Your Sonoma County furniture repair company should give you an itemized invoice for the furniture repairs and restoration services. Some invoices will be more detailed than others, but all should include the following:

• The furniture repair company’s name, physical address and contact information.
• A complete list of all furniture repair work performed.
• A list of all materials and products used in the repair, refinishing, or restoration work.
• The total cost for the services, including an itemized amount charged for labor.
• A written explanation of any warranties or guarantees provided by the product manufacturers and the repair company.

Compare the completed work with your original contract and make sure that all of the work was done as promised and with the quality and expertise you were promised. Your furniture repair service personnel should be willing to show you your piece and explain what was done. If you have questions or concerns, now is the time to ask and get clarification.

Due to the nature of furniture repair and restoration, only some companies guarantee their work, and the warrantied services may be limited. However, if your Sonoma County furniture repair company does guarantee their work or the materials they use, they should be happy to provide you with written proof of that warranty.

The following items should be included in any written guarantee document from furniture repair services in Cotati, Windsor, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Guerneville, Healdsburg and beyond:

• The company name, physical address and contact information.
• A description of what exactly the warranty covers. This should include whether the Sonoma County furniture repair service will repair or replace faulty materials or workmanship.
• Any exclusions to the guarantee.
• Your responsibilities when redeeming the warranty.
• How long the warranty is valid, and whether it expires on a specific day or is prorated.
• If the warranty coverage is transferable to the new owner if you sell the repaired or restored furniture.
• Any actions or inactions that may invalidate the warranty.

Depending on the type of furniture, the damage or repairs needed, and other specifics of your job, it’s likely you’ll be able to find a good furniture repair service in Sonoma County, including those serving Guerneville, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Cotati, Cloverdale and your area.

Residential Furniture Repair
Whether your furniture needs a touch-up, light repair, or heavy restoration services, good residential furniture repair companies can offer furniture repair services that make your home look better than ever and protect your investment. Some companies also offer in-home or on-site furniture repair for upholstered, wood, and other types of furniture.

Commercial Furniture Repair
Commercial furniture can take a beating, but repairing and restoring can often be less expensive and more time-efficient than replacing it. Sonoma County furniture repair and restoration services can repair commercial furniture for hotels and other hospitality businesses, commercial companies and offices, insurance companies, and even moving companies that have damaged pieces.

Furniture Repair for Fire and Water Damaged Pieces
Wood furniture can easily be damaged by fire or water, and upholstered pieces can, too. Good furniture restoration companies in Sonoma County and beyond can help by fixing the damage, replacing or restoring badly damaged areas, and replacing stuffing and upholstery.

Restringing, Respringing, and Restuffing
Chairs, couches, and other types of seating can need restringing, respringing, and restuffing services. Over time, repeated sitting on chairs and other seating furniture can break or permanently stretch the strings and springs that provide support. Sonoma County furniture repair shops can respring and restring the seats to give more support and make them more comfortable. Furniture seating pads like those on chairs, couches, dining room chairs, and more, can become compressed and the stuffing can become flat or lumpy. This can make furniture look old and feel uncomfortable. Restuffing adds loft and a like-new appearance to couches and chairs.

Wood Furniture Repairs
Wood furniture, including hardwoods and softwoods, such as dining tables, coffee tables and end tables, wood chairs, furniture with wooden components, banisters, mantels, cabinetry, paneling, and more, can often be repaired by good furniture repair services in Sonoma County, including those in Cotati, Windsor, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Guerneville, Healdsburg, Cazadero, Camp Meeker, Bloomfield, Temelec, Stewarts Point Rancheria, Schellville, Two Rock, Jenner, Eldridge, Fetters Hot Springs, and beyond. They can usually remove gouges, scratches, pet damage, water rings, dents, scuffs, broken legs, damaged drawers, and more.

Creaking and Rocking Furniture Repair
Chairs that creak and tables that rock can be bothersome and make your home feel less comfortable. There’s no need to replace creaking or rocking pieces, however. Many furniture repair companies can perform structural repair and stabilization services that bring back the comfort and like-new function of most pieces.

Furniture Preservation
Antiques, family heirlooms, older furniture, and classic furniture all may benefit from preservation services. These services use special chemicals and techniques to preserve furniture from weather, use, UV light, humidity, cleaning solution damage, and other causes of permanent damage. Not all furniture repair companies can offer preservation, so if this is a service you need, talk at length with the local furniture repair shops in Petaluma, Windsor, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Cloverdale, Sebastopol, Cotati, Guerneville, Rohnert Park and the rest of Sonoma County about what your furniture preservation needs and how they can help you.

