Wood restoration and refurbishing – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We’ve answered our most common questions about wood restoration and refurbishing and architectural finishings below. If you have a unique project in mind, we encourage you to contact us directly to discuss your goals.

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Q. Have you done any work I may have seen?
A. Yes. We take pride in preserving the architectural history of our community. Notable projects include the Detroit Opera House, where we restored all exterior wooden doors across three sides of the building. We have done extensive wood restoration and refurbishing work at various historic churches in the Detroit area, including interior woodworking and trim, doors and pews. We may have restored the entry way of one of your neighbors homes.

Q. What type of services do you offer?
A. We are experts at wood restoration and refurbishing – windows, doors, cabinets, architectural trim and custom woodwork. We work on residential, commercial, and historical buildings.

Q. What products do you use?
A. Quality is the foundation of our craft. We utilize premium-grade materials tailored to your specific project needs—from high-durability pre-catalyzed lacquers to weather-tested exterior finishes. We only use products from top-tier manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams, Mohawk, and PPG Proluxe (formerly Sikkens), to guarantee a professional finish that protects and enhances your investment.

Q. How long does it take?
A. This depends on the amount of work you have for us. We’ve worked for weeks on larger jobs, and have done smaller jobs that only take a couple of days. When we speak, we’ll include the project length in your free estimate. Have a project in mind? Click here to request a free estimate or call us at 313.655.4589.

Q. Is it worth refinishing or restoring instead of replacing?
A. Most doors, cabinets and furniture are worth restoring or refurbishing. Let’s a take a look at yours together and decide. Restoring old furniture and antiques can raise the value of a piece.

Q. What is the difference between restoring, refinishing, and refurbishing?
A. We are often asked which process is best for specific architectural elements like doors, window frames, or intricate woodwork. While these terms are closely related, they represent different levels of care for your building’s wood components:

  • Restoration is our specialty for historic properties. The goal is preservation. We aim to return an architectural element to its original glory by stabilizing the structure and retaining as much of the original timber and historic detail as possible. This is the preferred approach for landmark buildings, churches, theaters, and opera houses where honoring the heritage of the wood is paramount.

  • Refinishing focuses on surface renewal. If your interior trim, exterior doors, or window frames have become faded, scratched, or weather-damaged, we carefully remove the compromised topcoats and apply fresh, high-performance finishes. This process protects the wood from UV damage and moisture while restoring its natural beauty, all without changing the piece’s original character.

  • Refurbishing is our comprehensive update service. This goes beyond the surface to improve both the aesthetic and functional performance of your woodwork. Whether it is retrofitting a historic window for better energy efficiency, updating hardware, or adapting trim to match a new design vision, we ensure your woodwork is prepared to serve you for decades to come.

Which one do I need?

  • Restoration: to preserve historical integrity and structural heritage.

  • Refinishing: to repair surface wear and protect against the elements.

  • Refurbishing: to modernize, repair, or transform the utility of your woodwork.

Are you unsure which service your project requires? Because every project has its own unique needs, we invite you to contact us with a few details about your property. We would be happy to discuss the best approach to protect and enhance your doors, windows, and woodwork.

Q. Do you refinish floors?
A. While we focus exclusively on vertical and architectural elements—such as doors, windows, and custom trim—we are happy to provide referrals to trusted local partners who specialize in hardwood floor refinishing.

Q. What type of warranty do you offer?
A. We stand behind the longevity of our work. Every project is backed by a comprehensive warranty covering both the premium-grade materials we apply and the craftsmanship of our installation and finishing. We discuss specific warranty terms during your initial consultation so you can move forward with complete peace of mind.

For a free estimate, Request a Quote, or give us a call – 313.655.4589