Dining Table Finish Integration After Modification
A heavy wood dining table was taken apart, shortened, reassembled and polished so the change cannot be seen. Pickup and return delivery to Manhattan were coordinated by Olek.
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Residential • Furniture Refinishing • Expert Wood Finishes
Furniture Refinishing & Expert Wood Finishes
Olek renews worn, faded, scratched and failed furniture finishes with the same attention given to the wood, veneer and construction beneath them. From antique and vintage pieces to Mid-Century Modern furniture, our refinishing work is guided by the existing surface, the owner’s goals and the finish system that best belongs on the piece—not a one-formula strip-and-coat process.
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
Fantastic work!
★★★★★
I had 5 pieces of wood furniture each 100+ years old restored by Olek and I couldn't be happier with the work they did. Each piece was returned to me in the time frame estimated in excellent condition both structurally and aesthetically. Their craftsmanship is totally worth the price. I also was pleased with their customer service. They explained what they were doing with each piece and provided any optional choices before proceeding.
★★★★★
The shock mounts on our 50 year old Eames lounge chair failed. In addition to repairing them, we had the leather upholstery treated, the wood refinished and the metal buffed. The quality of the workmanship was superb, the turnaround time was prompt, and the people we dealt with were knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. Didn't come cheap, but the result was worth every penny.
★★★★★
Peter and his team did a beautiful job of refinishing and repairing the veneer on our antique, oval dining table.
★★★★★
Unreal. Honestly I’m blown away by what they’re capable of. My piece is better than new.
★★★★★
STUNNED!!! Pleasantly! After a protracted storage period for some treasured furnishings, I had the unfortunate experience of seeing the effects of time, lack of care and the elements had on them. From rust to degraded fabric and components (wheels, casters, wiring) to chipped, faded wood and brass trim.I feel extremely lucky to have found Olek, Inc. in Orange, New Jersey. As I sent photos of an Herman Miller Eames office chair, Knoll Albini desk, Anglepoise Floor and table lamps and a unique Art Deco Rosewood side table they quickly offered to restore all of them with confidence. EVEN after seeing them in person.They worked to explain the processes required since Ihonestly thought these were all "lost" for good.Thrilled to report that was not the case. As a matter of fact, I am posting here willingly because of the outstanding result on every single piece. Not only has every piece been restored to the original beauty but the Rosewood table specifically (made of a combination of Rosewood, steel plates and casters as wheels) looks better than when originally bought. I cannot express how pleased I am with the results.Cleary Peter and his team are extremely professional. They took the time and care to bring these pieces back from what I assumed was disrepair (if not despair).As importantly, they listened.DTEN
★★★★★
My mother owns an antique black lacquered coffee table with three porcelain medallions. The table had seen better days with the lacquer flaking off, joints becoming unstable and overall this beautiful piece looked rough. I brought the table to Olek’s furniture restoration shop and they detailed all of work required and the inlays and colors used. After many painstaking weeks and many emails, Peter and his team returned the table back to my mom. To say we did not recognize it would be an understatement. The table did not look shiny and new but age appropriate and pristine. It was gorgeous! We get countless compliments and have had several offers to buy the table. I would recommend Olek to anyone serious about having their furniture professionally and expertly restored. You will not be disappointed.
★★★★★
First class experience all around. A beautiful repair to our iconic Eames lounge chair. After the initial shockmount repair, we had Olek precisely restore upholstery and the original rosewood -- looks spectacular! Wonderful customer service as well — highly recommend.
★★★★★
Olek did a wonderful job restoring my grandmothers Federal Period secretary desk to its former glory. The desk was badly water damaged and they were able to make it look like new! We are so happy with the final results.
★★★★★
If you have furniture that needs to be refinished, Olek Restoration does an excellent job. The craftspeople are experts-- Peter was able to explain the process to me clearly and accurately. Our table and chairs now look amazing. The finish is perfect- the texture of the wood really comes through. Olek also restored our little rocking chair for the next generation. Everything looks great in a completely natural and gentle way. I highly recommend Olek.
