The “Moving Day” Nightmare is Over: Fort Collins Furniture Restoration Saves Shattered Danish Dining Table
We’ve all heard the horror stories of moving day, but this project brought one of those stories to life in our shop. Our customer came to G. Michael’s Restoration in Fort Collins after a heartbreaking incident. Professional movers were attempting to navigate a flight of stairs with this stunning Skovby SM32 dining table, a masterpiece of Danish engineering known for its patented circular expansion mechanism. Unfortunately, gravity took over. The table was dropped and tumbled down a flight of approximately eight stairs.
The Damage Assessment
When the pieces arrived at our shop, “broken” was an understatement. As you can see in the “before” photos, the impact had been catastrophic:
Shattered Base: The pedestal base, which houses the complex internal mechanics, was smashed apart. The curved veneer panels were delaminated and detached.
Compromised Structure: The internal frame that supports the heavy tabletop was cracked and unstable.
Mechanism Failure: The signature Skovby mechanism—which splits the table into three leaves to reveal the hidden extension—was jammed and knocked out of alignment.
Surface Damage: The beautiful Cherry wood (“Kirsebaer”) top was scuffed, scratched, and bruised from the tumble.
Many shops might have looked at this pile of wood and metal and declared it “totaled.” At G. Michael’s Restoration, we saw a challenge we were ready to accept.
The Fort Collins Furniture Repair Process
Restoring a table like this isn’t just about glue and sandpaper; it requires engineering and precision. Because this is a mechanical table, if the base is even a fraction of an inch out of square, the top won’t spin or expand correctly.
Structural Reconstruction: We treated the base like a complex 3D puzzle. Using specialized jigs and heavy-duty strapping clamps (as shown in the project photos), we reassembled the shattered pedestal. We had to ensure the curvature remained perfect so the outer panels would seat correctly.
Mechanical Tuning: Once the structure was sound, we turned our attention to the mechanism. We repaired the internal gears and springs, carefully realigning the leaves so they would glide open effortlessly.
Refinishing the Top: Finally, we addressed the aesthetics. We stripped down the damaged finish on the tabletop to reveal the raw Cherry wood underneath. We then professionally refinished it, bringing back the deep, warm glow and grain patterns that Danish furniture is famous for.
The Final Result
The video speaks for itself! The table not only stands sturdy and strong, but the mechanism works flawlessly. With a gentle push, the table splits, the hidden leaves pop up, and it locks back into place—smooth as silk. The finish is pristine, looking perhaps even better than the day it came out of the factory in Denmark.
This Fort Collins furniture restoration project is a perfect example of what we do best at G. Michael’s Restoration. We don’t just fix furniture; we save heirlooms. Whether it’s a moving accident, water damage, or just decades of wear and tear, we have the tools and expertise right here in Fort Collins to bring your pieces back to life.
Restoration Services Provided
- Structural Furniture Repair
- Precision Veneer Repair
- Mechanical Mechanism Repair
- Tabletop Refinishing and Color Matching
- Moving Damage Restoration
Need a furniture restoration company you can trust? Contact G. Michael’s Restoration today!
Located in the historic city of Fort Collins, Colorado. G. Michael’s is an esteemed furniture repair and antique furniture restoration wood shop.
