What was wrong

This antique oak rocker came into the shop with six clear problems that needed real restoration work, not shortcuts. Several original parts were missing, broken areas were present throughout the frame, and the chair needed careful blending between old and newly fabricated components so the final result would look cohesive rather than patched together.

What we did

• Fabricated three missing parts from scratch to restore the original structure and appearance.
• Arm spindles reproduced by casting from molds taken from the surviving originals.
• New arm brace hand-carved from raw wood to match the surviving side.
• Base spindles rebuilt to spec so the lower structure matched the original construction.
• Broken areas repaired throughout the frame to restore function, stability, and safe use.
• Stain matched across all new and old surfaces so nothing reads as a patch or replacement.
• Full touch-up and finishing work completed using a shellac base in keeping with how antique pieces like this deserve to be treated.

Care tips

• Use the rocker gently and evenly; avoid sudden twisting force on the arms or back.
• Keep the chair in a stable indoor environment away from excess humidity or direct heat vents.
• Dust with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid harsh chemical cleaners or spray polishes.
• Lift rather than drag when moving the chair to protect the rockers and joints.
• If joints begin to loosen or the finish starts to wear, book maintenance early.