★★★★★
Peter and the team at Olek did amazing work refinishing, rebuilding, and reweaving chairs I received from my parents. Now they are ready for the next 50 years of everyday use. They are absolutely gorgeous, a pleasure to sit in, and look brand new, but with the memories of growing up with them. Wonderful work, amazing craftspeople with evident respect for the art and tradition of the pieces they work on.
★★★★★
Wonderful job restoring an Aalto chair that belonged to my father. The frame needed to be re-doweled and refinished. Looks great!
★★★★★
OLEK is the BEST. They refinished two dressers, four tables, two cabinets, old barrister bookcase, two chairs, and bench. The bench was re-upholstered and everything was done perfectly. All my pieces were extremely delicate and all family heirlooms. OLEK is so knowledgable about best way to repair and refinish. In fact, some of the pieces were refinished about 5 years ago at another place and were NOT done correctly. I whole-heartedly recommend OLEK. They even fixed several drawers that were difficult to open. I had no idea how much I now love it when all drawers are SO EASY TO OPEN plus everything smells great. There is no better feeling to have cherished pieces that look and FUNCTION so well. I am using the barrister bookcase in my kitchen to hold beautiful glasses and dishes. The pickup occurred during apt renovation. Everything went smoothly and timeframe promised worked perfectly. Do not give up on old wood antiques. NOTHING LOOKS BETTER! I AM SO HAPPY WITH OLEK's work and give them highest recommendations!!!
★★★★★
Had Olek restore an Asian cabinet that had been in my wife’s family for years. The reviews on this company don’t do them justice. They took the cabinet that looked absolutely terrible and restored it to like new. They definitely know what they are doing ans it was worth every penny. Would definitely recommend them without reservation.
★★★★★
We sent Olek a boring, aging dining table and received back an object of art. We are ecstatic at having discovered the existence of such incomparable high-grade craftsmanship.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
★★★★★
Peter Triestman and the skilled team at Olekdid an absolutely fabulous job on our vintage Hans Wegner table. It was in really bad shape and we are very happy with the job that they did!-Communication wasn’t always the best as they don’t always respond to emails, so it’s best to call them.-They are not cheap. We paid more for the refinish/ restoration than for the table itself, but it was worth it!We will use Olek again.PositiveQuality, Professionalism
★★★★★
Peter Triestman from Olek Restoration did a beautiful job with three pieces of furniture. Very professional. Will definitely use his talent and services again.
★★★★★
I just got my chairs back, beautifully repaired, reupholstered, and given new life with lustrous distressed leather. Great communication too. Very pleased with the results. Thanks!
★★★★★
Extremely Talented Team! I started off talking to the owner Peter, who responded promptly to my request and after sharing some photos, provided me with a quote and put me in touch with David. David, who's friendly personality instantly clicked with me took care of all the details and arranged the pickup and the delivery. David was responsive, knowledgeable, and comforting. Dexter picked up and delivered the pieces. Dexter is one of the nicest, friendliest, most careful delivery people I've ever worked with. He lovingly wrapped all the pieces and somehow fit them perfectly into this small minivan then brought them back even more lovingly and placed each one carefully into position in my home. The work done by OLEK was exceptional! I loved these pieces in my grandmothers home as a child, then they were passed on to my mother, then passed to me. Well worn with time and use, veneer missing in many places, crazed surfaced. I am pleased to say that now they look amazing! I have attached before and after pictures of the pieces. Thank you Peter and your wonderful team at OLEK!
★★★★★
We had an original DCW Eames chair with the back fallen off due to deterioration of the mounts. Also it had been carelessly repainted to cover up who knows what, back in the day. Olek reattached the back and refinished the red color to its original state. Olek was fair, honest, and direct in their dealings. The work was impeccable and timely. The best recommendation is "no complaints," which is another way of saying, "everything fully realized as promised with no hassles." They've earned our trust for any restoration we might ever need.
