Welcome to our guide on how to restore a church pew! Church pews are not just pieces of furniture; they are steeped in history and tradition, often holding sentimental value for congregations. Over time, these pews can become worn and damaged, losing their original beauty and charm. However, with the right techniques and tools, restoring a church pew can bring it back to its former glory. In this blog post, we will explore the step-by-step process of restoring a church pew, from assessing the damage to refinishing the wood and reupholstering the seat. Whether you are a church caretaker looking to restore an old pew or a DIY enthusiast eager to tackle a new project, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to revive a piece of history.

Steps To Restore A Church Pew

Restoring a church pew can be a rewarding project that preserves its historical and sentimental value. Here are five key steps involved in restoring a church pew:

 

Assessment: Thoroughly examine the pew to assess the extent of the damage, including scratches, dents, cracks, or areas where the finish has worn off.

 

Repair and Cleaning: Repair any structural damage, such as loose joints or broken parts, using wood glue and filler. Clean the pew to remove dust, dirt, and grime using a mild soap and water solution.

 

Sanding: Sand the entire pew to remove the existing finish and smooth out imperfections. Start with coarse grit sandpaper and gradually move to finer grit for a smooth finish.

 

Refinishing: Apply a wood stain or paint to the pew, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the stain or paint to dry completely before applying a finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.

 

Reassembly: Once the finish and upholstery (if applicable) are complete, reassemble the pew and ensure all parts are secure. Regular maintenance, such as dusting and avoiding placing heavy or sharp objects on it, will help preserve the restored pew.

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Contact McPhail Church Services To Restore Your Church Pews

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    Reupholster An Old Church Bench

    Reupholstering an old church pew is a great choice for several reasons. It helps preserve its historical and sentimental value, especially if it’s been part of your church for a long time. You can update its look with new fabrics to match any decor changes. Plus, reupholstering makes the pew more comfortable for congregants during services. It’s also environmentally friendly, as it keeps the pew out of landfills. Overall, reupholstering is a sustainable and cost-effective way to maintain your church’s history and ensure the pew continues to be enjoyed.

    new church pew upholstery

    Refinish Your Old Church Pew

    Refinishing an old church pew can revitalize it, preserving its historical and sentimental value. It repairs surface damage like scratches and worn finishes, restoring its original beauty. This process also lets you update the pew’s appearance to match any decor changes. Refinishing extends the pew’s lifespan, ensuring it continues to serve the congregation. Overall, refinishing is a cost-effective and sustainable way to maintain its beauty and honor its significance in your church’s history.

    Repairing A Church Pew

    Repairing an old church pew is a wise choice for several reasons. It allows you to fix any structural issues, such as loose joints or broken parts, ensuring the pew is safe for congregants. Repairing can also extend the pew’s lifespan, avoiding the need for costly replacements. Additionally, it helps maintain the pew’s historical and sentimental value, preserving your church’s history. By investing in repairs, you demonstrate your commitment to preserving its significance for future generations. Overall, repairing an old church pew is a practical and meaningful way to honor its past while ensuring its continued use.

    Donate

    Donating an old church pew is a meaningful way to repurpose it. Consider giving it to other churches, religious organizations, community centers, or historical societies. Websites like “The House of Worship Furniture” also offer donation options. Before donating, make sure the recipient can use it.

    Get In Contact With Us Today

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      Church Pew Replacement Parts From McPhail Church Services

      McPhail Church Services is an industry leader that specializes in church pew part replacement & repair, upholstery, refinishing, restoration, and pew installations and deliveries. In our warehouse, we always carry church pew replacement parts and have staff members ready to complete repairs all over the country.

      Pews may seem like they’re one solid piece but there are many parts that can be replaced such as: 

      • Seats and Backrests: These are typically separate pieces and can be replaced if damaged or worn out
      • Cushions and Padding: If the padding or cushioning on the seat or backrest wears out, it can be replaced through reupholstery
      • Wooden Components: Parts like armrests, legs, or other wooden structural elements can be replaced if they are damaged or broken. 
      • Hardware: Screws, bolts, and other fasteners that hold the pew together can be replaced if they become damaged or if the pew becomes unstable
      • Upholstery: If the pews are upholstered, the fabric or covering can be replaced if it becomes torn or worn
      pew restoration

      Where To Buy Church Pew Replacement Parts 

      Buy your church replacement parts from McPhail Church Services! We’ve worked with almost every pew manufacturer since 1990 and have seen it all. Whatever part of your church pew you may need replaced, let us know and we will develop a pew repair solution to fix the problem.

