Pew Refurbishing at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church – Powell, WY
Project Overview
Church Name: St. Barbara’s Catholic Church
Location: Powell, Wyoming
Services Provided: Pew Refurbishing, Kneeler Restoration
Project Focus: Restoring traditional wood pews damaged by COVID-era social distancing practices
The Challenge
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches implemented creative solutions to accommodate social distancing guidelines. At St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Powell, WY, like many others, this meant using tape to “X off” pews that were not to be used during services. While practical at the time, certain types of tape left permanent impressions and adhesive marks on the wood — damaging the finish and creating visible “X” shapes across many of the pews.
As a traditional Catholic parish with historic wooden pews, St. Barbara’s wanted to preserve their original seating rather than replace it or add upholstery. They needed a solution that would remove the damage while maintaining the church’s timeless aesthetic.
Our Pew Restoration Solution
Sharpe’s Church Interiors provided a custom wood pew refurbishing service that allowed the church to preserve its traditional appearance while eliminating the visual damage caused by the tape.
Pew Surface Refurbishing
We carefully cleaned, sanded, and refinished the affected areas of the pews, removing the leftover adhesive residue and permanent marks without compromising the wood itself. The result was a restored finish that blended seamlessly with the rest of the sanctuary, maintaining the original look of the pews while giving them a fresh, well-cared-for appearance.
Kneeler Restoration
In addition to the pews, we also refurbished the kneelers, ensuring they were clean, functional, and cohesive with the renewed pews — an important touch for a church that upholds Catholic liturgical tradition.
The Results
This project is a prime example of how church pew refurbishing can solve unexpected problems without compromising tradition. We were able to remove years-old tape damage, eliminate visible “X” patterns from the pews, and restore the warm, reverent look of St. Barbara’s sanctuary — all without upholstery or replacement.
📸 View other restoration projects in our Our Work gallery or see how churches across the country are preserving their seating with our help.
Why This Project Matters
Churches like St. Barbara’s show how powerful it can be to preserve original craftsmanship. Even years after COVID changed how sanctuaries were used, lingering effects like damage from tape and adhesives can still be addressed through proper church pew restoration.
If your pews have been impacted by past practices or simply need a refresh, our team offers specialized solutions that respect both form and function. Visit our FAQ page or explore our Church Interior Design Services to learn more.
📞 Need to Restore, Not Replace?
We specialize in preserving traditional church interiors with expert pew refurbishing, kneeler restoration, and sanctuary updates.
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