Repairing and Restoring an Antique Settee - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine repairs and restores this antique settee in need of a good deal of assistance. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., or write us at [e-mail]. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).

[@jhj6636]

True quality craftsmanship and a great learning opportunity. I hope future generations will take note of Tom's skills and experience. This man knows exactly what he's doing. We need to keep this tradition going.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's very nice

[@zxborg9681]

Since I found your channel last month, I've probably watched a dozen of your restorations, maybe more. Been learning a lot, not just about restoration, but about careful attention to detail and relaxed throughness. Your video editing shows the same attention to quality work and harmony as your woodwork does, and makes watching very enjoyable. Thanks for letting us all into your shop and into your mind.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome! I appreciate it

[@jamesveach6918]

One of the best KZbin channels on KZbin I gave you five stars

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@WilliamNast-v1g]

JUST WATCHED THIS OLDER RESTORATION OF YOURS, TOM. AMAZING SKILL TO TAKE THIS PIECE BACK TO IT'S INTENDED BEAUTY. A LAYMAN LIKE ME COULD NEVER HAVE HANDLED THAT ONE. GOOD TO SEE YOUR SWEET DOGGIE...MISS SEEING HER!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I miss her everyday!

[@maggiesue4825]

Never tire of your videos. You truly work miracles with these wonderful pieces!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@andymolly9100]

Wishing the video was twice as long! Another masterclass in restoration, well done Thomas

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@lawannarobinson9900]

I am totally amazed to see Mr. Johnson work on various antiques and brings them back to life. This is a tremendous amount of restoration work and no detail of an item is overlooked. I am learning a lot from Mr. Johnson, the equipment he uses, types of glue, techniques and oh so much more. It helps the consumer to fully understand the process and can truly appreciate what is involved in keeping your antiques at their best. Look at the many long hours it takes to restore just one item, I must take care of what I currently own or it will cost me down the road. Took a break to write this comment, must return to see all the damage to the settee - worm rot, oh my something else for this senior to learn about.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Best thing: try to keep humidity levels as constant as possible (humidifiers in winter, AC in summer. And polish with Howard's Feed N Wax

[@lawannarobinson9900]

@@johnsonrestoration Thanks Mr. Johnson for your reply and recommendation. I have purchased over 45 years ago a few nice antique pieces which I tried to protect while raising a family. Now the kids are grown and out of the house I have more time to devote to the proper care of these very old pieces which I will strongly take your advice for care during the winter months as well as the hot humid months. Now I know to use Howard's Feed N Wax and best I can keep the pre-teen grands away from my cherished pieces. I need to educate my adult children as well as I have given to them a set of 2 twin 4 poster beds for my twin grand daughters. Goodness those beds were old when I purchased at an auction over 40 years ago so they have to be near at least 100 years old. Thanks again, I love watching your master skills at work. All for now from Capitol Heights, Maryland

[@roberthoyle6442]

Thank you for an amazing video. This was a very complicated restoration given the amount of wood damage and the previous repairs. You reached into your experience bag to come up with very complicated repairs that only an experience wood worker and finish restorer such as yourself could accomplish. Just Wow !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@eliduttman315]

The appearance is EXCELLENT. I think the original craftspeople would be pleased with the amount of effort put into maintaining their work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I have them in mind, and I think about the possibility that in the future someone might be looking at my work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope so too

[@lesterdewey7644]

Patience is a virtue Tom. Well done

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@getin3949]

Thank you Thomas, you brought back memories for me of my father and what a wonderful craftsman he was as you too are. I felt sad but also elated to see people like you restoring items that may have ended up in a fire pit. You're obviously a caring man with many gifts as a wood worker.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome, and I appreciate your kind words

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome, and thanks for your kind words

[@thierrytalon8600]

You are a brave man taking this thing apart.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Brave? Or too dumb not to know any better!

