Top Picks for Furniture Refinishing Books

This list is for those who refinish furniture as a hobby or professionally. Ongoing education is essential for growth and success in any business, including furniture refinishing. While online resources like YouTube and blogs are valuable, books are also great learning tools.

Check out my top picks for furniture refinishing books.

My Favourite Furniture Restoration and Refinishing Books

I highly recommend these books if you or someone who refinishes furniture wants to learn more about refinishing and restoration techniques. While there is so much information available online, turning to books is my favourite way to gather new ideas for experimenting in the workshop. 

The Furniture Doctor 

I’m starting off with The Furniture Doctor by George Grotz. Published in 1962, this is my favourite as it helped me conquer my fear of working with traditional woodworking products. The refinishing world is filled with new, trending products, but the original methods are sometimes the best.

This paperback covers the basics of veneer repairs, using oxalic acid, staining wood, and restoring old finishes. It also provides ways to detect furniture’s dates and spot reproductions.

George explains things simply and extremely straightforwardly, like a no-nonsense grandpa in the workshop.

The downside to this book? There are no photos. Just some simple sketches. While this is a huge difference from more modern books, I never missed them. The descriptions and tone of voice made it feel like I was being guided in a way that the photos themselves would not provide.

Why You Should Buy The Furniture Doctor by George Grotz:

• Timeless Techniques: Learn traditional woodworking and refinishing methods that have stood the test of time, making this a must-have for anyone serious about mastering the craft.
• Straightforward Guidance: Written in a no-nonsense, conversational tone, it’s like getting advice from a seasoned mentor who’s seen it all.
• Comprehensive Coverage: From veneer repairs to identifying furniture dates, this book covers a wide range of essential skills with clarity and precision.
  Discover The Furniture Doctor Here

The Furniture Bible

Next up is The Furniture Bible by Christophe Pourny. Published in 2014, this book is a treasure for anyone seeking to tap into the mind of a seasoned restoration artist. Christophe takes you through the necessary steps, from identifying your furniture to preparation and the various restoration techniques used by seasoned professionals.

This book contains many step-by-step guidance through projects, with clean, crisp photos. You wouldn’t expect anything else from a book with a foreword by Martha Stewart.

Why You Should Buy The Furniture Bible by Christophe Pourny:

• Expert Insights: Gain access to the mind of a seasoned restoration artist as Christophe Pourny shares professional techniques and invaluable knowledge.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: Follow along with detailed projects, complete with clean, crisp photos that make the restoration process clear and approachable.
• High-Quality Presentation: With a foreword by Martha Stewart, this book delivers both in content and presentation, making it a valuable addition to any furniture restorer’s library.
  Discover The Furniture Bible Here

The Practical Illustrated Guide to Furniture Repair and Restoration

Written by William Cook and published in 2020, this guide is focused on restoration and conservation. The gorgeous, big photos show how to conserve antique furniture with minimal products and interference with the original state.

If you strictly prep, fill, prime, and paint, this book is not for you. However, if you love antiques and vintage furniture and wish to learn more methods of furniture restoration, then get this book immediately!

Why You Should Buy Repair and Restoration by William Cook:

• Beautiful Visuals: Enjoy stunning, large photos that guide you through the conservation process, making complex techniques easier to understand and apply.
• Minimal Intervention Approach: Learn how to preserve the authenticity of antique furniture with minimal products, ensuring the original state remains intact.
• Specialized Focus: Perfect for those passionate about antiques and vintage furniture, this guide offers expert methods for restoration that go beyond the basics of prepping and painting.
  Shop Repair and Restoration Here

Understanding Wood Finishes

Understanding Wood Finishing by Bob Flexner was published in 2005. This book focuses strictly on wood finishes, unlike the previous books on the list.

While you may think that makes for a short book, that’s far from the truth. This is an intensive read! But it covers everything from preparing your wood surface, tools needed, staining, oil, waxes, filling pours, film finishes, shellac, lacquer, varnish, two-part finishes, water-based finishes and more. So much more. I only gave you a brief overview of the first chapters. If you are a refinisher and serious about preserving vintage wooden furniture, this book must be on your bookshelf.

Why You Should Buy Understanding Wood Finishing by Bob Flexner:

• Comprehensive Finishing Guide: Dive deep into every aspect of wood finishing, from surface preparation to the nuances of various finishes like shellac, lacquer, and varnish.
• Invaluable Resource: This book is a must-have for serious refinishers, offering detailed insights and techniques that ensure your vintage furniture preservation projects are top-notch.
• Thorough and Intensive: It’s not a light read, but the wealth of knowledge packed into this book makes it an indispensable reference for anyone committed to mastering wood finishing.
  Explore Understanding Wood Finishing Here

Importance of Wood Identification for Refinishers

If you have been part of the Bold Wallflowers community or are reading the articles regularly, you will know how important a skill I find wood identification to be for furniture refinishers. I have several books that strictly look at wood types. You would probably be surprised by the sheer number of books on the topic! Heck, I have one textbook (in Dutch) that costs a small fortune and lists almost every wood species. It’s so incredibly technical that I rarely open it.

But let me share which wood identification book I regularly turn to with you.

Wood Identification and Use

Written by Terry Porter and originally published in 2004, this book is focused on identifying common wood types and providing general wood knowledge. It also dives into toxic woods, how wood grows and is cut, and provides a wood directory.

There is a picture of each type of wood, as well as a description and typical uses for each type.

I would have loved to have had more photos of the most common types of wood, as no two pieces ever really look similar. But aside from that, this book is my go-to when I am stuck.

Looking for more information on Identifying wood types; check out the articles I’ve created related to all things identifying wood. 

Why You Should Buy Wood Identification & Use by Terry Porter:

• Comprehensive Wood Guide: This book is a valuable resource for identifying and understanding a wide variety of wood types, including details on toxic woods and wood growth.
• Visual References: Each wood type is accompanied by a picture, making it easier to recognize and learn about different species.
• Practical Insights: The book not only identifies wood but also provides information on typical uses, helping you make informed choices in your woodworking projects.
  Check Out Wood Identification & Use Here

Tips for Continual Learning as a Refinisher

For furniture refinishers to stay ahead in their craft and business, continuous learning is essential. Here are some tips for effective learning habits:

1. Cultivate a reading habit. Set aside dedicated time each week to read books, articles, and blogs related to furniture restoration and wood identification. Exposing yourself to new ways of working/restoring will help to grow your skill level and knowledge.

2. Learn from experience. Approach each new project as a learning opportunity. I personally love taking on pieces that I am unsure how to refinish. Those challenges force me out of my comfort zone and ensure that I start researching new methods of refinishing.

3. Join online communities. Participate in comment sections and social media groups where you can ask questions, share insights, and learn from experienced refinishers worldwide. Facebook communities are a great place to start. And remember, just because no one is asking questions doesn’t mean that questions aren’t welcome. Often, people are nervous to expose a lack of knowledge in an area or are worried about being judged. Toss those fears to the side; we all learn together!

Did I miss your favourite furniture refinishing book?

Let me know in the comments if there is a guide to furniture or furniture repair book that you turn to regularly that I may have forgotten. Or perhaps you wish to know more about a book I didn’t mention. If so, the comments are there for a reason, or you can drop me an email.

Final Thoughts

Furniture refinishing is an art that requires continual learning and growth. The books in this guide provide invaluable resources for mastering restoration techniques and identifying wood types.

Continually learning is key to mastering your craft and staying ahead in the furniture refinishing industry. Make a habit of reading, experimenting with new techniques, and striving to improve. You can take your refinishing skills and business to new heights with dedication and the right resources.