Business Details
47 Years
experience
Antique Furniture Restoration Experts in Gorham, ME
We are Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration, a family-owned business dedicated to preserving the legacy of fine and antique furniture since 1979. Our journey began in Newton, Massachusetts, where we operated a shop with a small team for three decades before relocating to Gorham, Maine, in 2008. Our philosophy centers on meticulous craftsmanship, employing traditional techniques and materials like shellac, varnish, and hide glue to maintain the original patina of each piece. Tom Johnson, a third-generation furniture restorer, brings decades of expertise honed through hands-on experience starting in his fathers shop at age twelve. Our work has evolved to include a popular YouTube channel, where Tom shares restoration processes with over 140,000 subscribers, blending education with our commitment to the craft.Jane Johnson manages administrative operations while occasionally assisting in the workshop, ensuring seamless service for our clients. We specialize in veneer repair, caning, brass inlay, and custom wood replacements, tackling unique projects ranging from automotive dashboards to historic clock bonnets. While we no longer accept new work due to scaling back operations, we continue to serve our existing clients with the same dedication that has defined our legacy. Our daughter Emily carries forward the family tradition as a skilled woodworker in Portland, Oregon. We invite you to explore our portfolio and videos to understand our passion for restoring history through furniture.
Services
Veneer Repair
Caning & Seat Weaving
Brass Inlay
Replacement Parts
Furniture Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of specialized experience in antique furniture restoration
- Third-generation craftsmanship using traditional materials and techniques
- YouTube channel with 140,000+ subscribers showcasing transparent processes
- Family legacy of woodworking expertise across three generations
- Specialized in complex repairs like veneer, brass inlay, and custom turnings
Services
Veneer Repair
Specialized restoration of damaged wood veneer using traditional techniques. We carefully match grain patterns and materials to preserve original aesthetics while ensuring structural integrity. Ideal for midcentury modern and antique furniture requiring precise craftsmanship.
Caning & Seat Weaving
Expert replacement of woven seats using cane, splint, or fiber-rush materials. Our process maintains historical accuracy while updating functionality for dining chairs and antique furniture. Services include wide-binding cane for porch rockers and custom patterns.
Brass Inlay
Precision repair and recreation of brass inlay designs in antique furniture. We restore intricate patterns using period-appropriate metals and techniques, ensuring seamless integration with original woodwork while preserving historical value.
Replacement Parts
Fabrication of custom wooden components for historic and modern furniture. Services include turnings for clock columns, automotive dashboards, and architectural elements like entryway doors using traditional lathe techniques.
Furniture Restoration
Comprehensive restoration of antique furniture using gentle methods that preserve original patina. Our approach combines shellac, varnish, and hide glue applications with structural repairs to maintain historical integrity and craftsmanship standards.
People
Tom Johnson
Owner & Master Restorer
Third-generation furniture restorer with 40+ years of experience. Learned craft from his father at age 12. Specializes in traditional techniques and shares expertise through a popular YouTube channel with 140k+ subscribers.
Jane Johnson
Administrative Manager
Handles business operations while assisting in workshop tasks. Joined full-time after raising their daughter, bringing organizational expertise to support Tom's restoration work and client communications.
Questions
What types of furniture do you specialize in restoring?
We focus on antique and fine furniture, including midcentury modern pieces, Victorian chairs, tall case clocks, and custom-built items requiring veneer repair, brass inlay, or structural restoration.
Do you offer new furniture finishing services?
Yes, we provide custom finishing for new pieces, often matching colors to existing furniture. Our expertise includes traditional methods using shellac, varnish, and wax for authentic results.
Can you repair damaged chair seats?
We specialize in caning and seat weaving using cane, splint, or fiber-rush materials. Services include wide-binding cane for porch rockers and period-appropriate patterns for antique dining chairs.
Are you accepting new restoration projects?
We are currently not adding new work due to scaling back operations. We recommend contacting us for urgent repairs while we complete our existing client list.
How can I see your restoration process?
Visit our YouTube channel with 140k+ subscribers to watch detailed restoration videos. New content featuring Tom's techniques is posted every other Friday.
Do you create custom wooden replacement parts?
Yes, we fabricate custom turnings and components for furniture, clocks, and architectural elements using traditional lathe techniques and period-appropriate materials.
Videos