[@charlieboyzname]

What an amazing transformation from a piece of once beautiful furniture that has had its troubles in life being saved and restored to a level of beauty few but yourself would see. Thank you for sharing your cabinet making skills with us. As a young teen I spent many days assisting my cabinet maker neighbour as he carried out commissions and he and my parents renovated our 16th Century Cumbrian Clay Daub houses and original floor to ceiling built in oak cupboards in both houses... Watching you work brings back those happy memories of some savage winters in very old houses!! Peace Charlie UK 🇬🇧

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts and comments

[@durranishaheer-hy6do]

When ever I watch your videos I initially think that the object would not be repairable but when you put your efforts persistently n patiently , you do miracle, I always get a lesson that with dedication n concentration any task can be achieved. I feel very much satisfied while watching your videos.I am really addicted to your videos.

[@adhc8560]

@durrani shaheer - I was just thinking the same thing! Especially with this one so eaten by bugs, but as always it's impeccable.

[@durranishaheer-hy6do]

Ad Hc he loves his work.tats y he does impossible.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you all!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@arlenelamont5610]

When Thomas says he's going to take it apart, Resistance is futile. Well done, Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Get me a bigger mallet!

[@paulgibson8056]

Great and beautiful work. You brought this one back from the dead.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@TrojanWoodworks]

Great job. I really enjoy when you share your thought process and material decisions.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@VintageTexas59]

You are really a craftsman, so much knowledge how to tackle all the issues this bench had. Very impressive work and final result looks great !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jill552]

“Looks pretty good”. Tom, you do amazing work. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@rgr3427]

Amazing restoration as always, thank you for taking the time to film, edit and allowing us to watch, learn and enjoy your craft.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@sonyamoyler9237]

Mr. Tom, you have really mastered your craft and it is fascinating to watch you tear the items down and put them back together so beautifully, paying attention to every detail. Great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@lzdmglg202612]

Thomas Johnson Restoration is certainly brave to have accepted this job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Brave? Or stupid? Thanks!

[@francoisfouche2568]

Another great job sir ! Sometimes I wish I could see the look on the owners faces when they see these restored pieces of history !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They're usually pretty happy!

[@gerrybaker7155]

Yet another seemingly hopeless case. Simply amazing Tom. Nice job by the upholsterer also.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@QueenCityHistory]

Looks like it sat in a barn for a long time. It's a shame how many antique pieces have been lost because of neglect....but his is why we have Tom!!! Great job as always!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@cmmc3400]

The sounds of things I used to love doing soothes my pain. Watching what were my hobbies and/or I did for work is so soothing to my soul. When I watch some of these videos I can sleep, which is hard when you hurt. I just started watching his channel yesterday and his craft is so well tuned and honed that I can turn the sound off, know what he is doing and why then play music binaural beats. Hz and instruments only, and it is a meditation almost as good as my medication. I have collected a list of creators who I get this from, this gentleman is now in my top three. I slept for nearly six hours today because I listened to his videos. I got lucky though, none of those had, or had much done with electric tools. I about blew my eardrum out though when he had a major piece that required a bunch of power tools. BTW, I am jealous of his collections. From tools to parts and pieces. Also, you can tell this man reads, a lot! His noggin is as solid as an oak newel post!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words. I'm glad that these videos can help you sleep and feel better. My best to you!

[@TheFiown]

On a visit to NY with my brother in law 20 years ago ( from france ) he bought a 'bergere' armchair from a garage sale for 50 dollars, I didn't get why! It turned out to be an 18th century French bergere made by some famous furniture maker in Paris. He stripped it of fabric, knocked out the dowels and put the pieces into a suitcase he bought. In Paris he restored it, then had a twin made by a specialist then patinated them to match with shades of 18th century paint style, ordered some handwoven silk then sold them for a few thousand. How that chair got to that simple home was a mystery.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Amazing story!

[@jamesthompson8133]

It’s amazing what you can find if you know what your looking for. Great find!!

