Intro to Furniture Restoration and Repair

This class is your chance to learn how to bring a cherished piece of furniture back to life and learn techniques for restoring furniture yourself. It includes a survey of materials and applications, examples of common wear, deterioration and mishandled prior repairs, and cleaning procedures. The instructor will also guide you in troubleshooting problems with a piece that you bring in to restore.

Bring in one furniture piece to be worked on in class. Suggested pieces include small coffee tables, end tables, chairs, antique clock cases, small wood sculptural pieces, etc. (Due to time and space constraints, pieces larger than these are discouraged and final approval will be given by the instructor once he is shown detailed photos of prospective pieces.)

Following the overview of damage and repair, you will be guided through the process of reviving their individual pieces. Day 1 will ideally culminate with a top-coat of protective finish to be allowed to dry overnight. Day 2 will cover polishing the finish, continued care and maintenance, and a final discussion and recap of the topics covered.

Due to the varying nature of repairs that may be involved, some students may have their repairs completed by the end of the class, while others may need time to finish them at home.

We encourage you to become a member (for as little as $30/year) to receive 10-15% off class tuition. You must be a current member on the date of registering to receive your discount. Please login to activate your member discount. To become a new member, please sign up here, or call 845-338-0071.

Dates: Sat., Nov. 16, 10 AM - 4 PM
Sun., Nov. 17, 10 AM - 4 PM
Instructor: Max Smith
Class size (max.): 6
Attendance (min.): 4*
Skill level: basic
Prerequisites: none

Registration (per person)**
Household Member & Above: $250
Individual Member: $263
General Public: $289
Joint Instruction: $145**
Register By: Nov. 10

Materials: $20 (included at checkout)

*Classes that do not meet the minimum attendance number may be cancelled or rescheduled. If so, you will receive a full refund or credit regardless of the cancellation date.

**For an additional reduced price, students can bring a partner to class. This is a great opportunity to learn together. Select the "Bring a Partner" option when checking out. This ticket must accompany someone registering at full price.

Instructor: Max Smith is a multidisciplinary craftsman with ten years of experience in woodworking in various forms, stringed instrument repair and making, piano tuning and repair, boatbuilding, cabinetmaking, and as Maintenance Coordinator for the Beacon Sloop Club. He is a full time instructor at HRMM and has participated as a skills demonstrator at the Eric Sloane Museum in Kent, CT. Max frequently sails his 15' Goat Island Skiff, inviting friends and teaching them the basics of sailing.