South Pasadena boasts tree-lined boulevards and classic Craftsman homes. At their center are wood doors, crafted by hand more than a century ago, intended to greet with personality and warmth. Yet time, sun, and weather can remove their former shine.
At Romani Restoration, we handle each Craftsman door like a piece of history. Founder Marco Romani, with over 35 years of experience, has received awards for excellence in historic preservation. His process combines old-world refinishing skills with respect for authenticity, so your door appears as when originally installed — or better.
Why Craftsman Doors Require Specialized Treatment
Craftsman homes focus on handcrafted detail, evident in paneled doors, stained wood, and restrained carving. Refinishing such doors demands finesse: stripping too harshly can remove character, and faulty stain selections alter the design.
Our South Pasadena refinishing accentuates:
- Period-styled stain matching for historic authenticity
- Cuts, splits, and panel repair without whole-panel replacement
- Environmentally friendly stripping and sanding that protects original wood grain
- Protective finishes extending life while preserving natural beauty
Our South Pasadena Home Process
Each job starts with meticulous preparation: hardware removal, glass cover-up, and gentle stripping techniques. After the underlying wood is exposed, Marco personally assesses tone, grain, and condition. Then:
Conditions the wood to restore fibers and avoid future dryness
Mixes custom stains to recall Craftsman-era tones
Hand-applies finishes to achieve depth and authenticity
Seals the wood with UV-safe finishes formulated for California weather
This process guarantees your door is not only restored in looks, but also longevity and integrity.
Why South Pasadena Trusts Romani Restoration
Heritage preservation – Awarded by Pasadena for historic award-winning work.
Craftsman expertise – Long experience restoring Arts & Crafts homes.
Hands-on craftsmanship – Marco does the staining and finishing himself.
Eco-friendly practices – Low-VOC products keep wood and environment safe.