Upholstery Repair Services in Sonoma County
Threadbare, stained, stretched, torn, or otherwise damaged upholstery can be repaired and replaced by Sonoma County furniture repair companies. This allows you to keep the pieces that fit best in your home while updating the look and making them appear new. Reupholstery and upholstery repair is often less expensive than replacing old furniture, and older pieces are often better-made and higher-quality than pieces available new today.

Damaged Furniture Restoration
Damaged furniture can often be restored to its previous condition, particularly if you choose a local furniture repair company that has experience with the type of restoration needed. Restoration may be possible for antique furniture, old or aged furniture, furniture that has been scratched or scuffed, dull or old-looking furniture, furniture that has been damaged by fire or water, pet damaged furniture, furniture with peeling or cracking paint, and furniture that needs to be refinished. Talk with your local Sonoma County furniture repair service about your specific needs and what they can offer you.

Furniture Cleaning Services
Old and well-loved furniture can start to look worn and dirty over time. Sonoma County furniture repair services may be able to deep clean furniture and bring it back to like-new condition. This may include deep-set dirt removal, polishing to remove dust and handprints, water ring removal, buffing, intricate furniture cleaning, wood furniture cleaning, and more. Antiques and heirlooms may need special cleaning services that can maintain the integrity of the piece and the original finish, so be sure to talk with your furniture cleaning service to make sure they can remove the dust and dirt without harming the underlying wood or materials.

The following terms and definitions can help you better communicate with your local furniture repair shop personnel. As with any industry, furniture repair has its own vocabulary and jargon. If you don’t understand what your furniture repair contact is telling you or you have questions, be sure to ask them to explain until you are certain you’re on the same page/

alligatoring
When paint or the finish on furniture splits and begins to look like alligator skin, it is referred to as alligatoring. This is caused by paint or finish splitting, often because of the type of finish or the way it was applied to the surface and the way it dried. The main way to fix alligatoring is to strip and refinish the piece.

Also known as: crocodiling, paint cracking, paint crackling, crackled appearance

antiquing
Furniture that is painted, stained, or treated in a way that makes it look older than it is is called antiquing. This is often done to create antique-looking items that are not as rare, expensive or hard to care for as actual antiques. Antiquing can be made possible by faux finishing, glazing, distressing, and other methods. Some furniture repair services can make newer pieces appear antique or can antique repaired areas so they fit in with the rest of the piece. If you have an antique or valuable old piece that needs repair or restoration, be sure that you talk with an antique expert who can advise you on whether repairs will lessen the value of the piece.

Also known as: faux finishing, distressing

bleeding
Bleeding is when color seeps through underlying surfaces and causes color change. It is usually a sign that the original finish lacked a proper topcoat or dye layer, and that a seal or barrier layer wasn’t properly applied. If your furniture begins to bleed, furniture repair services can often apply a sealant or barrier coat to prevent further bleeding. The piece may need to be stripped and repainted or restained depending on the severity of the problem and your end goal.

Also known as: color bleeding, stain bleeding, color transfer

burn-in
Wood furniture that has become damaged may be repaired using the burn-in technique. In this technique, furniture repair experts fill in defects by applying a burn-in made of colored resin or shellac and fixing the resin in place with a hot knife, heat stick, or other hot implement.

Also known as: burning, burn-in repairs

burnishing
When wood furniture and other finished furniture is rubbed repeatedly, causing a shiny area where the friction has worn away the finish. Burnished areas on furniture can be repaired with refinishing methods.

Also known as: worn areas on furniture, burnished finish, shiny patches

chalking
The formation of a powdery material on the surface of a piece of furniture because of the disintegration of the surface binder or elastomer is known as chalking. Chalking makes the piece appear less shiny and can cause the piece to appear dull or powdery. Chalking is most often caused by exposure to sunlight or other weathering factors, but heat and chemicals can be triggers as well.

Also known as: paint chalking, paint flaking, paint dusting, powdery finish, powdery paint

cleaning
Furniture cleaning is the process or removing dust, dirt, and other unwanted materials from the furniture without damaging or changing the integrity of the original piece. Furniture cleaning services are often part of repair services, furniture refinishing, and furniture restoration.

