Historical Woodwork Restoration

Respectfully reviving the craftsmanship of Manitoba's heritage properties.

Before and after split image of a grand heritage staircase, showing dilapidated wood on one side and beautifully restored, gleaming wood on the other.
Interactive slider showcasing the transformation of a heritage staircase from damaged to meticulously restored.

Our Restoration Philosophy: Respect & Authenticity

At Gilded Timber, we approach every heritage project with a profound respect for its history and original intention. Our commitment to authenticity defines our process.

Repair, Don't Replace

Our foremost priority is to preserve the original material. We meticulously assess damage and employ skillful repair techniques to save historic elements, ensuring the structure's intrinsic value and narrative remain intact.

Authentic Techniques

We honor the craftsmanship of bygone eras by utilizing traditional hand tools and joinery methods appropriate to the period of the structure. This dedication to historical accuracy ensures our work blends seamlessly with the existing architecture.

Material Matching

Finding the perfect match for aged wood is critical. We leverage an extensive network to source period-matched reclaimed wood, ensuring precise color, grain, and species alignment for any repairs or replacements.

Comprehensive Restoration Services

From grand staircases to delicate carvings, our expertise covers the full spectrum of heritage woodworking.

Close-up of a meticulously restored wooden newel post on a grand staircase, showcasing intricate carving details.

Architectural Elements

Staircases, railings, moldings, doors, and window frames are meticulously revitalized to their original splendor.

A skilled artisan carefully repairing the leg of an antique wooden chair using traditional joinery methods.

Vintage Furniture Repair & Refinishing

Bringing cherished antique furniture back to life with expert repairs, French polishing, and sympathetic refinishing.

A beautifully restored wooden veranda with intricate balusters and supportive posts, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight.

Porch & Veranda Reconstruction

Rebuilding and restoring exterior woodwork to withstand Manitoba's climate while preserving historical accuracy.

Close-up of a perfectly installed reclaimed oak wood floor, showing rich grain patterns and a warm patina.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Sourcing, installation, and meticulous repair of reclaimed wood flooring to honour your property's original character.

A large, old timber beam being carefully reinforced and repaired by skilled carpenters in a heritage building.

Structural Repair

Expert repair and reinforcement of historic beams and posts, ensuring the longevity and safety of your heritage structure.

Case Study: The Crescentwood Century Home

Witness the meticulous journey of transformation for one of Winnipeg's cherished landmarks.

The stately exterior of a century-old home in Winnipeg's Crescentwood neighborhood, before restoration, showing faded paint and some wear on woodwork.
The Crescentwood home before Gilded Timber's intervention.

The grand Queen Anne style residence in Winnipeg's historic Crescentwood neighborhood presented Gilded Timber with one of its most rewarding challenges. Decades of harsh Manitoba winters and well-intentioned but inappropriate modern repairs had taken their toll on the home's exquisite exterior and interior woodwork. Our task was not merely to repair, but to resurrect its soul.

A close-up of a woodcarver's hands working on a lathe, intricately shaping a new spindle to match an antique design.
Meticulously carving a replacement spindle.

We began with the iconic wrap-around veranda, where rotted balusters and a compromised railing system threatened its structural integrity and visual charm. Each damaged component was carefully removed, documented, and then either painstakingly repaired using traditional tenon and mortise joints or entirely recreated from sustainably sourced reclaimed oak that perfectly matched the original age and grain.

Inside, the grand staircase, once obscured by layers of lead paint and structural weaknesses, became a focal point of our restoration. We employed gentle chemical stripping and hand-scraping to reveal the original mahogany beneath, then repaired fractured newel posts and missing balusters. The most intricate work involved replicating several missing ornate spindles, requiring our master wood carver to spend weeks on a lathe, matching their unique profiles down to the finest detail.

The fully restored grand staircase of the Crescentwood home, gleaming mahogany, with newel posts and railings returned to their original glory.
The centerpiece staircase, returned to its original grandeur.

"Gilded Timber didn't just fix our home; they honored its history. Their craftsmanship is a lost art, and we are forever grateful for the incredible effort they put into preserving our family's legacy."

Eleanor & Thomas Vancroft, Crescentwood Homeowners

The Crescentwood project stands as a testament to our dedication to heritage woodworking – a blend of historical sensitivity, uncompromising skill, and a passion for preserving the architectural soul of Winnipeg. The home now proudly exhibits its century-old beauty, ready for generations to come.

Entrust your heritage property to master craftsmen.

We offer on-site assessments to evaluate the condition of your woodwork and provide a detailed, respectful restoration plan tailored to your property's unique history.

Schedule an Assessment