Church Pew and Altar Restoration at The Mariners Church Detroit, MI

In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed

In the Maritime Sailors' Cathedral

The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times

For each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald"

- Gordon Lightfoot

1976

Restoring Sacred Beauty: Mariners Church of Detroit

A Historic Gem Reclaimed

The Mariners Church of Detroit, founded in 1840, is a remarkable example of early American ecclesiastical architecture. Crafted with the precision and care reminiscent of hand-hewn wooden boats, this sacred space is one of the oldest surviving churches in Michigan—and perhaps one of the most underappreciated.

Once a dominant figure on the Detroit skyline, the church’s stature has been visually overshadowed by an unfortunate tower addition and the now underutilized Renaissance Center (RenCen) across the street—a fading monument to the rise and fall of the American auto industry.

But step inside, and everything changes.

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A True Sanctuary

The word “sanctuary” takes on its deepest meaning the moment you step through the church’s original, solid wood front doors. The warmth, silence, and rich glow of aged wood immediately envelop you. It feels safe. Peaceful. Sacred.

Inside, the simplicity of the church speaks volumes about its founders’ values. Carved into the heart of its identity is the creed:

“A House of Prayer for All People.”

Even “hobo mariners,” unwelcome in most places at the time, found a seat here. This was a radical stance in an era when church seating reflected social status, often dividing the rich from the poor. The founders believed resources should serve the mission—not edifice embellishment.

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Mid-Century Missteps

Unfortunately, as with many historic structures, well-intentioned mid-century updates left their mark.

In the 1950s, many of the ground floor interior wooden surfaces were covered with a “limed” or “blonded” lacquer finish, a popular trend at the time but one that felt out of sync with the church’s age and architecture. This finish dulled the natural beauty of the wood and created a stark contrast with the untouched original wood architectural elements that had survived— ceiling beams, doors, balcony railings—still wearing their 174-year-old patina.

The result? A disjointed, cold interior. One that unintentionally erased the authenticity of the space.

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Rediscovering the Original Spirit

Thankfully, the current stewards of Mariners Church understood the importance of historical integrity. They reached out to us to help restore the interior and reconnect it to its true roots.

To begin the process, we created an AI-enhanced rendering to visualize the restoration. 

Then, we spent the summer months carefully executing the transformation—piece by piece.

What we found changed us.

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Detroit Surprises Us

We came with limited expectations and left with a deep love for Detroit, its people, and its pizza. We even became Lions fans (who saw that coming?).

But most importantly, we discovered a city fiercely committed to preserving its heritage while building something new. The restoration of Mariners Church felt like part of that larger movement.

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The Process: Patience Meets Precision

Wood Discovery

The sanctuary woodwork was revealed to be Mahogany, the same species we had worked with in monumental buildings like the Illinois State Supreme Court and St. Paul City Hall. We knew immediately how stunning the final results could be.

The pews were pegged directly into the floor, and the center dividers sat loose, varying in size and placement. Each component had to be tagged, numbered, and gently dismantled to preserve its integrity.

We discovered a pristine, untouched original finish inside the sacristy—our reference for all restoration work.

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Finish Restoration

Our process involved a gentle existing finish “rinse”, designed not to raise the grain or damage the patina. This technique allowed us to bring back the deep, rich glow of the original wood without sanding away its age.

One sample was tested on a pew end, and the results were stunning: warm, authentic, and true to the building’s 19th-century character.

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Bringing It All Back Together

The final phase involved: 

Rebuilding and finish restoration of the pews and sanctuary furnishings

Restoring the altar

Applying a hand-applied dry-brush finish to bring out the character of each piece

Seeing it all come together was deeply rewarding.

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A Labor of Love

My son and I poured our hearts into this project, and we loved every minute of it. We’re incredibly grateful to have been part of restoring such a special space.

Mariners Church now feels like it should: sacred, historic, welcoming.

And while I'm tempted to hang up my tools after this, I have one question for you:

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Can We Help Your Church?

If your historic sanctuary or worship space needs restoration, we’d love to talk.

📧 Email us
📞 Call us
🔨 Let’s bring your space back to life—authentically.

Scott 

Mariners Church Detroit, Historic church restoration, Mahogany wood restoration, Sacred space renovation, 19th century church interior, Detroit architecture history, pew restoration process, Patina wood finish techniques, Church preservation projects

Church Pews: Restore or Replace? Cost.

🪑 Church Pew Restoration vs. Replacement: What to Consider

Church seating is central to every liturgical space. From budget constraints to aesthetics and modern functionality, choosing whether to restore or replace your pews is a major decision. Here's what you need to know.