Also known as: furniture cleaning, deep cleaning for furniture, furniture restoration cleaning

commercial furniture repair
Commercial furniture repair and restoration services repair commercial furniture for hotels and other hospitality businesses, commercial companies and offices, insurance companies, and even moving companies that have damaged pieces. Commercial furniture repair is often less expensive than replacing it.

Also known as: commercial furniture care, business furniture repair, office furniture repair, furniture repair for commercial buildings, doctors office furniture repairs, bank furniture repair, hotel furniture repair, moving company damaged furniture repair

dulling
The loss of gloss or sheen on the surface of a piece of furniture is known as dulling. Dulling occurs over time and when furniture is exposed to UV light or harsh lighting, heat, chemicals, water, weathering, or other abuse or daily use that slowly grinds away at the original finish. Dulling can be prevented and can be repaired.

Also known as: dull furniture, weathering, UV exposure dulling, dull finish

fading
Furniture that is exposed to sunlight or other UV light sources can fade, leaving streaks, spots, faded areas, and color change. Some furniture repair services can offer furniture preservation that prevents fading. Faded furniture can be restored using restaining and repainting methods.

Also known as: color fading, furniture fading, faded furniture, faded areas on furniture

furniture refinishing
Refinishing furniture usually involves stripping away the old finish and applying a new finish. This process can be comprehensive or simple, depending on the furniture piece, the area that needs to be refinished, how detailed the furniture is, and the type of existing and desired finish.

Also known as: refinishing services, furniture refinish

furniture repair
Any method of repairing damage to furniture is considered furniture repair. This may include restringing, respringing, restaining, restuffing, repairing cracks and chips, repairing pet damage, replacing legs or tops, replacing or repairing broken elements, buffing, or otherwise repairing the structure or finish of a piece.

Also known as: furniture repair services, broken furniture repair, fixing broken furniture

furniture restoration
Restoration refers to light cleaning and cosmetic repairs to a piece of furniture. Restoration maintains the integrity and appearance of the furniture while making it more stable, clean, and attractive. Restoration can maintain or improve the value of a piece of furniture if it is done correctly and by an expert in furniture restoration services.

Also known as: restored furniture, antique restoration, old furniture restoration

furniture restuffing
Chairs, couches, and other types of seating can need restuffing services. Over time, repeated sitting can make the seating pads on chairs, couches, and dining room chairs become compressed, flat or lumpy. This can make furniture look old and feel uncomfortable. Restuffing adds loft and a like-new appearance.

Also known as: stuffed furniture repair, chair restuffing, couch restuffing

grain raising
Wood furniture that is exposed to water may experience raised grains, or the swelling and raising of wood fibers when they absorb water. Even when the piece is dry, the grain may stay raised and may have a bumpy, uneven, swollen appearance. Raised wood grain can be hard to repair and may take the skills of an experienced furniture repair service.

Also known as: raised grain, raised wood grain, grain rise, water damaged wood, water damaged furniture, furniture water damage repair

peeling
Paint, lacquer, and other finish that is pulling away from a piece of furniture is considered peeling. The culprit is often poor adhesion of the paint or finish, but the causes can vary, including substandard materials, UV exposure, weathering, age, water damage, poor quality substrate, lack of preparation, poor paint application, humidity, and more. Peeling paint may be able to be repaired; it may also have to be stripped and reapplied by a professional.

Also known as: peeling paint, peeling furniture, furniture peeling, finish peeling, flaking paint

preservation
Preservation is the act of cleaning, protecting, and repairing furniture in a way that prevents it from becoming further damaged or aged. Preservation techniques may be provided for vintage furniture, antique furniture, valuable furniture, or family heirloom furniture. Furniture preservation aims to lengthen the life of the piece for posterity’s sake.

Also known as: furniture preservation, preserving furniture

preventive care for furniture
Preventing damage to furniture is an area where furniture repair services can help. This entails taking steps to keep furniture from becoming aged or damaged. This may include correct handling, safe moving, environmental conditions (such as temperature and humidity), maintenance and repair, cleaning, and more. Furniture repair shops can often help owners of valuable, antique or rare furniture to formulate and implement a plan for preventative care for those pieces.

Also known as: preventative care for furniture, furniture conservation, preventative conservation, furniture damage prevention

residential furniture repair
Residential furniture repair companies offer furniture repair services for residential customers that have damaged furniture in their homes. Residential furniture repair may include in-home or on-site furniture repair for upholstered, wood, and other types of furniture.