★★★★★
Their craftsmen worked on restoring the faux wood finish on the interior of my antique automobile. The result was outstanding! I highly recommend Olek.
★★★★★
My father gave me his Eames chair with ottoman many years ago. When I brought it to my home and went to sit in it, the rubber attachments that hold the chair back to the chair base were so old and dried out that I fell backward through the chair. I looked for a good company that could repair it and call Olek. The people at this company are so, so nice. They really take the time to look at your piece and tell you exactly what has to be done. Olek told me that it needed a few things. The newer better rubber mounts, some wood repair from age and use (that was apparent) and I wanted it recovered from the black vinyl that dad had it recovered in decades ago to an appropriate black leather. It cost me about $3,800.00, but it's not worth about $14,000 based on two things. It looks new and it's a first series, low serial number edition which the metal decals on the bottom of the chair say it is. Thank you Olek and your team for doing such a wonderful job. I love the chair.
★★★★★
I delivered a 1952 Bovirke danish settee in need of a complete renovation. The teak and oak frame was structurally unsound, chipped and split, and original upholstery with horse hair construction in much need of replacement and refurbishment. Olek did an amazing job overhauling the wood frame with delicate care and replacing the upholstery, all while keeping the piece's original shape and patina. I highly recommend them.
★★★★★
My original Eames dining chair from 1950 was in bad need of repair. A DYI job of reattaching and refinishing in the 80s held for some time until the back recently broke. I’m beyond pleased with the outcome. Not only did OLEK reattach the piece with a new gasket, the nearly 70 years of nicks in the veneer were patched and the repairs are imperceptible. David and his team of craftsmen are a rare find. I highly recommend OLEK.
★★★★★ 5.0 average on Google · 100 reviews Read all reviews →
01
Furniture Refinishing & Finish Renewal
Olek refinishes tables, desks, cabinets, case furniture, chairs and other wood furniture when the primary problem is the surface rather than the structure. Scope can range from controlled surface renewal to complete stripping and refinishing when the existing coating has failed or a new finish direction is appropriate.
02
Color Matching & Finish Replication
Existing furniture and adjacent woodwork can be matched for color, tone, sheen and surface character. Olek can use surviving finish, protected areas, related pieces or approved samples as references when a repaired or refinished surface needs to visually continue the original.
03
Antique & Vintage Furniture Refinishing
Antique furniture should not be stripped automatically. Olek first considers whether original finish, patina, age or historical significance should be preserved. When refinishing is the right treatment, work is planned around the construction and material of the piece rather than applying a generic modern coating. For conservation-intensive or structurally complex pieces, see Olek’s specialty furniture conservation expertise.
04
Mid-Century Modern Furniture Refinishing
Mid-Century Modern furniture often combines thin veneers, exposed plywood and finishes whose color changes significantly with age and sunlight. Olek can selectively correct color, protect veneer thickness and develop a finish that respects the original design language. Eames-specific structural, finish or upholstery work remains handled through Olek’s specialist Eames Lounge Chair service.
05
Lacquer, Oil, Wax & Specialty Wood Finishes
Finish systems can include lacquer, hand-applied oils, waxes and specialty or decorative finishes when they are appropriate to the wood or veneer, period, existing finish, intended use and desired appearance. The correct finish is chosen for the object rather than treated as an interchangeable topcoat.
06
Localized Finish Repair & Surface Integration
Scratches, chips, water marks, worn edges and isolated finish failures can sometimes be corrected without refinishing the entire piece. Local repairs are blended around color, sheen and texture so the intervention does not become more visually distracting than the original damage.
From Condition To Final Finish
A Refinishing Process Built Around the Existing Surface
Finished in our 20,000 sq. ft. Orange, NJ facility, with pickup and delivery across the New York metro area.
