Business Details
44 Years
experience
Expert Furniture Refinishing Services in Kitchener, Ontario
Founded in 1982 by Margery Smith and Rita Wagner, we have dedicated over 35 years to mastering the art of furniture restoration. Our expertise lies in preserving the integrity of fine woodwork while employing meticulous techniques for stripping, staining, and refinishing. With three locations across Southern Ontario, we serve both residential and commercial clients, offering personalized consultations and transparent processes. Our team combines technical skill with a deep appreciation for historical craftsmanship, ensuring every piece we restore retains its unique character.We prioritize client education through resources like our free Consumers Guide on Furniture Refinishing, empowering informed decisions. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we approach each project with precision, from minor repairs to full-scale restorations of heirlooms and antiques. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our partnership with Bits & Pieces Furniture & Dcor, diverting quality items from landfills. By maintaining rigorous standards and fostering long-term client relationships, we continue to set benchmarks in furniture preservation.
Services
Furniture Stripping
Staining Services
Custom Finishes
Antique Restoration
Veneer Repair
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of specialized furniture restoration expertise
- Personalized consultation and transparent pricing process
- Free educational Consumers Guide on Furniture Refinishing
- 100% satisfaction guarantee on all restoration projects
- Eco-conscious practices through furniture reuse initiatives
What people say
35+ years expertise
Personalized service
Heirloom preservation
Educational resources
Eco-friendly practices
Services
Furniture Stripping
Our hand stripping process uses liquid or semi-paste strippers tailored to each furniture piece. We carefully disassemble components for thorough treatment while protecting delicate elements. Clients can opt for our DIY strip-only service for personal projects. The process preserves wood integrity while removing old finishes safely.
Furniture Staining
We employ multi-step sanding and defect repair before applying custom stains. Clients choose from our extensive color library or provide samples for precise matching. Our technique ensures even application in detailed carvings and corners, with professional-grade stains selected based on wood type and desired durability.
Custom Finishes
Our clear coat finishes involve multiple lacquer layers with fine sanding between coats. We offer sheen options from matte to gloss, with UV-protected exterior finishes for doors. Brass lacquering and teak oil treatments preserve metal and aged wood components with specialized application methods.
Antique Restoration
We specialize in veneer repair, spindle turning, and missing component recreation for historical pieces. Our team handles chair regluing, caning replacement, and water damage restoration. Each project maintains original character while addressing structural issues through traditional woodworking techniques.
Insurance Claims
We assist with fire, flood, and vandalism claims by restoring damaged furniture without requiring multiple quotes. Our process includes documentation, professional cleaning, and structural repairs. We coordinate directly with insurance providers while maintaining transparent communication with policyholders throughout the restoration.
People
Margery Smith
Co-Founder
With over 35 years in furniture restoration, Margery pioneered eco-conscious refinishing techniques. Her expertise in historical woodwork preservation ensures authentic antique restorations while maintaining modern quality standards.
Rita Wagner
Co-Founder
Rita established industry-leading client consultation protocols and developed the company's educational resources. Her focus on customer service transformed furniture restoration into an accessible, stress-free experience for homeowners.
Questions
What furniture restoration services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive services including stripping, staining, custom finishes, veneer repair, and antique restoration. Our team handles both structural repairs and aesthetic enhancements for all wood types.
How do you determine restoration pricing?
Pricing requires visual assessment of furniture condition. Email pictures with dimensions and desired changes. We provide detailed quotes after evaluating project complexity and material requirements.
Do you serve areas outside Kitchener?
We operate three locations serving Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph. Pick-up and delivery services are available through our professional movers across these regions.
Can you restore severely damaged antiques?
Yes, our specialists handle complex repairs including missing component recreation, veneer replacement, and structural reinforcement while maintaining historical authenticity in antique pieces.
What makes your service different from competitors?
Our 35+ years of experience, free educational guide, and 100% satisfaction guarantee set us apart. We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques for superior restoration results.
Do you offer emergency furniture repair services?
We maintain regular business hours and handle urgent cases through our insurance claim services, but do not provide after-hours emergency repairs for individual clients.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Thomas Kuster
Jan 26, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality
Extremely pleased with the work that The Strippers did on my antique chair. The chair holds great sentimental value and as you can see from the before and after pictures, their work is top notch and I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for this kind of work done. 10/10.
Extremely pleased with the work that The Strippers did on my antique chair. The chair holds great sentimental value and as you can see from the before and after pictures, their work is top notch and I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for this kind of work done. 10/10.
Natasha Ivy
Nov 29, 2020
Report
We had an antique rocking chair that a moving company broke in our move. After plenty of research we choose strippers because the way they were going to fix the wood on the broken leg was the one we were most comfortable with. They did an amazing job! They offered to upholster, but we declined as we are waiting until it is necessary but will be back! They were thorough and they were communicative. It took longer than we anticipated but it was worth the wait.
Glammy & The Duke
Sep 06, 2019
Report
These talented people did MAJOR repairs to my grandparent's 100 year old wicker chairs. They are so talented! Thank you is not enough! These chairs will be passed down to our children and grandchildren now, because of you! Also thanks to Rudy's upholstery for doing the seat cushions on this restoration! Awesome job as well!
Maureen Chapman
Oct 02, 2016
Report
I was referred to the Strippers by a professional interior decorator. I have used them several times and have been very pleased with the communication and service. In both cases the furniture they refinished has looked stunning. I appreciate that you can custom pick your stain while trying different stain combinations right on the piece. Thank you
