Repair Roll Top Desk Tambour: A Personal Experience And Guide

As someone who loves antique furniture and vintage pieces, I was thrilled when I found a beautiful roll top desk at a local thrift store. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed that the tambour (the rolling door that covers the desk’s cubbies) was damaged and wouldn’t close properly. I knew I had to figure out how to repair it.

What is a Tambour?

A tambour is a flexible sliding door made up of thin slats or strips of wood that are joined together by cloth or canvas. It is often used in roll top desks, cabinets, and other furniture pieces to cover shelves and storage compartments.

Step-by-Step Guide for Repairing a Roll Top Desk Tambour

Step 1: Remove the Tambour

The first step in repairing a roll top desk tambour is to remove it from the desk. This can usually be done by gently lifting it up and out of the track that it sits in.

Step 2: Assess the Damage

Once the tambour is removed, assess the damage. Look for any broken slats or strips, tears in the cloth or canvas, or any other issues that may need to be addressed.

Step 3: Repair or Replace Slats or Strips

If there are any broken slats or strips, they will need to be repaired or replaced. This can be done by carefully removing the damaged piece and replacing it with a new one. If the slat or strip is not completely broken, it may be possible to glue it back together.

Step 4: Repair Tears in Cloth or Canvas

If there are any tears in the cloth or canvas, they will need to be repaired. This can be done by carefully stitching the tear closed or patching it with a piece of matching material.

Step 5: Reattach the Tambour

Once all repairs have been made, reattach the tambour to the desk by carefully sliding it back into the track it sits in. Test the tambour to make sure it opens and closes smoothly and that there are no further issues.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Repairing a Roll Top Desk Tambour

Take your time and be gentle when removing and reattaching the tambour.
Use matching materials (wood, cloth, canvas) when making repairs.
If possible, remove the tambour from the desk to make repairs easier.
Consider seeking the help of a professional if you are unsure about making repairs.
Keep all pieces and parts organized and labeled during the repair process.
Use a small amount of wood glue to strengthen any weak or broken slats or strips.
Consider sanding down any rough or uneven edges on the slats or strips.
Use a matching stain or paint to touch up any repaired areas.
Test the tambour thoroughly before reattaching it to the desk.
Take before and after photos to document the repair process.

Pros and Cons of Repairing a Roll Top Desk Tambour

Pros:

Preserves the desk’s original appearance and functionality.
Can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new desk.
Can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.

Cons:

Can be time-consuming and require specialized skills or knowledge.
May require the purchase of specialized materials or tools.
May not be possible to repair if damage is too severe.

My Personal Review and Suggestion on Repairing a Roll Top Desk Tambour

Overall, I found repairing the tambour on my roll top desk to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. While it did require some time and effort, the end result was well worth it. The desk now functions as it should and looks beautiful in my home.

My suggestion would be to take your time and carefully assess the damage before beginning any repairs. Consider seeking the help of a professional if you are unsure about any aspect of the repair process. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process!

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can a roll top desk tambour be repaired if it is completely broken?

A: In some cases, it may be possible to repair a completely broken tambour. However, it may require the replacement of multiple slats or strips and may not be cost-effective. In some cases, it may be better to replace the tambour entirely.

Q: How do I know if my roll top desk tambour needs to be repaired?

A: Signs that your tambour may need to be repaired include difficulty opening or closing, visible damage to the slats or strips, or tears in the cloth or canvas. If you are unsure, consult with a professional.

Q: What materials do I need to repair a roll top desk tambour?

A: Materials needed may include replacement slats or strips, cloth or canvas for repair, wood glue, sandpaper, and matching stain or paint.