01
Condition & Finish Assessment
Wood, current finish, damage and your desired outcome reviewed.
02
Finish Direction & Samples
Color, sheen and finish type approved, with samples when needed.
03
Preparation, Color & Finish
Surface prepared only as much as needed, then finished by hand.
04
Final Review & Delivery
Color, sheen and continuity checked before delivery.
- Orange, NJ Workshop
- NYC / NJ Pickup
- Specialty Carriers
Verified Residential Furniture Refinishing Work
Coffee Table Restoration With Complete Wood Refinishing
An older marble-top coffee table had its failed joinery rebuilt before the wood was completely refinished. Damaged brass trim was repaired and missing brass detail was replicated to match.
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1950
Established
20,000
Sq. Ft. Facility
25+
Full-Time Craftsmen
In-House
Furniture + Finishing Trades
Furniture Refinishing FAQs
What types of furniture does Olek refinish?
Olek can refinish tables, desks, cabinets, case furniture, chairs and other wood or veneered furniture. Antique, vintage, Mid-Century Modern and contemporary pieces are evaluated according to their construction, surface condition and significance before treatment is recommended.
Can Olek match an existing furniture color and finish?
Yes. Finish matching can consider color, tone, transparency, grain contrast, sheen, surface texture and aging. Surviving protected areas, related pieces or approved samples can be used as references when a close visual match is required. When color or finish direction is sensitive, test samples can be developed for review before the final system is applied to the furniture.
Do you strip every piece before refinishing?
No. Full stripping is only one possible treatment. Depending on the piece, Olek may recommend localized repair, selective surface preparation, finish recovery or a more conservative treatment when original material or patina should remain.
Should antique furniture always be refinished?
No. Refinishing can remove original surface history and may be inappropriate for some antiques, heirlooms or collectible pieces. Olek first considers condition, significance, original finish and owner goals; conservation or restoration may be recommended instead.
Can you refinish Mid-Century Modern furniture and thin veneers?
Yes, when refinishing is appropriate. MCM furniture often requires careful control of sanding and color because veneers may be thin and surfaces can fade unevenly. The treatment is adjusted to the actual veneer, finish and construction rather than using a generic refinishing process.
What wood finishes can Olek apply?
Depending on the furniture, options can include lacquer, hand-applied oils, waxes, toners, glazes and specialty or decorative finishing systems. The finish is selected around the material, intended use and visual goal of the piece. Lacquer and other film finishes are developed around clarity, build, sheen and repairability; oils and waxes emphasize grain and tactile character where appropriate; glazes, toners and decorative techniques are used when a surface must match an existing finish or recreate a particular effect.
What is the difference between furniture repair, refinishing and restoration?
Repair addresses structural failures such as loose joints or broken parts. Refinishing primarily addresses the surface and finish. Restoration is broader and may combine structural repair, veneer work, missing details, finish treatment and preservation decisions. Olek can redirect the scope if the piece needs more than refinishing.
How long does furniture refinishing take?
Timing depends on the number of pieces, existing coatings, repairs discovered during assessment, finish complexity, drying or curing requirements, color approvals and logistics. Olek establishes a project-specific schedule after reviewing the furniture.
Why choose Olek for furniture refinishing?
Olek’s finishing work is supported by cabinetmakers, furniture restorers, carvers, upholsterers and other specialists. That matters when a finish problem reveals loose veneer, damaged joinery, missing wood or a prior repair that should be addressed before the final surface is applied — Olek uses the condition of the piece to recommend the right scope.
What should I send for an initial refinishing review?
Send overall and close-up photos, approximate dimensions, project location, any known maker or age, images of scratches or finish failure, and examples of the color or finish you want. If the piece has been refinished before, that information is also useful.
Start With Photos & The Current Finish
Request a Furniture Refinishing Review
Show us the furniture, the finish problem and the result you want. Upload overall and detail photos, share the maker or age if known, and include reference images if you want to match an existing color, sheen or finish direction.