Business Details
28 Years
experience
Custom Woodworking & Antique Restoration in Wilmington, NC
Martin Custom Woodworking & Antique Restoration represents four generations of woodworking excellence. Founded in 1998, our business continues a family tradition that began in the 1880s with Edward Tibbles' apprenticeship in England. Curtis Martin, a third-generation craftsman, combines formal education from NC State University's Furniture Manufacturing and Management program with hands-on experience gained since childhood. Our team specializes in blending traditional techniques like French polishing with modern engineering to create heirloom-quality furniture. We maintain rigorous quality standards through meticulous craftsmanship, using salvaged antique lumber for authentic restorations. With over two decades of operation in Wilmington's Wrightsville Avenue Corridor, we've built a reputation for solving complex woodworking challenges while maintaining exceptional customer service.Fourth-generation artisan Jacob Martin now serves as shop foreman, ensuring continuity of our family legacy. Our expertise extends to replicating intricate architectural elements, modifying existing furniture for modern needs, and creating custom designs tailored to individual spaces. The business occupies a purpose-built facility designed to enhance workflow efficiency and customer engagement. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted resource for local designers and homeowners seeking bespoke woodwork solutions.
Services
Antique Restoration
Custom Projects
Refinishing Front Doors
Tray Tables
Furniture Replications
Structural Modifications
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 4 generations of woodworking expertise
- Our team uses salvaged antique lumber for authentic restorations
- We provide custom design consultations with scale drawings
- Our craftsmen employ traditional French polishing techniques
- We guarantee structural integrity in all replication projects
Services
Antique Restoration
We restore damaged antiques using traditional techniques while preserving historical integrity. Our craftsmen employ French polishing and use salvaged lumber for authentic replacements. Each project receives structural reinforcement and finish restoration tailored to its period.
Custom Projects
Create unique furniture pieces designed specifically for your space. We collaborate with clients through scale drawings and finish selections to produce one-of-a-kind items. Our process includes custom features like cloth-lined drawers and secret compartments.
Furniture Replications
Duplicate historical furniture pieces with exacting accuracy. Our team analyzes original construction methods to recreate period-accurate components. We match wood species and finishing techniques to maintain authenticity in every replication.
Structural Modifications
Adapt existing furniture for modern use through structural modifications. We extend dining tables, convert bed frames, and reinforce aging pieces. Each modification maintains the original design aesthetic while enhancing functionality.
Front Door Refinishing
Restore exterior wood doors to like-new condition using multi-coat finishing systems. We strip old finishes, repair damage, and apply three layers of water-based polyurethane for durable protection while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
People
Curtis Martin
Owner & Lead Craftsman
Third-generation woodworker with NC State University degree in Furniture Manufacturing. Combines family tradition with modern engineering principles. Oversees all restoration projects and maintains quality standards.
Jacob Martin
Shop Foreman
Fourth-generation artisan with decade-long experience in custom woodworking. Manages daily operations and leads production team. Specializes in replication projects requiring precise historical accuracy.
Questions
What types of wood do you work with?
We primarily use salvaged antique lumber but can source specific species upon request. Our current inventory includes southern yellow pine and wormy chestnut woods recovered from the Cape Fear River.
Can you restore severely damaged antiques?
Yes, we specialize in restoring antiques in any condition. Our process includes structural rebuilding, component replication, and finish restoration while maintaining historical integrity through traditional techniques.
Do you create custom furniture from scratch?
Yes, we offer full custom design services including scale drawings and finish selection. Our team creates bespoke pieces tailored to your space and functional requirements using both traditional and modern methods.
How long does a typical restoration project take?
Project timelines vary based on complexity, but most restorations take 4-8 weeks. We provide detailed schedules during consultation and maintain regular communication throughout the process.
Can you modify existing furniture for modern use?
Yes, we specialize in adapting furniture for contemporary needs. This includes extending dining tables, converting bed frames, and adding modern storage solutions while preserving original design elements.