      How Is McPhail Church Services Different From Other Church Services?

      We pride ourselves on our flexibility and quality of service. We’ve been serving churches and congregations around the country since 1990, and we work on the church’s schedule and convenience, so as to not disrupt service at any time. We’re so confident in our quality and service that we offer a 15-year warranty on our upholstery, which is pretty rare for the industry.

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      How Often Should You Replace Church Pews?

      Church pews have been a necessary staple in almost every church for hundreds of years (really!) so it’s no secret that they can last a long time. But how long exactly? 

      High-quality church pews that are well crafted and made from woods like oak, maple, or cherry can last for several decades, even up to 50 years or more, particularly if they are well-maintained and not. subject to excessive wear and tear. 

      Lower-quality pews made from less durable wood and/or poorly crafted will more likely have a shorter lifespan, maybe needing replacement or refurbishment within 15 to 25 years. 

      This is especially important if your church has bought your current pews used. If you bought used pews and know it’s been at least 10 years since, it might be good time to consider replacement.

      Should I Reupholster My Church Pews?

      Reupholstering church pews are always a great idea. But it is important to note that this is a change that is mainly cosmetic and for the comfort of your congregation. Since reupholstery only involves the cushions on the pews it will have nothing to do with the structural integrity of the pews themselves.

      If you find your church members commenting on the pews themselves, maybe mentioning creaking, gaps in the wood, or the side panels not being uniform, then church pew replacement is what you’re looking for. 

      Church Pew Refurbishment vs Replacement

      Church pew replacement involves completely removing the existing pews and installing brand-new ones. On the other hand, refurbishment involves restoring or renovating the existing pews to improve their condition, which could include repairs, refinishing, or modifications. While refurbishment can be a cost-effective option, there are instances where replacement might be the better choice:
      • Long-Term Durability: New pews often come with warranties and assurances of quality, providing a longer lifespan compared to refurbished ones that may still have underlying wear and tear issues.
      • Modern Features: Replacement allows for the incorporation of modern features like ergonomic designs, improved materials, or better functionality, meeting current needs and trends in worship spaces.
      • Consistency and Aesthetics: Replacing all pews ensures consistency in design, color, and style throughout the church, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environment that may be challenging to achieve with refurbished pews.
      • Safety and Comfort: Newer pews often come with updated safety features and ergonomic considerations that might not be present in older, refurbished ones, ensuring better comfort and safety for congregants.
      • Time and Effort: Refurbishment can be time-consuming and might need ongoing maintenance. Replacement, while requiring an initial investment, can reduce long-term maintenance efforts and costs.
      While refurbishment can be a good option for preserving historical or sentimental value, in terms of durability, consistency, modernization, and overall convenience, replacing church pews often emerges as the more advantageous choice for many congregations.

      Where Can I Buy Church Pew Parts?

      If you need replacement church pew parts or if you’re looking for pew repair specialists, look no further!

      No matter the size of the problem, whether it’s broken support legs or missing communion cup holders, McPhail Church Services is equipped to handle it all. With extensive experience in repairing used church furniture from various North American manufacturers, we’ve encountered and successfully resolved every type of issue. Whether it’s tears in your pew padding or damaged parts, share your concern with us, and we’ll craft a tailored solution to mend your pews.

      McPhail Church Services Pew Replacement

      McPhail Church Services specializes in church pew refinishing, wood restoration, supplying pew parts, and crafting lay-in pew cushions as a budget-friendly alternative to conventional upholstered pews.

      We’re eager to collaborate with you to enhance or renew your church’s sanctuary seating. Reach out today for a complimentary quote, and discover how pew reupholstery can be an appealing and cost-effective solution for your church’s seating needs.

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        Church Restoration and Repair After a Catastrophe: McPhail Church Services can help!

        Natural disasters happen, and the church isn’t immune to having to deal with the catastrophe that a hurricane, flood or violent storm can inflict. When these sacred spaces are damaged or destroyed by natural disasters, it can have a profound impact on the emotional and spiritual well-being of your congregation. So it’s important to get timely help from trusted professionals as you set out to restore your sanctuary and meeting spaces.  Even when it’s more than just a clean or maintenance, McPhail Church Services can help!

        Why choose McPhail Church Services to restore your church furnishings?

