Lifetime Devoted to the Art of Wood Restoration
For more than 38 years, Marco Romani has defined what true craftsmanship means in the world of wood restoration and refinishing. As the founder and sole artisan behind Romani Restoration, Marco has worked on some of the most iconic and historic properties across Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, and Los Angeles County. Since 1986, he has dedicated every day to perfecting his art — restoring doors, cabinets, and hardwood surfaces with the same precision and care that made him one of California’s most respected names in his field.
Where many companies divide their work among multiple technicians or subcontractors, Marco performs each step himself. From stripping old finishes and repairing aged wood to mixing custom stains and applying final coats, every project bears his personal touch. This hands-on approach guarantees precision, consistency, and a finish that reflects not only skill, but passion.
A European Foundation in True Craftsmanship
Marco’s foundation in restoration began in San Francisco, but it was his studies in Florence, Italy, in the year 2000 that refined his mastery. He trained in traditional European techniques such as French Polish, hand-rubbed oil finishes, and natural shellac layering — methods rarely practiced in modern restoration. These techniques create a depth, warmth, and durability that cannot be replicated by machine applications.
This European discipline, combined with decades of experience restoring Craftsman homes throughout Southern California, allows Marco to bring historical authenticity and modern resilience to every project. For homeowners in Pasadena, Altadena, and San Marino, this level of artistry ensures that every restored surface looks as rich and enduring as the day it was first crafted.
Recognition and Historic Preservation Awards
Marco’s craftsmanship has not gone unnoticed. In 2009, he received the Historic Preservation Award from the City of Pasadena and the State of California for his work on a 1910 Craftsman home overlooking the Arroyo Seco. The project required meticulous refinishing of doors, trim, and built-ins — all completed personally by Marco, true to the home’s era.
In 2014, the City of Alhambra recognized Romani Restoration as “Best of 2014” for excellence in restoring historic properties. These awards symbolize not just technical skill, but a commitment to preserving architectural heritage across Southern California.
Restoring Pasadena’s Architectural Heritage
Marco’s reputation has earned him the trust of clients who own some of the region’s most recognized properties. His portfolio includes restoration work at Castle Green, Pasadena’s historic landmark built in 1898, where he refinished intricate interior woodwork with precision and respect for its original design. His craftsmanship at Castle Green earned widespread recognition for preserving both the elegance and integrity of a true historic landmark.
Beyond Castle Green, Marco’s expertise has been sought for restoration projects at the Pasadena Public Library, homes throughout Bungalow Heaven, and numerous heritage residences across the San Gabriel Valley, Eagle Rock, and Long Beach. Each project reinforces his reputation as a preservation specialist who treats every door, beam, and floor as a piece of living history.
Why One Craftsman Makes All the Difference
Romani Restoration is not a team — it’s one man’s craft. Marco’s one-man approach ensures direct communication, accountability, and unmatched attention to detail. He personally assesses each project, evaluates the wood’s condition, and performs every technical stage himself — from stripping and sanding to staining and sealing.
Marco’s custom stain mixing process is entirely his own, refined over decades. He adjusts color tones by eye to match each wood’s natural hue or a homeowner’s vision, creating seamless finishes that enhance rather than disguise the wood’s character. His understanding of how different species of wood absorb stains, react to light, and age over time ensures every restoration is both beautiful and lasting.
Refinishing and Restoration Services
Romani Restoration focuses exclusively on wood refinishing and restaining. By specializing in a single craft, Marco ensures every project receives the depth of experience that general contractors cannot replicate.
Wood Door Refinishing and Restoration: From solid oak entry doors to vintage French and Dutch doors, Marco restores original finishes, removes sun damage, and applies durable coatings for lasting protection.
Kitchen Cabinet Restaining: Instead of costly replacements, cabinets are revitalized through careful cleaning, sanding, and color refinishing, resulting in a refreshed and modernized look that maintains the wood’s integrity.
Wood Floor Refinishing: Marco’s process restores the original richness of hardwood floors while protecting them from daily wear. His refinishing technique enhances natural grain and delivers a deep, lasting finish.
Craftsman Home Restoration: Craftsman-style homes are defined by detailed woodwork. Marco’s expertise in restoring beams, trim, built-ins, and paneling preserves their historic authenticity while improving durability.
Historic Property Restoration: Working with both homeowners and preservation boards, Marco restores architectural wood elements in historic estates, ensuring compliance with preservation standards while achieving flawless results.
The Romani Difference
Homeowners choose Marco Romani for one reason — authenticity. Every project is treated as an extension of his craft, and every surface reflects decades of discipline and respect for the material. He protects each home with careful preparation, ensures a clean workspace, and delivers results that hold up to both time and scrutiny.
His work is defined by quality, not quantity. Every restored door, cabinet, or floor is the direct result of one craftsman’s commitment to perfection — from the first brush stroke to the final finish.
Schedule a call with Marco Romani
If your home features woodwork that deserves expert attention, contact Romani Restoration for a consultation. Marco personally meets with homeowners to evaluate each project and provide detailed recommendations.
Serving Pasadena, San Marino, Altadena, Glendale, and the greater Los Angeles area, Romani Restoration is Southern California’s trusted name for authentic, long-lasting wood restoration and refinishing.