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🧱 1. Assessing the Value of Your Existing Church Pews

🔍 Structural Integrity

Start with a structural evaluation:

• Are the pews solid wood or veneer?

• How are the seats attached to the ends—routed into grooves or resting on cleats?

• Are the seats flat or curved? Comfortable?

• Is the wood seat thicker than ¾ inch?

• Are there stretchers underneath the seat for support?

• Any signs of repeated repairs?

Key Insight: The more solid wood, the more valuable your pews. High-quality pews of this type are often worth restoring—new replacements cost $300+ per linear foot.

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🏛️ Architectural Design

Your pews may be original to the building—designed to match the sanctuary’s architecture.

• Are pew ends reflected in other sanctuary elements?

• Were they custom-built?

• Do they match the era of the church?

Removing them may mean losing historic character or a “contributing architectural element.”

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🎨 2. Evaluating the Pew Finish

🧼 Surface Wear vs. Real Damage

Many older pews have multiple coats of finish layered over years of use. These can become sticky or exaggerate scratches—but that doesn’t mean replacement is needed.

Good news: Most topcoats can be safely removed, revealing well-preserved solid wood beneath.

⚠️ Restoration Risks

Watch out for companies who use:

• Chemical paste strippers

• High-pressure water blasting

• Water-based cleaners on veneer

These methods can damage wood or cause finishes to lift. Work with a professional who prioritizes care over speed.

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🕊️ 3. Do Church Pews Still Fit Modern Worship?

Some modern churches adopt flexible seating like chairs—but most still choose to retain and restore quality pews.

🔄 Flexibility with Tradition

• Shorten pews to allow wheelchair access

• Add movable chairs in multifunctional spaces

• Modify layouts to reflect contemporary liturgical needs

Restoration can incorporate modern flexibility while preserving tradition.

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💰 4. Cost Comparison: Restore or Buy New?

✨ Pew Restoration Costs

• Starts at $100/linear foot

• Up to $230/linear foot based on type and style

• Roughly the same or more than the cost of buying new

Variables include:

• Volunteer or contractor assistance for the straight labor portion of the work

• On-site vs. off-site work

• Extent of repairs and modifications

📩 Send us photos and total pew footage to receive a tailored bid for budgeting or fundraising.

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🆕 New Pew Costs

• Usually $100–$200 per foot

• Lower-quality materials: chipboard, veneers, fabric

• Many projects require quality compromises

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🛠️ 5. Additional Considerations

📏 Row Spacing

• 28” = too tight

• 31” = minimum

• 34–36” = ideal comfort

📚 Bookracks

• Replace with hymnal carts, or

• Touch-up existing to reduce costs

• Reevaluate need for hat clips and pencil holders

🪵 Kneelers

• Restoring wood kneelers = same cost as new metal

• Consider aesthetic compatibility with sanctuary

🧼 Seat Cushions

• Average cost: $30/foot

• May dampen acoustics—use removable pads

• Avoid permanent fabric/foam attachments

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🎨 6. Finish Matters: Don’t Overlook the Visual Impact

Pews often dominate the sanctuary visually. Yet, they’re often an afterthought in design planning.

• Ensure wood finishes and stains complement overall color schemes

• Harmonize pew design with floors, walls, trim, and lighting

Pews are not just "seating."

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📩 Get a Free Project Evaluation

Send us:

• 📸 Clear photos of your pews

• 📏 Total linear footage

We’ll provide a detailed quote and guidance for your project—perfect for capital campaigns or long-term planning.

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🛠️ Services Offered

• 🔧 Pew, furnishings and interior architectural woodwork restoration & refinishing

• ♿ Pew reconfiguration for accessibility

• 🎨 Custom color matching

• 🪑 Seating layout consultation



-Scott

Call: (262) 527-8969

Email: woodworkrestoration@hotmail.com

http://churchpewrestoration.com

http://woodworkrestoration.com

(Originally published in Environment & Art, Liturgical Training Publications, 1996. Revised 2001, 2012, 2015, 2022, 2025)

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Church Pew Restoration/Refinishing in Akron, Ohio

Project Spotlight: St. Sebastian Church – Akron, OH

Spring 2018 – Restoring Beauty to Well-Worn Pews

At [Your Company Name], we go where we're needed—and in Spring of 2018, that meant heading to St. Sebastian Church in Akron, Ohio.