        McPhail Church Services has earned a solid reputation in the field of church furnishings restoration and repair, backed by years of experience. Our dedicated team possesses knowledge and skills honed through numerous restoration projects, and we understand the unique challenges that church buildings present. Our specialty is restoration, repair, and transport of furniture for places of worship of any size.

        Our collaborative approach is a welcome help and a balm during such a difficult time for your church family. McPhail Church Services works closely with church budgets and governing bodies, ensuring that the restoration project aligns with financial constraints and meets the approval of the church’s leadership. We recognize that there are a lot of moving parts during a large restoration project, and we’re experienced at working alongside other members of the project team so there’s a cohesive plan that takes all aspects of your project into consideration. We strive to make the furnishings repair and restoration part of your project as seamless and timely as possible.

        Services McPhail can offer your congregation:

        At McPhail Church Services, we’ve been installing and refinishing church pews for decades. We have a proprietary process for our projects that we’ve developed with a lot of effort, research, and input from our clients. We’re so confident you’ll be happy with our work that we offer a 15-year warranty on our church pew upholstery.

        Our North Carolina based family-owned business specializes in church pew upholstery, restoration, and repair. While we’re renowned for our on-site pew upholstery and restoration, including cleaning and refurbishing, we can also provide complete pew replacement if needed. We’re happy to come to your church building and make recommendations of what works best for you, taking into account what and how much damage has been done by the storm or natural disaster.

        Partner with McPhail to restore hope for your church community:

        Church restoration and repair in the aftermath of a natural disaster are about more than just reconstructing physical structures; they are about rekindling faith and hope within communities. McPhail Church Services, with its wealth of experience, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment quality, is the ideal choice for these critical projects. Contact us today to see how we can partner with you!

         

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          McPhail Church Services can furnish your Church Plant!

          As your congregation pursues Christ’s call to grow the church and build disciples, often that can mean planning for a church plant – a separate campus where the body of Christ can be rooted and flourish in and underserved area.  While planting a new church home is an exciting time, the logistics can be daunting.

          McPhail Church Services can help!  One of the services we offer is church furniture transporting, assembly, and installation.  For instance, if you purchase used furniture from another organization, and need it moved into your new church plant space, our team is happy to handle all the details:  from un-installing the pews at their existing location, to transporting them to your new location, and then installing them to your specifications. Our McPhail teams have installed literally thousands of church pews in sanctuaries, and trust us- this is NOT a project you want to tackle yourself, especially if you’re moving antique or used wooden pews. Our specialists can handle the entire process, making it a seamless transition.

          If you’re interested in saving money by purchasing used furniture, but don’t know where to start, McPhail Church Services also sells used church furniture, which is always an attractive, affordable option for church plants.  First, we make sure any used church furniture we sell has been restored to tip-top shape. For more than 30 years, we’ve been the go-to provider for these kinds of services, offering reupholstery, padding replacement, solid wood refinishing, veneer repairs and more.  We can even customize some features of your refurbished church furniture, to make the best fit possible for your new church space. The right furniture can truly be transformative for your new space. You can see examples of our refinishing/refurbishing work on our `Before & After’ page.

          If you’re moving into an existing church space, our repair service can help with sprucing up any existing worn or damaged church pews. We also carry a wide range of church pew parts and have vast experience working with used church furniture from every manufacturer in America.

          Partner with McPhail Church Services for your new church!

          We’d be happy to come sit down with your church plant team and help you work through your options, and the logistics of outfitting your new space, while respecting your budget and timeline.  Contact us today to set up a free consultation and price quote.  We look forward to working with your church plant team!

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            Pews vs. chairs for church seating

            For years church seating was like God’s word: unchanging. If you walked into any Christian church in the world, you’d expect to see wooden pews or simple wooden chairs. But as time passed and technology caught up, the options for comfortable church seating expanded: Out of that McPhail Church Services was formed, drawing on the expertise of our owner Norman McPhail, who worked in pew manufacturing for years before founding McPhail Church Services. McPhail performs on site pew restoration, pew upholstery and restoration. So when customers say they’re considering new church seating, and should they install new pews or chairs, we give them a cost-saving third alternative:  Let McPhail repair and restore or reupholster the pews you have, preserving your history while saving you and impressive amount of money!

            Pew Services from McPhail Church Services 

            For about a third of the cost of new pews, McPhail can beautify your existing furniture within a few days, bringing new life to your church seating, be it pews, pulpit chairs, or supplemental seating. We work on any size project, and work around your church schedule so services aren’t disrupted. Most of our work is done by our McPhail team on site, with minimum disruption to your church family. And all services are completed by us without outside contractors, allowing us to make the process as simple and affordable as possible.