[@alansimpson596]

Thank you for a great video. I'm just a hobby woodworker but I love to see how the old furniture makers did their job. You did a fine job on the restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@SparkeyDogfish]

I have always been a wood worker. From time to time I have tried to repair a chair or table. I was always afraid to take it apart for fear of the unknown. Then on a garbage piece. Said what the heck and hammered it apart. From there I now am doing some pretty good repairs. One trick I picked up from you is to drill out dowels with undersized bits. In the past I ended up making the hole too big. So anyway I really enjoy your videos and pick up methods, tricks and materials not to mention confidence. I am more likely to tackle a project now. Thanks, Mark

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I am always humbled to think that I could actually help some one. It does have a lot to do with confidence and patience

[@maggiesue4825]

Such craftsmanship, and such a beautiful piece brought back to its former glory!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@HM-pu9zc]

Your touch has given that settee another century to occupy a loving home.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@myunknownland9272]

I love watching your work. Thank you again so much.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome! I appreciate it

[@dimidomo7946]

Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration, that was probably the most interesting video on the internet. I was riveted to the presentation and the amazing skill set and care that was invested.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@annedavis7289]

Beautiful, I just watched this and your videos are so relaxing, in this crazy time we're living in. I feel like I have a new appreciation for the beautiful wood finishes of the past. Hope you are well.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! We are, and I hope the same for you and your family!

[@patricksmith3135]

That is a beautiful settee and you did a great job restoring it so well.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@ruraledition]

You have made me appreciate the value of an antique 100% more. Remarkable craftsmanship

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@ianc.2012]

Surgery is complete. Patient to make a full recovery. Thank you, Thomas, for sharing this experience with all of us!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@alliemikaylamcneil]

I've been watching your videos for about 3 years or so now and I just LOVE to watch you work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@donaldshulman6771]

You do amazing work. The settee looks so much better. All of your restoration projects look better than the original!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And I apologize for the delayed response!

[@dougguest6454]

Always a delight to see a new video from you Tom. I sit back and take in the masterclass. Thanks for taking the time and effort of recording these.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate that you take the time to watch them

[@lianapalumbo8457]

How I would've loved to have been your apprentice🤗So much knowledge

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@167curly]

I particularly liked how you dealt with unexpected damage and former repairs in this piece in a flexible and inovative way. Very enjoyable. Thanks.,

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jamesgoodwin2450]

It’s amazing how it survived,it really is a delicate piece,great work bringing it back to life

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@airingcupboard]

This was one where I had no basic knowledge of the joints or the problems. Even disassembly. It felt like a repair high-wire act, but you had it all under control. Your experience was very much on display here. I learn a lot from your videos in terms of process, problem solving and attitudes. Step by step. Proposing. Checking. Seeing what happens. Seeing how far you need to go. It's like a higher calling. Excellent video Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Thank you

[@janbaer3241]

You've rescued a historical item.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@fitnessfirst5111]

What a beautiful piece of furniture. Disappointing fabric choice, but you did a great job with it.

[@chucksuter6551]

i could be wrong but i think that is just underlining. its used to smooth the batting underneath, meaning that whoever buys the seat can chose their own fabric

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Well not my choice! But the owner liked it- she picked it out!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Sometimes that is the case, but this was the final fabric of the owner's choosing

[@edmundgibbons9074]

Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration b

[@careymitchell4731]

Great work. I really enjoyed this. I restored a family heirloom, ca. 1840, "fainting couch" that was supposedly left in the road by Union troops when they found their wagon was already overloaded. It is incredibly uncomfortable ! And small in size, compared today's beds. I have repaired/restored a number of pieces, some in the same shape as yours. Its amazing that we approached the issues by similar procedures !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Carey! Yes, I always think it's great when I learn of someone who's using similar techniques, there's a bond there

[@Tufrmone]

This is really a brilliant restoration and tremendously informative with respect to repair of virtually any other furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@albertaboyz]

I'm trying to get through all your videos. I've seen 20 plus by now. Best videos on the tube. No un necessary dialogue is the biggest praise but great description of your task, techniques and great camera angles, professionally edited. Not to minimize your talent and workmanship. Great work you do. Cheers.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I enjoy making them

[@albertaboyz]

By teaching the rest of us, you're saving a lot of reparable pieces from getting the forest green enamel treatment. haha. I've learned a lot from you. Thank you!!