The church’s pews were original to the 1960s, featuring a blond finish with multiple layers of varnish. Over the decades, those layers had accumulated grime, worn thin, and dulled the wood’s natural beauty. The pews weren’t just dated—they looked tired and felt neglected.

What Happens When You Paint Over Dirty Finishes?

Here’s a great example of what not to do when refinishing pews or wood seating.

These seats had multiple layers of opaque, paint-like finishes applied directly over older, greasy, and poorly prepped surfaces. The result? A finish that scratches easily and won’t adhere properly.

This happens when new coatings are applied over existing finishes that haven’t been cleaned, stripped, or prepped correctly. The substrate (wood surface) simply can’t hold on to the topcoat—no matter how good the paint or varnish.

Let’s just say... it’s clear that painters have been here! 😄

The Hidden Beauty Beneath the Buildup

Even when pews look like a lost cause—coated in grime, sticky finishes, and years of wear—there’s often solid wood hiding underneath. And when that’s the case, we can uncover something truly special:
👉 a deep, rich golden patina that brings warmth and character back to your sanctuary.

It doesn’t happen with shortcuts or quick fixes.
It takes old-fashioned elbow grease, time, and a commitment to doing it right:

Why Restoration Matters

Underneath years of neglect, solid wood still tells a story worth preserving. With expert refinishing, we don’t just clean the surface—we reveal the craftsmanship and history that’s always been there.

Matching the Original: Aged Blond Finish

In this project, the balcony organ pipe housing at the back of the church had something rare: a pristine, original aged wood finish that had stood the test of time beautifully.

Rather than introduce a new or trendy color, the smartest choice was clear—match the pews to that original finish for a cohesive, timeless look.

We call this tone “Aged Blond.”

It’s warm, natural, and rich with character—a perfect blend of heritage and harmony within the church interior.

Why Color Matching Matters

When restoration respects the original architecture and materials, the results feel intentional, seamless, and lasting. We don’t just refinish—we help churches preserve their aesthetic legacy.

🎨 Looking to match existing wood tones in your sanctuary?
Let’s talk about your options—we specialize in custom color matching for historic spaces.

Preserving What Matters: Original Wood Kneelers

This church placed great value on their original wood kneelers—and we completely understood why. Rather than replacing them, they wanted to restore what was already meaningful.

So, we carefully disassembled each kneeler and sanded every component by hand, ensuring a smooth, clean finish that honored the original craftsmanship.

Restored, Refinished, and Reassembled

After carefully sanding each kneeler component, we stained all the parts to perfectly match the surrounding woodwork—ensuring a consistent and cohesive look throughout the sanctuary.

We also provided new kneeler pads for improved comfort and durability.

And here’s the best part?
➡️ That’s a dedicated church volunteer you see helping to reassemble them—proof that restoration is not only about craftsmanship, but also community.

The result? Beautifully restored kneelers that look fresh, feel solid, and remain true to the church’s history.

A Collaborative Restoration Effort

We love projects where church members get involved—it makes the end result even more meaningful. When quality restoration meets local care, it’s more than just furniture. It becomes a shared legacy.

Beyond the Pews: Full Sanctuary Wood Restoration

In this photo, you’ll also notice the sanctuary doors in the background—just one part of a much larger restoration effort.

As part of this project, we also:

• Refinished 50 interior doors

• Restored 4 confessionals

• Brought new life to 30 pieces of sanctuary furniture, including altars, lecterns, and other liturgical elements

Every piece was carefully refinished to match and honor the original craftsmanship, helping unify the entire worship space in tone and character.

Grateful for the Journey

We’re truly grateful to have spent time working with the wonderful team at St. Sebastian Church and getting to know the Akron, Ohio community. One of the greatest rewards of what we do is the opportunity to visit places we might never have discovered otherwise—and to connect with the people who make them special.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone involved!

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Thinking About Pew or Wood Kneeler Restoration?

If your church pews, kneelers, or sanctuary furnishings need refinishing or restoration, we’d love to help.

We specialize in bringing solid wood craftsmanship back to life—with care, skill, and respect for your space’s history.

🪑 Thinking of restoring your kneelers or pews? Let’s talk.

Call us ((262) 527-8969 or email woodworkrestoration@hotmail.com .

Scott 

church pew restoration, pew refinishing services, solid wood pew restoration, church pew refinishing,

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Church Pew Refinishing/Restoration is a Specialty Trade.

Why Hiring the Right Church Pew Refinishing Company Matters

For most churches, hiring a company to refinish, restore, or modify existing church pews is a once-in-a-lifetime project. Whether you're a pastor, priest, church administrator, or volunteer committee member, chances are—this isn’t something you’ve done before.

