Heartwood Restorations in Cranford, NJ 

Did you ever watch those shows on the Home Channel . . . the ones where people take old, wretched, seemingly worthless pieces of furniture, restore them, and the pieces turn out to be gorgeous and of great worth?  Well, that kind of magic doesn’t just happen on TV.  It’s happening right here in Cranford, at Heartwood Restorations, located at 29 Alden Street.  The list of available services includes fixing of structural problems, refinishing, veneer damage repair and replacements, surface touch-ups, upholstery . . . . and the list goes on and on.  Everything old can be made new again.

Miguel Garcia, an Elizabeth resident, owner and operator of Heartwood Restorations, learned his skill in his native Portugal.  While there, he gained experience in art conservation and restoration, with a particular focus on antique furniture.  Seven years ago, he and his new wife moved here, “…literally looking for the American Dream,” explains Miguel.  For two years, he worked at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC as an assistant conservator.  Once the two year project he was working on ended, the financial crunch prevented him from being assigned any further projects with the museum.  It was at that time that he decided to open a business of his own, doing what he loves.

“I found the Cranford community to be very accepting of my business,” claims Miguel.    “Not only was there nothing similar offered in town, but people were very eager to have something like this so local.  Lots of people have damaged furniture to restore, and there are a lot of historical houses around with antique furnishings well worth being properly conserved and restored.”

With business, as with everything, timing and location are everything.  “I won’t deny that it is unfortunate that both storms Irene and Sandy have brought quite a volume of work into the studio,” says Miguel.  “Right now there is enough work to keep me booked until the end of September.  However, most of the current projects I have are just heirloom furniture that needs some TLC that people bring in for treatment.”

Some examples of current projects Miguel is working on:  a pair of pocket doors from an early 20^th century home, a music box cabinet from the Morris Museum, a Victorian loveseat, and so much more.  And his clients come from near and far.

“I haven’t needed to do any advertising,” explains Miguel.   “I believe that word of mouth from satisfied clients who have had direct experience with my business is the best way to advertise.”

Of course, a shout-out from 365 Things to Do In The Cranford/Westfield Area isn’t bad, either!

Check out the website at HeartwoodRestorations .