[@Dan-jq8se]

Thomas, Excellent restoration...as usual. Another great exhibit of patience and attention to detail. Thank You.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@richardmarino5658]

Hello Tom. Thank you once again for sharing your expertise, originality, and commitment to restoring and preservation. Rich M from NJ.

[@johnsonrestoration]

you're welcome!

[@patriciahedges7886]

Beautiful. You are an artist. I absolutely love to see the care you take with each piece and that you value the history of the item. So refreshing in today’s toss and replace with something from a chain store culture. You are also doing a service to our plant. Kindest of regards.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I like the ecological aspect too

[@danielmiller2977]

Man I can't believe how much fun it is to watch and learn from you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Well, thanks for watching!

[@rvarghese3062]

Amazing transformation.... Finished to perfection...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@domeatown]

Thanks for bonus shots of your dog. You know what we want

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! OK, I'll try to do more!

[@SuperMan-xy8ui]

It is nice to see whenever it is returned to the location where it came from so it can be viewed in its surroundings, whatever they may be.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, pieces always look so much better in the house, as opposed to the shop

[@cameliaelliott8526]

What a totally amazing job you have done!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@davidshearer567]

I haven't heard of a settee in a long time- since my grandmother was alive. She was the only one I ever heard use it. I didn't know the term was still around. Great video Sir!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I've not noticed a decline in usage, but I'm in the business so....

[@thisnicklldo]

I'm from the UK and grew up in the 60's, so old but not so very old. I grew up calling anything like that a settee, but considered the term 'settle' as old-fashioned, I think referring to an un-upholstered item. I still instinctively want to call all such furniture 'settees' but some time in the 70's-90's everybody started saying 'sofa' and I realised I had to change to appear up-to-date. 'Settee' seemed to consign me to the wrong socio-economic somehow. A bit like 'serviette' and 'knapkin', or 'toilet' and 'lavatory', though for that we have the class-agnostic 'loo', a word which is a great relief to all us self-conscious types.

[@rogerkauten9769]

Another outstanding job by Thomas! I really enjoyed the thought processes behind it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@borisbash]

Thank you for this experience. And thank you to all the comments I cant add to it. I'm a fan i've subscribed.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@lindawilliams9880]

Incredible, I love the attention to detail!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@wgoconnor33]

A master craftsman at work it was a pleasure to watch you restore the settee

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@franciscobarajasochoa8615]

I thought was impossible but you did it, very good job. Thanks for this video

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@nickdarbenzio1681]

I am an aspiring furniture maker/ restorer. I learn so much from your videos. Thanks for sharing! Spectacular work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@robertahubert9155]

I love these types of videos. I am a women that likes to fix things create things but if I took something that big apart it would wind up in the trash..I wouldn't be able to put it back together again.. what a beautiful piece of furniture

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I have to put it back together!

[@52memor]

Hurrah !!! another "Gold Nugget" from Thomas. Cheers mate

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@markduncan6690]

Watch this guy perform magic! A joy to watch!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sharon7580]

Turned out great. It’s amazing how old rotted/worm eaten wood can be refurbished and made useful again! 🤗👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Good thing it is!

[@nancyjm79]

Another amazing job. You have so much knowledge. Everytime I watch you it's like sitting at the master's feet.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Dog.soldier1950]

The great unspoken skill; great editing

[@johnsonrestoration]

You found our secret! And the vidoeography! We like to keep it moving! Thanks

[@sylviekoenig9960]

My! Since this settee was crafted, no one worked on it as much as you did apart from the worms… And you did a much better job than they did, Tom. It looks fantastic!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@amysbees6686]

Lovely! What a challenge to find the right balance between restoration and reconstruction!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it's always a balancing act

[@rozalee6703]

This was a total labor intensive job well done. Amazing work for this old piece to last another 100 years.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jimmyjames3220]

Incredible as always Tom an thank you for sharing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you as always!