And that’s exactly why it’s so easy to get it wrong.

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The Most Common Mistake Churches Make

Over nearly 30 years of working on church pew refinishing projects, we’ve heard one story again and again:

“We called a local furniture refinisher… but the more we talked, the more worried we got. So we kept looking.”

Those churches were the lucky ones.

Unfortunately, many others didn’t realize the warning signs until it was too late. They ended up with a contractor who meant well but had no real experience with church pews—and the results were costly, frustrating, and in some cases, disastrous.

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Why Furniture Refinishing ≠ Church Pew Restoration

Let’s be clear: Furniture refinishing is a completely different trade than church pew restoration.

Here’s why local furniture shops often fall short:

• They’re not equipped for scale: Their dip tanks, booths, and tables are designed for dressers, tables, chairs—not 14-foot pews.

• The stripping process is too harsh: Flow-over and high-pressure stripping can damage old wood, especially when repeated across dozens of pews.

• They underestimate the labor: The sheer weight and awkwardness of pews often surprise even experienced furniture teams.

• They misprice the job: Furniture pricing logic doesn’t apply here. The result? They either overbid or drastically underbid. Neither ends well.

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When the Budget Gets Tight, So Does the Quality

One of the most troubling scenarios is when a local contractor underbids the job—then realizes halfway through they’re losing money. What happens next?

• They rush the work.

• They look for ways to cut corners.

• They ask for more money mid-project.

• And quality drops—fast.

That’s when the job becomes more about managing stress and conflict than restoring your sanctuary.

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Church Pews Require Stronger, Smarter Finishes

Unlike furniture, church pews face constant wear and tear:

• Weekly use by congregations

• High hand traffic on top rails and pew ends

• Years of built-up hand oils, grime, and sweat

The finish used on pews must be specifically designed to withstand human touch over decades—not just look good for a few months.

“Lifetime” surface finishes? They don’t last a lifetime. Especially not on touch surfaces.

We’ve written specs for public buildings like courthouses and state capitols, where areas like stair handrails require finishes that hold up to daily human contact. The same rules apply—perhaps even more so—to church pews.

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The Problem With Quick Re-Coating

A popular shortcut is simply cleaning and lightly sanding the pews, then applying a new topcoat. Sounds good in theory.

But here’s the reality:

• The seat and top rails are greasy

• Light sanding doesn’t remove hand oil embedded in the grain

• New finish doesn’t bond—it peels or feels sticky on hot, humid days

You know the feeling: that moment during a summer service when you almost have to peel yourself off the pew. That’s re-coating gone wrong.

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Don’t Spray and Pray

Another red flag? When a contractor insists on spraying all the finishes.

Furniture shops are accustomed to spraying finishes for efficiency. But this approach doesn’t work for pews—especially when the wood has already been damaged by harsh stripping.

They often try to cover imperfections by using opaque, heavy stains. The result? A flat, dull, two-dimensional look that screams "stripped and refinished" instead of "beautifully restored."

In sacred spaces, the grain of the wood should shine through—rich, warm, and resonant. The tactile nature of the wood is part of the worship experience.

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Choose Experience. Avoid Regret.

If you want your church pew refinishing or restoration project done right—on time, on budget, and with lasting beauty—you need a team who’s done it dozens of times before.

That’s where we come in.

• We specialize in church furniture restoration and refinishing

• We use hand tools, custom processes, and apply decades of experience

• We understand the spiritual and historical importance of your space

• And yes, we still believe craftsmanship matters

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Let’s Do This Right

You only get one chance to restore your sanctuary the right way. Let us help you do it with care, integrity, and experience.

📞 Call us today
📧 Email us directly

God bless you and your project. We look forward to hearing from you.

Scott

Woodwork Restoration, LLC

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Church pew refinishing, Church pew restoration, Church pew restoration mistakes, Local refinisher vs church restoration expert, Pew refinishing best practices, Church wood finish problems,Sticky church pew solutions, Restoration of worship furnishings

A Rep of a Rep of a Rep: Who's 'reppin who?

Beware of “We Do It All” Church Supply Companies: A Quick Warning for Church Restoration Project Planners

When you're planning a church pew refinishing or sanctuary restoration project, it's easy to get swept up by confident promises from full-service church suppliers.

You’ve probably heard it before:

“We can set you up with that… and that… and that too!”

But here’s what they really mean:

“We know someone who can do that—and we’ll call them for you, mark it up, and take a cut.”

