.

 

Furniture Restorer Qualifications and Skills

Furniture Restorers should possess a variety of technical skills, artistic abilities and knowledge of various restoration techniques, including:

• Knowledge of different furniture styles, periods and construction methods to accurately restore antique and vintage furniture.
• Proficiency in various restoration techniques such as stripping, sanding, staining, polishing and waxing.
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools effectively and safely during the restoration process.
• Artistic skills to match colors and finishes, and to recreate intricate details on the furniture pieces.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure high-quality restoration work that preserves the value and integrity of the furniture.
• Problem-solving skills to tackle unexpected issues such as hidden damage or difficult-to-match materials or finishes.
• Strong communication skills to understand clients’ requirements and to provide clear explanations of the restoration process and potential outcomes.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to handle heavy pieces of furniture and to perform detailed work.

 

Furniture Restorer Experience Requirements

In order to become a Furniture Restorer, candidates often need to have a significant amount of practical experience.

This may include an apprenticeship or on-the-job training under the guidance of a seasoned furniture restorer.

Typically, 1 to 2 years of experience in restoring various types of furniture is considered the entry-level requirement.

Some Furniture Restorers may have gained their initial experience through part-time roles or internships while studying fields such as woodworking, fine arts, or antiques.

Having this kind of background can be extremely beneficial in understanding the materials and techniques used in furniture restoration.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have usually honed their skills in restoring antique furniture and have a deep understanding of various wood types, finishes, and restoration techniques.

They may also have experience working with other materials such as metal, leather, or fabric.

Furniture Restorers with more than 5 years of experience may have additional skills such as upholstery and might be capable of taking on leadership roles in restoration projects.

They can guide and mentor less experienced restorers and lead complex restoration tasks.

They may also have experience in estimating the cost and time for restoration projects, and dealing with clients and suppliers.

 

Furniture Restorer Education and Training Requirements

A Furniture Restorer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, however, many employers prefer candidates with post-secondary education in woodworking, art history, or a related field.

Many furniture restorers start their careers through apprenticeships or on-the-job training where they can learn essential skills such as repair techniques, refinishing methods, and the use of hand and power tools.

They also gain knowledge about different types of wood, their characteristics, and how to work with them.

There are also numerous vocational schools and community colleges offering relevant courses on furniture restoration, carpentry, and woodworking.

These courses can provide theoretical knowledge and hands-on training in furniture construction, wood finishing, and upholstery.

In addition, furniture restorers should be familiar with safety protocols in handling tools and chemicals used in restoration processes.

Although not mandatory, certification from a recognized authority such as the Professional Refinishers Group can enhance a furniture restorer’s credibility and professional standing.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest restoration techniques and trends is also beneficial in this field.

 

Furniture Restorer Salary Expectations

A Furniture Restorer earns an average salary of $32,000 (USD) per year.

However, this may differ based on factors like the restorer’s experience, location, the complexity of the restoration work, and the company hiring the restorer.

 

Furniture Restorer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a furniture restorer need?

Furniture restorers need to possess a range of skills including attention to detail, problem-solving, and manual dexterity.

They need to have an understanding of various restoration techniques such as woodworking, upholstery, and finishing.

They should also have knowledge of different types of wood and materials used in furniture.

Additionally, they should have good customer service skills to interact with clients.

 

Do furniture restorers need a degree?

While a degree is not a necessity to become a furniture restorer, some form of formal education or training can be beneficial.

This could be in the form of a vocational course in furniture restoration or a degree in a related field like woodworking or art history.

A lot of furniture restorers learn on the job through apprenticeships or internships.

 

What should you look for in a furniture restorer resume?

When reviewing a furniture restorer resume, look for experience in furniture restoration, woodworking, or upholstery.

Any training or education in these areas would be beneficial.

Additionally, check for experience in customer service, as this is often a key part of the job.

Skills in problem-solving, attention to detail, and manual dexterity should also be mentioned.

 

What qualities make a good furniture restorer?

A good furniture restorer has an eye for detail and is able to identify and repair faults in furniture.

They have excellent problem-solving skills and can come up with creative solutions to restore furniture to its original state.

They should also have good manual dexterity and be able to work with a variety of tools.

A passion for furniture and history is also a plus, as it can help them understand the original design and intent of the furniture.

 

Is it difficult to hire furniture restorers?

Hiring furniture restorers can be a challenge due to the specialized skills and knowledge required for the job.

However, with the right job posting, highlighting the necessary skills and qualifications, and offering competitive compensation, you can attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So, there we are.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a furniture restorer.

But guess what?

It’s not just about sanding and varnishing.

It’s about breathing new life into forgotten pieces, one chisel strike at a time.

With our easy-to-use furniture restorer job description template and real-life examples, you’re all geared up to make your move.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of furniture tells a story.

Let’s restore those stories. Together.

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