            Pew Reupholstery from McPhail Church Services

            McPhail Church Services has a proprietary upholstery/reupholstery process that is highly valued by thousands of churches around the country. You can see examples of our fine craftsmanship to get an idea of what we can do for your sanctuary seating.

            We also have long and trusted relationships with the best fabric mills in the country, so we can provide you with the finest choices in upholstery fabric that is attractive, durable, and reasonably priced.   All our fabrics are woven in the U.S. using domestic yarns. We even warranty the fabric, which is designed to stand up to years of commercial use.

            Our upholstery teams use top of the line high density upholstery foam (LUX foam) that is renowned for durability, comfort, and its ability to retain its shape for years despite repeated use. Both the compression and size of the foam affect comfort, so we’ll work with you to determine the best choice for your congregation. 

             

             Contact McPhail Today Church Seating Options!

            At McPhail, we’ve built our reputation on being the premiere church pew service company. If you’re facing a seating decision, contact us today and one of our team would be happy to talk you through the ways we can refurbish your existing church furniture. We’ve been serving congregations around the country since 1990, and we work on your church’s schedule, so as to not disrupt service at any time. We’re so confident in our work that we offer a 15-year warranty on our upholstery, which is rare for the industry. And we guarantee all phases of our work. We look forward to working with you on the best decision for your congregation and space.

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              When you’re a member of a church you love, you refer to it like you would a family:  it’s your ‘church home’, and it’s where you meet up with your ‘church family’. A successful church is one that recognizes that the brothers and sisters in Christ who gather there are a spiritual family, where you can rely on one another, share life together, and spend time together. That’s why, just like any home, it’s important that your church building and furnishings are welcoming, and people and guests can be comfortable. 

              For decades, McPhail Church Services has partnered with thousands of churches across the country to make theirs an inviting, comfortable space that serves their worship and fellowship needs.

               

              Our North Carolina based family-owned business specializes in church pew upholstery, restoration, and repair. We’ve built our business by offering on-site pew upholstery and restoration, which is a huge help to churches that are trying to be efficient with a limited budget or are concerned about how much time would be involved sending their seating away to be refurbished. That’s why at McPhail’s, we come to you- from our home to yours- to offer top notch expertise where you need it most.

              We work directly with your committee to make sure you have an end product your team is happy with. If refurbishing is not an option, we can provide a complete pew replacement for your sanctuary.

              Pew Refurbishing from McPhail Church Services

              For about a third of the cost of new pews, McPhail can beautify your existing furniture within a few days, bringing new life to your church seating, be it pews, pulpit chairs, or supplemental seating.  We work on any size project, and work around your church schedule, even the busy schedule of new church plants, so services aren’t disrupted. Most of our work is done by our McPhail reupholstery team on site, with minimum disruption to your church family. And all services are completed by us without outside contractors, allowing us to make the process as simple and affordable as possible.

               

                       Why choose McPhail for pew reupholstery?

              McPhail Church Services has a proprietary upholstery/reupholstery process that is highly valued by thousands of churches around the country. We’re so confident you’ll love our services that we offer a 15-year warranty on our church pew upholstery. You can see examples of our fine craftsmanship to get an idea of what we can do for your sanctuary seating.

              We also have long and trusted relationships with the best fabric mills in the country, so we can provide you with the finest choices in upholstery fabric that is attractive, durable, and reasonably priced.   All our fabrics are woven in the U.S., using domestic yarns. We even warranty the fabric, which is designed to stand up to years of commercial use.

              Our upholstery teams use top of the line high density upholstery foam (LUX foam) that is renowned for durability, comfort, and its ability to retain its shape for years despite repeated use. Both the compression and size of the foam affect comfort, so we’ll work with you to determine the best choice for your congregation. 

              McPhail offers the finishings touches for your church home

              McPhail Church Services also offers church pew refinishing, wood restoration, and we provide church pew parts and repair. We also manufacture and sell lay-in pew cushions for an affordable option to traditional upholstered pews. 

              Please contact us today for a free quote on our various church products and services, and allow us the privilege of helping you make your church building your congregation’s home away from home.

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                As one of the foremost church services in the country, we’ve been lucky to work with some of our dearest churches to furnish plants in our community. 

                McPhail Church Services Inc. has provided furniture and church pews to churches around the country for decades now. We’re known for the quality of our work and our schedule flexibility. Our main priority is to ensure that church service isn’t affected at all, so we work around your convenience and timing.

