Expert: Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson - 2/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a rocking chair from my grandfather but I have never seen pictures anywhere on the net of this rocker.  Its sides have veneer siding.  And leather seat.  I guess the question is with the veneer sides.  3 of them are damaged, so would it be better to replace all sides.  And where could I also find out more about this chair.  I don't want to start repairing it until I have a picture so I can put it back the way it was.

ANSWER: Thanks for your question,
 Without a picture to go by, there's not much I can tell you about your rocker. As far as the veneer sides, if it's bad enough it would be easier and faster to replace or reveneer. Veneer can be repaired but it's a time versus money thing. This doesn't take into consideration the value of the rocker restoring the panels against the value if you replace them. This is only something you can decide.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have pictures of the chair and the sides if you want to see

Answer
Thanks for the picture.
 What I would do is have the panels replaced or using the core, reveneer the panels and stain to match. If this is done correctly, no one would be able to tell they were new. The rocker looks like other then the panels, just needs some stain on some bare parts and be good to go!This would be a perfect time to reglue the entire rocker.
 It is a very nice rocker. If their are no labels or marks, you can match it up by looking at craftsman books and catalogs to try to find more info.
 Thanks for the follow-up,
  Rob
 http://www.andersonsrestorations.com