Business Details
38 Years
experience
Expert Furniture Restoration & Refinishing Services
Van Der Meulen's Fine Finishers has dedicated itself to the art of furniture restoration and custom finishing since 1988. Founded by Gordon Van Der Meulen, a veteran of the furniture industry with decades of experience at Baker Furniture, our company was built on the principle that exceptional craftsmanship naturally attracts demand. Over the years, we have expanded our expertise to serve residential and commercial clients across Michigan, from Lake Michigan to Detroit, and from Chicago to Traverse City. Our team specializes in restoring heirlooms, repairing water- or fire-damaged furniture, and providing custom finishes for cabinetry, cupboards, and architectural woodwork.With a combined 96 years of experience and a 14,000-square-foot facility, we handle projects of all sizes with precision and care. Alicia Van Der Meulen, now President/CEO, continues the family legacy of excellence, ensuring every client receives personalized attention and results that honor the original beauty of their furniture. Our services include caning/rushing, on-site touch-ups, and pre-finishing for design firms, reflecting our commitment to both tradition and innovation. We take pride in serving churches, restaurants, corporations, and homeowners, delivering timeless quality that withstands the test of time.
Services
Furniture Refinishing
Custom Finishing
Caning/Rushing
On-Site Touch-Up
Cabinet Refacing
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Over 25 years of furniture restoration experience
- Family-owned business with three generations of expertise
- Skilled team with combined 96 years of industry knowledge
- Serves Michigan and surrounding regions with pick-up/delivery
- Specializes in heirloom, water/fire damage, and commercial projects
What people say
Did a great job
Excellent service and quality
Still looking very good
Continue to this day
Service and quality of work is excellent
Services
Furniture Refinishing
We restore furniture to its original condition, addressing water/fire damage, wear, and structural issues. Our nitrocellulose lacquer and polyurethane finishes ensure durability while preserving aesthetic value. Ideal for heirlooms, antiques, and commercial furniture.
Custom Finishing
Our team pre-finishes cabinetry, cupboards, and architectural woodwork to match existing or custom colors. We collaborate with design firms to deliver precise finishes for kitchens, entertainment units, and parade homes.
Caning/Rushing
We replace brittle cane webbing and re-rush chair seats using traditional methods. This service caters to vintage furniture owners and institutions needing historically accurate repairs for chairs and pews.
On-Site Touch-Up
Our technicians perform professional on-site touch-ups for office furniture, hotel interiors, and educational facilities. We address scratches, worn edges, and finish degradation to restore a polished appearance without disrupting operations.
Cabinet Refacing
We refinish cabinets to modernize kitchens and bathrooms while maintaining structural integrity. This cost-effective solution extends furniture lifespan and aligns with contemporary design preferences for residential and commercial spaces.
People
Gordon Van Der Meulen
Founder
Gordon founded the company in 1988 after a 39-year career at Baker Furniture. His industry expertise and commitment to craftsmanship established the foundation for our family-owned business.
Rick Van Der Meulen
Former President
Rick joined the company in 1991, bringing 19 years of Baker Furniture experience. He expanded our commercial services and mentored the next generation before retiring in 2017.
Alicia Van Der Meulen
President/CEO
Alicia became CEO in 2017 after 23 years of hands-on experience. She oversees operations and ensures continuity of our family legacy, combining traditional techniques with modern business practices.
Questions
What types of furniture do you restore?
We handle all wood furniture, including heirlooms, antiques, office furniture, church pews, restaurant tables, and commercial cabinetry. Our expertise covers structural repair and finish restoration.
Do you offer on-site services?
Yes, we provide on-site touch-up services for offices, hotels, and educational institutions. Our team visits your location to assess and repair furniture without requiring transportation.
Can you match custom paint or stain colors?
Our finishers specialize in color matching for cabinetry, cupboards, and architectural woodwork. We ensure seamless integration with existing finishes or create new custom tones per your specifications.
How long does the refinishing process take?
Project timelines vary by scope. Small items typically take 2-3 weeks, while large commercial projects may require 4-6 weeks. We prioritize timely completion without compromising quality.
Do you serve areas outside Michigan?
While based in Zeeland, MI, we serve clients from Chicago to Traverse City. Our fleet enables efficient pick-up/delivery for most locations within the Great Lakes region.
