Choosing the Right Restorer
Your furniture deserves the best care — but not every restoration company delivers the same quality. Here’s what to evaluate before entrusting your piece to anyone.
Credentials and Experience
Look for membership in professional organisations like the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), which sets ethical and technical standards for conservators. Ask how long the company has been in business and what types of pieces they specialise in. A company that restores both residential antiques and commercial landmark properties demonstrates breadth and depth of expertise.
Portfolio of Completed Work
Before-and-after photos are the most effective way to evaluate a restorer’s quality. Look for work similar to your piece — if you need a mid-century designer desk refinished, you want to see that they’ve handled Arne Vodder, Jacques Adnet or Marc Newson pieces, not just basic furniture.
Warranty
A strong warranty reflects confidence in craftsmanship. The industry standard is typically 90 days to one year. At Olek, we offer a 12-month standard guarantee with warranties extending up to 50 years on select products — because we stand behind our work.
Process Transparency
A reputable restorer will explain their proposed approach before beginning work: what techniques they’ll use, what materials, what the timeline looks like, and what the alternatives are. They should be willing to show you their workshop and introduce you to the artisans who will work on your piece.
Insurance and Liability
For valuable pieces, confirm that the company carries adequate liability insurance. For commercial projects involving landmark buildings, look for bonding capacity (bid, payment and performance bonds) and relevant certifications (NYS/NJ DOT, AWS for welding work).
Red Flags
- No portfolio or unwillingness to share before/after examples
- Vague pricing with no written estimate
- Pressure to commit immediately
- No warranty or a warranty shorter than 90 days
- Unable to explain their restoration approach in plain language
Why Clients Choose Olek
Since 1950, Olek has built a reputation on transparency, craftsmanship and results. Our portfolio includes the Yale Beinecke Library, United Nations, Grand Central Terminal and hundreds of residential projects. We provide detailed written estimates, maintain a 20,000 sq ft workshop with 40+ master artisans, and back every project with our exceptional warranty.