                If you’ve been planning to furnish a church plant, we’re confident that we can be the ideal partner for you on this journey.

                Below we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about furnishing church plants:

                What services can McPhail Church Services provide for my church?

                Think of us if you want fantastic quality for an affordable price in relation to any of the following:

                Does that mean you offer services only in North Carolina?

                Not at all. We’ve been working with churches all along the East Coast, and in every state as far as Texas. If you have a project in mind, get in touch with us, and we’ll help you out, no matter where you’re based in the US.

                What should I consider while furnishing my church plant? 

                The most important thing to consider is seating arrangements for the congregation. We excel in church pews crafted to ensure not just maximum comfort, but also maximum efficiency while keeping your space in mind.

                What if I want to move some of my older church pews over to the plant?

                We can help you with that, no problem. We offer church pew installation services in North Carolina and all our clients in other states too. We’ll pick up pews from your current location and install them at the plant on your schedule and around your convenience.

                Does McPhail offer church pew upholstery services?

                We offer easy church pew upholstery and pew padding services. They’re quick, affordable, and highly customizable. You can choose the fabric and stains while having your pews designed to match your plant’s overall aesthetic and style.

                What makes McPhail’s services special?

                At McPhail Church Services, we’ve been installing and refinishing church pews for decades. We have a proprietary process for our projects that we’ve developed with a lot of effort, research, and input from our clients. We’re so confident you’ll love our services, we offer a 15-year warranty on our church pew upholstery.

                Where can I learn more?

                You can call us at (910) 322-5673 to speak to a McPhail expert, or you can drop us a message for a quote. You’re also welcome to fill out this form, and someone at our end will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

                We’re looking forward to working with you on your next project.

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                  If you’re wondering how to clean and maintain church pews regularly, we at McPhail Church Services have got you covered.

                  We’ve served churches in North Carolina and all over the country for decades now, and know all about church furniture upkeep and maintenance. Here are a few simple tips and tricks up for you:

                   

                  How do I keep my church pews sanitized?

                  If the pews in your church aren’t upholstered, we highly recommend church pew upholstery. It extends the life of your furniture and is also easier to clean and maintain.

                  Assuming your pews are already upholstered:

                  STEP ONE

                  Manually pick any debris off the upholstery and pew surfaces.

                  STEP TWO

                  Gently vacuum the upholstery. This will get rid of most of the invisible dirt and grime. Use some of the extensions that come with your vacuum cleaner to reach corners and nooks that are hard to reach.

                  STEP THREE

                  Get a sanitizing product like Clorox and spray small amounts gently over your upholstery.

                  STEP FOUR

                  Use a light brush to spread the disinfectant and clean up dirt on the surface. Remember, brushing too aggressively can tear the fabric, and spraying too much disinfectant can lead to discoloration and smudging.

                  What if my church pews are made of wood and not upholstered?

                  That’s easy too:

                  STEP ONE

                  Identify the type of wooden surface on your pews—whether the wood is a hard finish or an oil finish. The latter may be slightly more sensitive to cleaning chemicals.

                  STEP TWO

                  If your furniture has a hard wood finish, use a standard cleaning spray with just a few spritzes across the surface.

                  If your furniture has an oil finish, use a mild soap and warm water solution with a soft cloth to clean the surface, and then another damp cloth to make sure all the soap solution is removed. 

                  STEP THREE

                  Use a dry cloth to wipe off any remaining residue or moisture on the wooden surface. This will leave behind a nice sheen on it.

                  BONUS TIP

                  If you want to disinfect wooden pews without any harsh chemicals, you can mix 2 cups of warm water with 1 cup of cleaning vinegar and use a small cloth to apply the mixture to your pews, as well as doorknobs, light switches, chairs etc. But be careful not to use too much vinegar.

                  What if my church pews are damaged?

                  McPhail Church Services offer extremely affordable and convenient church pew parts and repair services. Our experts will get in touch with you, identify the type and extent of damage, and fix it for you in no time at all.

                  If you’d like, we’ll also offer church pew upholstery at extremely competitive prices, with stains and fabrics of your choice, designed to match your existing furniture.

                  What if my pews aren’t damaged, but the wood is starting to look old and discolored?

                  We also offer simple church pew wood restoration services, designed to make your wooden pews look brand new again. That’s the beauty of working with wood furniture—it’s easy to revamp and breathe new life into.

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