Help Us Revive a Shed Favourite!
The Furniture Restoration group has historically been one of the most rewarding sections of the Petersfield Men’s Shed, breathing new life into tired chairs, tables, and cabinets. Currently, this group is dormant and looking for a new lease of life.
We know there is significant interest among our current membership and the wider community in learning these skills. We are actively looking for enthusiastic members to come together to restart this group, whether you are a complete beginner wanting to learn or an experienced restorer willing to share your knowledge.
Project Spotlight: The Art of Transformation
To give you an idea of what can be achieved at the Shed, take a look at this recent project. It demonstrates perfectly how a tired, dated piece of furniture can be saved from the landfill and turned into something beautiful for the modern home.
The Challenge (“Before”)
This solid wood tallboy had seen better days. The finish was worn, the handles were dated, and it looked destined for the skip. However, the structure was sound—a perfect candidate for restoration.
The Result (“After”)
With careful preparation, some structural repairs, and a creative vision, it was transformed. The body was painted in a contemporary dark matte finish, while the top and legs were sanded back to reveal the natural grain, complemented by polished hardware. A true statement piece!
What We Do (and Could Do!)
Furniture restoration is about more than just sanding wood; it is about preserving history and giving cherished items a second chance. When active, this group focuses on:
- Upcycling & Modernisation: As seen in the project above, we can take dated brown furniture and give it a modern twist using paints, waxes, and new hardware.
- Heirloom Rescue: Bringing personal items back to their former glory, from fixing wobbly chair legs to reglueing veneers on vintage cabinets.
- Community Commissions: In the past, we have taken on projects for local charities and schools, repairing benches, desks, and other essential furniture that would otherwise be thrown away.
- Techniques & Skills: This is the perfect environment to learn about:
- Surface preparation and finishing (painting, varnishing, French polishing).
- Upholstery basics (webbing, springing, and fabric replacement).
- Structural repairs using traditional joinery methods.
- Wood turning for replacement spindles and legs.
Facilities & Support
While the group needs people to drive it, the facilities are already waiting for you. The Furniture Restoration group operates primarily out of our extensive Woodwork Shed, which is fully equipped with everything needed for high-quality repair work:
- Sanding & Preparation: Professional-grade sanders and dust extraction systems to strip back old finishes safely.
- Clamping & Gluing: A vast array of sash clamps, G-clamps, and vices essential for structural repairs.
- Machining: Access to bandsaws, lathes, and pillar drills for manufacturing replacement parts that can no longer be bought off the shelf.
- Metalwork Support: With the recent opening of our Metalwork Shed, we can now also repair hinges, castors, and metal fittings in-house, allowing for complete top-to-bottom restorations.
Call for a Group Leader
At Petersfield Men’s Shed, our groups thrive when they have a “Champion”; someone to coordinate activities, welcome new faces, and keep the kettle boiling.
We are currently seeking a Group Leader (or a small team) to take the reins of the Furniture Restoration section.
You do not need to be a professional craftsman! You simply need to be organised, enthusiastic, and willing to help bring members together. The Shed’s trustees and existing Group Leaders are ready to support you every step of the way.
Register Your Interest
Are you interested in joining this group, either to learn or to lead? We want to hear from you. If we can identify a “critical mass” of interested members, we can get regular sessions back on the calendar immediately.
How to get involved:
- Email: [email protected]
- Subject Line: Furniture Restoration Interest
- Visit Us: Pop into the main shed during opening hours (check the Weekly Bulletin) and speak to a Duty Manager about your interest in furniture projects.
Don’t let your skills—or your grandfather’s old armchair—gather dust. Join us and help bring the Furniture Restoration group back to life!