Also known as: residential furniture repairs, home furniture repairs, furniture repair

restringing and respringing
Chairs, couches, and other types of seating can need restringing or respringing. Over time, repeated sitting on seating can break or permanently stretch the strings and springs that provide support to the cushions or seats. Local furniture repair shops can respring and restring the seats to give more support and make them more comfortable.

Also known as: fixing broken furniture springs, fixing furniture support strings

touch up
Furniture touch ups include light repairs for scratches, dings, chips, burnishing, and more. Touch ups are done before there is major damage and keep furniture pieces looking new.

Also known as: light repair for furniture, furniture touch up, furniture cosmetic touch ups, touchups

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified furniture repair company?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a furniture repair company with confidence by offering a list of top rated local companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only furniture repair companies rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified furniture repair company.

Q: How long will it take for my furniture repair to be completed?
A: Every project is different, and every local furniture repair service works at its own pace. Some repairs can be done quickly, within hours, while other projects take days or even weeks. When you interview or get estimates from furniture repair companies, ask them about the expected timeline for your specific project.

Q: Can local furniture repair services repair pet damage?
A: As much as we love them, pets like cats, dogs, rabbits, and others can leave scratch, bite, chew, or claw marks on prized furniture. Many furniture repair companies can fix these problems, especially if they are surface damage or to wood furniture. Talk with furniture repair contractors about your specific needs.

Q: Is it possible to refinish worn tables?
A: Yes. Most tables, including those that have burnished or worn spots, scratches, scuffs, discoloration, use marks, water rings and other minor surface damage can be easily refinished by simply applying a new coat of finish to the top of the surface. If there is more wearing or damage than can be easily covered, most furniture repair contractors can strip and refinish worn or damaged pieces.

Q: A hot dish left a white spot on my table. Can this be repaired?
A: This is a common type of table damage that can often be repaired within a few hours. Many local furniture repair services can repair steam and heat damage to tables and other furniture onsite. If the damage can’t be repaired, expert furniture restoration companies may be able to offer restoration or other solutions.

Q: Why won’t many furniture repair companies offer quotes over the phone?
A: Like with many other professionals in related trades, furniture repair experts often need to see a particular piece in order to give an honest and accurate estimate for repair or restoration. Additionally, it can be hard for customers to completely explain what needs to be done and the current condition of the piece. They also may not know what needs to be done to repair the piece. Professional furniture repair contractors can often tell right away what repair methods are needed and what it will take to repair a specific piece, but they need to see the damage and condition of the furniture to give that information. Most local furniture repair shops offer free estimates, and many will even come to your home to give their assessment.

Q: Is my piece of furniture worth repairing or restoring?
A: Most good furniture repair specialists can help you determine whether the cost of repair or restoration will cost more than the piece is worth. If the item is a family heirloom, a beloved piece, or an item that you want to have long-term, the cost of refinishing may be worth it. If it’s a cheap piece of furniture, one you don’t want to keep forever, or has no sentimental or other value to you, replacing it may make more sense.

Q: Can my damaged furniture be repaired at my home?
A: That depends on the damage, the repairs needed, and the company you’ve chosen to perform your furniture repairs. Some companies offer mobile furniture repair or on-site furniture repair for some types of damage, including surface damage to wood furniture, minor repairs, and surface repairs. However, it is most common for damaged furniture to be repaired in your furniture repair company’s shop. There they will have all of the tools and materials needed for the repair service, and they’ll be able to perform repairs that take longer or require multiple steps. Talk with your furniture repair service if you’re interested in learning whether onsite furniture repair is possible for your job.

Q: Will repairing or restoring my furniture make it worth less?
A: Actually, the opposite is almost always true. Furniture in good condition is nearly always worth more than damaged or old-looking furniture. Having an experienced, skilled furniture repair service repair your furniture or provide restoration services usually adds value to pieces. If you have antique furniture, talk with a qualified antique furniture restorer about your specific concerns. Most antique furniture pieces can be restored and still maintain—and even improve—the value of the piece. There are rare cases where restoration can impact the value of a piece, so be sure to talk with an antiques expert if you’re concerned about the value of a true antique or rare piece.

Q: Can furniture repair companies refinish new furniture to match my existing furniture or to make an old piece fit in with my new décor?
A: Sure! Refinishing pieces, including color changes and specialty finishes is a service that most furniture repair contractors offer. This allows you to seamlessly integrate old and new pieces, such as heirloom hutches, wood tables, chairs with wooden legs, and more. Specialty finishes are also a possibility. Talk with local furniture repair companies near you to find out if they’re able to help you accomplish your goals.