If you have skills and experience in carpentry or upholstering, you may choose to become a furniture restorer to capitalize on your skills. Restoring furniture requires patience and skill, and you must be sure you have the patience and diligence to take on such tasks. If you are new to carpentry and do not yet possess the skills to become a furniture restorer, it is a good idea to seek out a professional who will allow you to do an apprenticeship with him or her. Experience does not need to be specific to furniture restoring; general carpentry and upholstering skills can get you on your way to a career as a furniture restorer.
The path to become a furniture restorer may not be an easy one if you are branching out on your own. It is usually best to try to get hired to a restoration company that specializes in the restoration of furniture. There, you can gain the specific skills and knowledge necessary to become a furniture restorer on your own. Remember, however, that there is no set criteria of education or experience that leads to a career in furniture restoration, so if you have a particular skill set that lends itself toward furniture restoration, nothing is stopping you from taking on small restoration jobs to get a feel for the process.
Much of furniture restoration is dedicated to the restoration of antiques, so you may want to be knowledgeable in antique furniture when you train to become a furniture restorer. This will help you avoid costly mistakes during a restoration project, and it will help you gain a customer base that trusts you and recommends you to other clients. The more knowledge you retain, the better prepared you will appear to customers, and those customers will subsequently be more likely to recommend you to friends or colleagues.
For the rank beginner, classes at a community college or technical college may be necessary to prepare the candidate to become a furniture restorer. Carpentry classes will be vital to any curriculum, and gaining a familiarity with the tools of the trade is a must. If your local community college does not offer carpentry or furniture restoration courses, research any carpentry clubs in the area, or any furniture specialists nearby that may be able to guide you through the process of furniture restoration. Before diving into a career, it is best to gain as much practical experience as possible, so researching local clubs, businesses, and schools is a good first step.