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The Hidden Chain of Middlemen

Here’s how it typically plays out:

1. You get contacted by a church supply company salesman.

2. That person refers you to someone else.

3. That person refers you to their “area rep.”

4. The area rep sets up a meeting with the actual project manager.

5. The project manager hires a crew—often unskilled subcontractors—to do the work.

In the end, you’ve met lotsa people, none of whom are the ones actually doing the work. Your project gets passed along a chain of sales reps, coordinators, and managers—each one tacking on their own fee or commission.

Sure, it’s a great way to meet people.

But it’s a terrible way to get quality craftsmanship.

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Why This Matters for Church Pew Refinishing

Projects like pew refinishing, altar restoration, or architectural woodwork restoration require a high degree of skill, historical sensitivity, and attention to detail. These aren’t the kinds of jobs you want to hand off to a crew with limited training or a tight schedule set by an out-of-town manager.

Every church is different. Every piece of wood tells a story. If you want it done right, you need someone who’s not just selling the work—but actually doing it.

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Our Advice: Go Direct

If you’re serious about preserving your church’s heritage, consider this:

Work with a craftsman, not a middleman.

There are only a handful of people across the country who truly specialize in church pew refinishing and sacred space restoration. Most of us don’t spend a lot on advertising. We’re busy doing the work—one church at a time.

When you contact us directly:

• You get honest answers

• You talk to the person who will do the work

• You receive a fair, transparent price

• You’re more likely to get a long-lasting result, not a temporary cheap fix

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In Summary

✅ Be cautious of salesman who “knows a guy”
❌ Avoid long chains of salespeople
✅ Look for experienced, hands-on craftspeople
✅ Work directly for the best value and results

We hope this helps you make an informed decision as you plan your project. Whatever direction you choose—good luck, and may your church restoration be a blessing for generations to come.

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Thinking About Refinishing Your Church Pews?

We’d love to talk with you. No sales reps, no layers—just people who care deeply about getting it right.

📧 Email us directly
📞 Give us a call

Let’s preserve your sacred space the way it deserves.

Scott

http://churchpewrestoration.com

http://woodworkrestoration.com

Still Crazy After All These Years

Is It Time to Refinish Your Church Pews?

April 15, 2021 – Pew Refinishing Update

After a year of intensive sanitizing during the height of COVID-19, many churches are now facing the unintended consequences: damaged pew finishes. The harsh chemical cleaners used to disinfect surfaces have taken a toll—especially on solid wood church pews.

So what now? Is pew restoration worth it?

Only Solid Wood Pew Restoration Makes Financial Sense

Let’s get to the point: restoration only makes sense for solid wood pews.

Why?

Because the cost to restore modern, upholstered pews (often built with pressboard, foam, and thin veneers) is typically equal to—or more than—the cost of buying new ones. We refer to these modern builds as “disposable” for a reason: they weren't made to last or to be restored.

But solid wood pews? That’s a whole different story.

• Cost of new solid wood pews: $300–$400 per linear foot

• Cost to restore solid wood pews: Less than half that

If your pews are all solid wood—with or without removable seat pads—restoration offers unbeatable long-term value.

Not sure if your pews are worth restoring?
📸 Just email us photos along with the number of pews and their lengths, and we’ll give you honest feedback.

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A Quick Note from Scott – May 20, 2020

Hey there—
Yes, we’re still here.

A lot of pew refinishing companies didn’t survive the pandemic, but we did.
Our low-overhead, mobile model (we come to you!) helped us weather the storm and continue serving churches across the country.

These days, we’re seeing more inquiries from churches looking to fix pews we consider "disposable"—mass-produced seating from the 1970s and beyond. These pews often:

• Lack proper end supports

• Use low-grade veneers and foam

• Weren’t built for long-term use or refinishing

Unfortunately, patchwork fixes just don't hold up.

But if your church still has original solid wood pews, you're among the lucky few. While the cost of refinishing has increased slightly, the savings over time are significant—especially when compared to replacing all your seating every 15–20 years.

Case Study: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church – Andale, KS

In winter 2019, after a church fire, we helped St. Joe’s restore their entire interior—starting with their original solid wood pews. We even rented a local warehouse to handle the job properly and efficiently.

St Joes before:

Just a few scratches:

And after:

In the church they looked like this:

Ready to Talk Pew Restoration?

Let’s make this simple:

If your church has solid wood pews, restoration is almost always the smarter, more cost-effective route.

📩 Send us a few photos + pew lengths, and we’ll take a look.

Thanks for visiting,

– Scott

(262) 527-8969

woodworkrestoration@hotmail.com