Business Details
29 Years
experience
Expert Antique Restoration & Furniture Repair in Raleigh, NC
Founded in 1997, Capital Restoration has established itself as a trusted leader in antique restoration and furniture repair. Our owner, John Allen, brings decades of expertise from his background in archaeology and museum conservation, ensuring every project benefits from historically accurate techniques and modern advancements. We specialize in restoring antiques, fine furniture, and ethnographic artifacts while maintaining the highest professional standards. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and personalized service has earned us a reputation for excellence in Raleigh and the greater Triangle area. Whether repairing cherished heirlooms or restoring commercial woodwork, we prioritize preserving the value and character of every piece.Our services include veneer repair, inlay restoration, picture frame conservation, and custom period reproductions. We provide detailed treatment proposals and photographic documentation to ensure transparency and future reference. Clients trust us for our expertise, ethical practices, and dedication to exceeding expectations. From minor repairs to complex restorations, we deliver solutions that honor the integrity of each item. Our teams deep understanding of materials and techniques ensures every project meets the highest standards of care and precision.
Services
Antique Restoration
Furniture Repair
Picture Frame Repair
Custom Period Furniture
Mid-Century Furniture
Exotic Material Restoration
Furniture Refinishing
Piano Restoration
Inlay and Veneer Repair
Artifact Conservation
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in antique restoration and furniture repair.
- Our owner is trained in archaeology and former museum conservation director.
- We use historically accurate methods combined with modern research techniques.
- We provide detailed treatment proposals and photographic documentation for every project.
- We serve both residential and commercial clients with personalized solutions.
What people say
Outstanding work
Amazing craftsman
Excellent job
Reasonable price
Stunned by outcome
Services
Antique Restoration
Specialized restoration of antique furniture and artifacts using period-appropriate techniques. Our experts assess each item's history and condition to implement treatments that preserve authenticity while ensuring structural integrity. Services include cleaning, structural repairs, and material replacement with reclaimed or synthetic alternatives.
Furniture Refinishing
Professional refinishing services that restore wood furniture to its original luster. We employ traditional methods like French polishing and modern techniques to repair scratches, water damage, and worn finishes while maintaining the piece's character and value.
Picture Frame Repair
Expert restoration of antique picture frames, including gesso consolidation, gold leaf repair, and structural reinforcement. Our team uses specialized skills to match original materials and decorative elements, ensuring invisible repairs that maintain historical accuracy.
Exotic Material Restoration
Ethical restoration of items featuring protected materials like ivory and tortoiseshell. We utilize reclaimed materials and synthetic alternatives to replace missing components while adhering to conservation principles and legal requirements for preserving historical artifacts.
Artifact Conservation
Scientific conservation of ethnographic and archaeological artifacts. Our archaeology-trained specialists employ methods that balance preservation needs with respect for original construction techniques, ensuring long-term stability without compromising historical integrity.
People
John Allen
Owner
John Allen founded Capital Restoration in 1997 after serving as a museum director and conservation specialist at the North Carolina Museum of History. With a BA in archaeology and over 25 years of experience, he specializes in antique restoration, furniture repair, and artifact conservation.
Questions
What types of antiques can you restore?
We restore furniture, picture frames, pianos, ethnographic artifacts, and items made from exotic materials like ivory and tortoiseshell.
Do you work with commercial clients?
Yes, we provide wood restoration services for businesses in Raleigh's Triangle area since 1997.
How do you handle rare material replacements?
We use reclaimed materials or ethical synthetic alternatives while maintaining historical accuracy and legal compliance.
Do you provide documentation for restoration work?
Yes, we include detailed treatment proposals and photographic records for every project.
Can you repair water-damaged furniture?
Yes, our refinishing services address water stains, scratches, and structural damage to restore furniture to like-new condition.
