DA Martina Woodworking

Serves Keene, NH

35244

Hired 74 times

1 employee

26 years in business

Free service call

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

David Martina
Completed on 10/5/2023

Introduction

50 years of old school craftsmanship and skill taking old and tired furniture and making it new and exciting again. I build reproductions, repair antiques and collectible furniture. I specialize in fixing things that are "unfixable." If it is made from wood, I can fix it. I do pickups and deliveries within Hillsborough Co., NH and nearby communities. I am happy to take your work at my shop, but I don't travel out of state for pickups or deliveries. Thumbtack charges me to remind you that I am happy to work with you, but out of state customers must come to me. If I declined your inquiry, chances are I'm very busy, or you indicated you needed out of state delivery services. Also, I do not do upholstery. I have other contractors I work with for when upholstery is part of a woodworking project. Have a great day!

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Pricing is based on estimated effort, and that depends on what needs to be done. I price based on my effort and estimated materials. When I write the final invoice, the effort price is always static, but the materials are variable. In general, I'm usually within a few dollars of my initial estimate, unless the scope of the project changes in the middle.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Normally, I'll ask for pictures and provide a ballpark estimate based on that. Presuming the customer and I choose to move forward, the next step is to actually see and evaluate the piece. I typically head to the customer's location and evaluate the piece, provide a firm services price and a materials estimate, and, again assuming we are in agreement, I'll take the piece back to the shop and get to work.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Nearly 50 years of practical experience and applied knowledge.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I am building a retirement business out of a lifelong hobby.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Repairing scratches is fairly common. Tightening the joints on old chairs and repairing puppy chewing damage on chair legs and rungs are also pretty typical. I've done numerous dining room sets and cabinets, but over the years I've worked with pretty much every type of furniture and wood.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Restoring the front entrance of a historical building. Mt St Mary's in Hooksett, NH is a former monastery built in the early 20th Century, and has now been converted to condos. Completed August 2018.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Look at their past work, especially similar types of repairs. Ask for references, and call them.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

How much elbow grease it takes to polish a piece. It can take me three or four hours of rubbing to get the finish right on a single drawer face.