In a time when most furniture is mass-produced and rarely built to last, it’s rare to find a set of chairs that can serve a family for generations. That’s why, when a past client from Raleigh contacted Finish Pros about refinishing their maple kitchen chairs, we knew this was more than a simple repair job — it was a preservation of history.
The chairs had been in the family for decades. Their finish had worn away in places, leaving sticky patches from years of contact with hands and damp towels. The joints wobbled, making them feel less secure than they once were. At first, the family wasn’t sure if refinishing would be worth the effort. But after a closer inspection, the answer became clear: these were solid hardrock maple chairs made by the Kling Furniture Company — and they had decades of life left in them.
A Brief History of the Kling Furniture Company
The Kling Furniture Company was founded in 1911 in Chautauqua County, New York, by brothers John and Albin Kling. Known for their dedication to craftsmanship, Kling built their reputation producing high-quality hardwood furniture, particularly in maple, cherry, and mahogany.
Their designs combined durability with understated elegance, making them a staple in American homes through the first half of the 20th century. Kling pieces were built to last, often with joinery and finishes that could withstand decades of daily use. In 1962, the company was acquired by Ethan Allen, which continued to produce some Kling designs before integrating them into their broader collection.
Today, original Kling furniture is sought after by collectors, antique lovers, and families who appreciate well-made, American-built craftsmanship. Finding a full set of Kling maple chairs in good structural condition — like the ones brought to Finish Pros — is increasingly rare.
Step 1: Careful Inspection
When these chairs arrived at our Raleigh workshop, the first thing we noticed was their weight and solid construction — a hallmark of quality hardwood furniture. Although the finish was clearly breaking down and the joints were loose, the maple frames themselves were structurally sound.
We explained to the family that with proper restoration — including refinishing and regluing — these chairs could easily last another 40–50 years. That longevity, combined with their history, made restoration the clear choice.
Step 2: Preserving Detail Through Hand Stripping
One of the biggest mistakes in furniture refinishing is aggressive sanding. Over-sanding can flatten the subtle curves of turned legs and spindles, and it strips away the natural patina that gives wood its character.
Instead, we used a chemical hand-stripping process to remove the old finish. This method allows us to strip away failing coatings without altering the original shapes or losing the depth of the wood’s aged color.
It’s especially important for antique or heirloom pieces, where preserving original craftsmanship is part of the value.
Step 3: Disassembly and Regluing
To repair the loose joints, each chair was carefully disassembled, with every piece labeled so it could be reassembled exactly as it was. Our repair process included:
- Cleaning each joint completely to remove old glue and debris
- Applying fresh wood glue to both sides of the joint
- Clamping the pieces on a perfectly flat surface to ensure the chairs would sit level when finished
- Wiping away glue drips with a damp cloth, and for any missed spots, carefully scraping with a razor before lightly sanding
This step restored the chairs’ stability, ensuring they were as strong as the day they left the Kling factory.
Step 4: Smoothing and Preparing the Surface
With the structure restored, the chairs were hand-sanded using 220-grit sanding sponges. This created a smooth, even surface for staining without removing the crisp edges of the turnings.
Step 5: A Custom Finish for Hardrock Maple
The family chose a timeless medium cherry tone for their refinished chairs. However, hardrock maple is a dense wood, and traditional stains often don’t penetrate evenly.
Our solution was to custom-mix a penetrating dye stain that would achieve the depth of color the client wanted. The stain was applied by hand and carefully wiped away to create an even finish.
Once the stain cured, we applied:
- Two coats of sanding sealer using a state-of-the-art air-assist pump sprayer for a fine, even layer
- Fine sanding between coats for a flawless base
- Three coats of clear dull-rubbed sheen lacquer for lasting protection and a soft, classic luster
Pictured above: sanding between coats of finish coats
Care Tip: For lacquer finishes, skip the polish or wax. Simply dust with a microfiber cloth or Swiffer — the sheen comes from the finish itself.
Why Restoration Was the Right Choice
Choosing restoration over replacement gave this family far more than just beautiful chairs:
- Heritage preserved — keeping a family treasure in daily use
- Durability — chairs that will last for decades with minimal maintenance
- Sustainability — avoiding the waste of sending solid wood to a landfill
- Value — high-quality refinishing costs less than buying new furniture of the same caliber
And because Finish Pros serves the entire Triangle area — from Raleigh and Cary to Chapel Hill, Durham, Wake Forest, Apex, and Morrisville — local clients can easily access expert refinishing without shipping furniture far from home.
Pro Tips for DIY Chair Repair
If you’re considering repairing chairs yourself, here are a few lessons from our shop:
- Label all parts before disassembly
- Thoroughly clean joints before gluing
- Clamp on a flat, level surface to prevent wobbling
- Wipe glue drips immediately to avoid extra cleanup
- Use a razor to remove dried glue, then sand lightly
- Preserve the wood’s original shape by sanding gently
- Consider dye stains for dense hardwoods like maple
Bringing Furniture Back to Life in Raleigh and Beyond
This Kling chair project is just one example of what’s possible when professional furniture refinishing is done with care. At Finish Pros, we specialize in:
- Antique furniture restoration
- Wood furniture refinishing
- Custom upholstery and reupholstery services
- Furniture repair for both modern and vintage pieces
Whether you’re in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Wake Forest, or anywhere in the Triangle, our team can help preserve your heirloom furniture for generations to come.
Call Finish Pros today for a free consultation and discover why we’re trusted for the best furniture refinishing in Raleigh NC.
