Danish Table Restoration – Skovby SM32

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!

Frequently Asked Questions About Wooden Table Restoration and Skovby Table Repair

Can a wooden dining table be restored after moving damage?

Yes, in many cases a dining table damaged during a move can be fully restored, even when the damage looks severe. The Skovby SM32 we worked on at our Fort Collins shop arrived with a shattered pedestal base, delaminated veneer panels, and a jammed internal extension mechanism after tumbling down a full flight of stairs. Through structural reconstruction, mechanical repair, and refinishing, the table was brought back to full working condition. The key factor is whether the core structure and wood are salvageable, which they often are even after significant impact damage.

Is it worth repairing a Skovby table, or should I replace it?

Skovby tables are well-engineered pieces of Danish furniture built to last, and in most cases repair is worth pursuing before considering replacement. New Skovby tables represent a significant investment, and the patented circular extension mechanisms are built to precise tolerances that give these tables their smooth, distinctive operation. A shop with experience in mechanical furniture repair can realign the mechanism, rebuild damaged structural components, and refinish the top to a standard that restores full function and appearance. Replacement should generally be the last option, not the first.

Who repairs Skovby extension tables in Fort Collins, Colorado?

G. Michaels Restoration at 113 Hickory Street in Fort Collins repairs and restores Skovby extension tables and other Danish furniture with complex mechanical systems. We have experience with the internal extension mechanisms found in pedestal-base Danish dining tables, including structural reconstruction of the base, mechanical realignment, veneer repair, and tabletop refinishing. We serve clients throughout Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and the greater Denver metro area, with pickup and delivery available for many projects. Call us at (970) 493-8737 or email shop@gmrestores.com for a free estimate.

How much does it cost to restore a wooden dining table in Fort Collins?

The cost of restoring a wooden dining table in Fort Collins depends on the scope of work involved. A straightforward refinish of a tabletop typically costs less than a project requiring structural repair, veneer work, and mechanical restoration. Complex projects like the Skovby SM32 we rebuilt after a moving accident involve more time and skill and are priced accordingly. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to send us photos of the piece and a description of the damage. We offer free estimates and can usually give you a clear picture of the cost before any work begins.

Can the Skovby circular extension mechanism be repaired if it stops working?

Yes. The Skovby circular extension mechanism is a precision system, but it can be repaired when it has been knocked out of alignment, jammed by impact, or has stopped operating smoothly due to wear or damage. The repair process involves carefully disassembling the relevant components, assessing what has shifted or failed, realigning the internal parts to the correct geometry, and testing the operation through the full range of motion before reassembly. This is detail-oriented work that requires patience and familiarity with how these mechanisms are built, but it is repairable in the hands of an experienced furniture restoration shop.

What wood is used in Skovby dining tables and how should it be refinished?

Skovby produces dining tables in several wood species, with cherry, referred to in Danish as kirsebaer, being one of the most recognized options. Cherry is a warm, medium-density hardwood that develops a rich reddish-brown tone as it ages and is exposed to light. When refinishing a cherry tabletop, the existing finish is stripped back to bare wood, the surface is carefully prepared, and a new finish is built up in layers to restore depth, clarity, and protection. Color matching is important with cherry because the wood’s tone can vary across the surface depending on age and light exposure. A well-executed refinish on a cherry Skovby tabletop should bring back the warmth and grain character the wood is known for.

How long does wooden table restoration take in Fort Collins?

A basic tabletop refinish at our Fort Collins shop typically takes one to two weeks depending on the finish schedule and current shop workload. Projects that involve structural repair, veneer work, or mechanical restoration alongside refinishing take longer, usually two to four weeks or more depending on complexity. The Skovby SM32 project, which required full base reconstruction, mechanism realignment, and a complete tabletop refinish, was a multi-week project. We provide a timeline estimate with each quote so you know what to expect before the work begins.

Can veneer damage on a Danish table be repaired without full refinishing?

Sometimes, yes. If the veneer damage is limited to lifting or bubbling at the edges and the surrounding finish is still in reasonable condition, it may be possible to re-adhere the veneer and blend the repair without stripping and refinishing the entire surface. However, if the veneer has delaminated across a larger area, if the substrate has been compromised by impact or moisture, or if the finish around the repair is too far gone to blend convincingly, a full strip and refinish usually produces better results. We assess each piece individually and recommend the approach that makes the most sense for the condition of that specific table.

Does G. Michaels Restoration repair tables with water damage in Fort Collins?

Yes. Water damage is one of the more common issues we see on wooden dining tables in Fort Collins. Depending on how long the moisture was present and how deep it penetrated, the damage may be limited to the finish or may have affected the wood itself, causing raised grain, cloudiness, white rings, or in more serious cases warping and structural softening. We assess the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate course of action, which may range from targeted finish repair to a full strip and refinish. In cases where the wood itself has been structurally compromised, we address that before any surface work begins.

Is it better to refinish or paint a worn wooden table?

For most wooden dining tables, and especially for quality pieces like Danish furniture, refinishing is the better choice. Refinishing strips the old finish and builds a new one that shows the natural grain and character of the wood. Paint covers the wood entirely and once applied is difficult to reverse without significant work. For tables with good wood beneath a worn or damaged finish, refinishing typically produces a result that both looks better and preserves more of the piece’s original value. Painting is sometimes the right call for lower-quality wood or pieces where the surface has been too heavily damaged to refinish cleanly, but for solid hardwood tables we generally recommend refinishing.