[@SisterShirley]

Thomas, you brought that setee back from the dead.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@normaparry5938]

What a wonderful craftsman you are. Beautiful restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@CARLOSTREUIL]

This video was just what I needed to provide information and inspiration to repair multiple broken tenons on some quarter sawn oak school chairs that I found in an estate sale. This will be my first effort with hide glue and offset dowels of differing sizes on each end. If there is a singular teaching in your videos it is the value of patience and experience in facing challenge. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Good luck!

[@hopeter7648]

Again amazing workmanship thansforming broken wood into a beautiful piece of furniture ,I just love watching your videos,big thank you..!..!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@gruesometwosome6098]

Hi Tom, Another excellent restoration. I was going to ask about the woodworm but you've already answered my question with replies to other people. A job well done 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@smarterthanawaffle]

That bench was held together with worm spit. Looks pretty good now.

[@censusgary]

It’s kind of amazing that a piece like this one, that seems to be half sawdust at the beginning, can be repaired to this extent.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks, yes, luckily there was more undamaged areas than damaged

[@garymallard4699]

You typed a " p " where a " h " should go!! 😃

[@collettedobrocke5585]

Ha Ha ... looks pretty good SPIT. HA HA. Like your humor

[@miguelslade]

Spot on Max, Tom another brilliant resto.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@carolinemiller2211]

Amazing restoration on this piece. I learned so much. Thank you for sharing

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnbass1701]

Great job as always. Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@justicejustus2891]

Very professional work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@giamedina1546]

Really great video! I learned a lot about fixing up old furniture. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@markduncan6690]

A very fine restoration job indeed! So interesting to watch the job evolve to the finish! Bravo!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@agneshardcore1515]

Thank you Tom. Every single time im learning something new from you :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are welcome!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate you being such a long time fan!

[@nickdarbenzio1681]

Spectacular work! I’m an aspiring furniture maker and restorer/finisher. I learn a lot from your videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Good luck!

[@Wabolas]

Thank you so much for these videos, Tom! I love them :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@timmaggard8862]

Outstanding job Sir!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@phonedude58]

Beautiful job, you are truly a Master, God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@ferraridinoman]

Patience of a Saint! Great Work as usual Young Thomas!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@theajthomas]

I have watched a ton of your videos since I found your channel and I have enjoyed them all. I find them interesting and super relaxing. I have roots in Maine and that sort of gives it an extra warm and fuzzy factor. I gotta say - this restoration is probably my favourite so far. I'm surprised the piece was salvageable at all but you made it into a beauty again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! A lot of people like the Maine connection!

[@scottsweet13]

You are an artist

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! But not really

[@cromwell13649]

I watch a lot of your videos but this one in particular stunned me . You are not a furniture restorer ,you are a magician to take on a task like this . Lastly I never heard an American use the word Settee,infact I often hear you use English terminology . The name Thomas Johnson sounds very English to me and your work shop looks as though it could be a village business in the heart of England . I should know coming from Nottingham UK.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Such a compliment! But I believe Johnson is a Scandinavian name

[@cromwell13649]

@@johnsonrestoration Yes it means the son of John and is origianlly an English Scottish name . See for yourself in Google .en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson

[@kellerrobert80]

You have some serious skills, young man!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you , sir!

[@fredfabris7187]

I struggle with how disposable modern products are in general. I have always been a person who sees value in fixing something that that’s worn out. It’s really cool to see that this piece of furniture has been made like new on multiple occasions.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, me too! Thanks!

[@alandickson3545]

Brilliant! Repaired, but I would say not restored. At least that was the look you achieved. Many years of skill needed to knowing how to approach and produce that result. Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@gofannon1943]

Thank you! This helped a lot with my settee restoration 🛋️

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! Good luck with it!

[@drochon6672]

Beautiful restoration. Thanks for the video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!