Restoration notes
Repairs that keep age visible and structure safe
What we repair in-house
Loose joints, missing veneer chips, sticky drawers, and tarnished brass are handled in our workshop notes and by trusted Antwerp finishers we have worked with for years. You receive a written list of proposed work before anything is stripped.
Structural failures — cracked frames, active infestation — go to specialists with clear quotes in EUR.
Finishes we prefer to keep
Original shellac and waxed surfaces carry colour history that flat modern varnish erases. We clean, feed, and localise colour rather than sanding to bare timber for a uniform look.
When a top must be replaced for use, we match grain direction and disclose the new board on the invoice.
Hardware and locks
Keys that still turn stay; replaced handles are chosen only when originals are missing. We clean brass with mild methods so patina remains, which suits Zurenborg rooms better than mirror-bright metal.
Electric lamps from mid-century stock are rewired to current Belgian standards before they enter a home.
Damp and Antwerp winters
Harbour-edge flats and ground floors near canals need acclimatisation time after delivery. We advise waiting before waxing so moisture does not trap under a fresh coat.
Felt pads and breathable covers protect floors during the first wet weeks of the year.
Fees for restoration briefs
A condition assessment and written restoration brief for one major piece starts at €280. Workshop labour is quoted separately after inspection; small surface work often falls between €90 and €350.
Ask [email protected] for a sample note if you want to see how we describe repairs before booking.