Some pieces of furniture are far more than functional objects. They carry family history with them, passed from one generation to the next and gathering stories along the way.

This beautiful Scotch chest has been in the same family for four generations. With that history behind it, the aim of the restoration was to preserve as much of the original piece as possible while addressing the damage and wear that had accumulated over many years of use.

Repairing Borer Damage

One of the most significant issues was borer damage.

The bottom drawer had been extensively affected, requiring all of its internal components to be replaced. One side of the second drawer was also damaged beyond repair and was carefully replaced.

The entire chest was then thoroughly treated for borer to help protect it from further infestation and ensure it can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

Rebuilding Worn Drawer Runners

After generations of regular use, several of the drawer runners showed considerable wear and tear.

Repairs were made to the runners where possible, while two of the lower drawers required their entire runner systems to be replaced. This restored the drawers to proper working order while retaining the character and integrity of the original chest.

Structural Repairs

A split in one side of the chest was carefully repaired, strengthening the structure and preventing the damage from worsening.

The two large turned sections that form such a distinctive feature of the front of the Scotch chest had also become loose over time. These were securely reattached, preserving an important part of the chest’s original design.

Bringing the Finish Back to Life

Once the structural and functional repairs were complete, the entire chest was refinished.

Years of minor scratches and scuffs were carefully addressed, refreshing the appearance of the timber without taking away the character that comes with the chest’s age and history.

The result is a beautiful piece of furniture that is once again structurally sound, functional and ready to continue its journey through the family.

After four generations, this Scotch chest still has plenty of life left in it — and hopefully many more generations of family history ahead.