Peoria IL Historic Renovation

Peoria Historic Home Renovation by Neil at Wood Made Illinois

Preserving the charm, craftsmanship, and architectural integrity of historic homes in Peoria, Illinois, is both a passion and a profession for me, Neil at Wood Made Illinois. Whether you own a Queen Anne Victorian in the Moss Avenue Historic District, a Craftsman bungalow in the West Bluff, or an early 20th-century Four-Square in the East Bluff, historic home renovation is a journey of craftsmanship, care, and respect for architectural heritage. At Wood Made Illinois, we specialize in historic home renovations in Peoria that blend traditional carpentry with modern comfort—without compromising the character that makes your home unique.

Why Peoria’s Historic Homes Matter

Peoria is a city with rich architectural history. The neighborhoods here are dotted with homes that tell stories—stories of the industrial boom, immigrant craftsmanship, and Midwest resilience. Homes built from the mid-1800s through the 1940s in Peoria often feature handcrafted woodwork, stained glass, ornate trim, plaster walls, and one-of-a-kind detailing that cannot be replicated with modern mass production.

At Wood Made Illinois, we believe in honoring those stories. Our goal with every historic home renovation in Peoria is to restore and elevate the original character while improving the livability and energy efficiency of the space.

The Importance of Historic Home Renovation

Renovating a historic home isn’t just about updating aesthetics. It’s about preserving original materials, improving functionality, and ensuring that a historic property can serve modern needs without erasing the past. Renovation also helps maintain property value in historically significant districts. In Peoria, preserving a home’s historic character can enhance resale value, offer tax incentives in some cases, and even improve neighborhood stability.

That’s where our craftsmanship as skilled carpenters at Wood Made Illinois makes the difference. We specialize in:

Wood trim restoration
Custom period-appropriate millwork
Plaster wall repair and refinishing
Door and window reproduction
Custom cabinetry and built-ins
Energy retrofitting for older structures
Reclaimed wood flooring restoration
Siding and exterior woodwork preservation

Wood Trim and Molding Restoration

One of the most defining features of Peoria’s historic homes is their ornate wood trim. From tall baseboards and intricate crown molding to decorative door and window casings, trim tells the story of a home’s original era.

Over time, paint layers, neglect, and poor renovations can damage these beautiful details. At Wood Made Illinois, we carefully remove, strip, replicate, and reinstall historic trim pieces using period-appropriate techniques. In cases where original pieces are missing, I handcraft new ones to match using hardwoods and custom blades.

For example, many Peoria homes from the late 1800s feature Eastlake-style trim—rectilinear patterns with deep incisions. Others from the early 20th century favor the simpler lines of Arts and Crafts. Identifying and respecting those styles is central to our approach.

Authentic Window and Door Renovation

Original wood windows often get replaced by vinyl units in quick-fix renovations—but that’s a mistake. Not only are original windows often higher quality than modern replacements, but they also define the visual character of the home.

At Wood Made Illinois, we refurbish historic windows with:

Reglazing and wood repair
Sash cord and pulley replacements
Weather stripping
Storm window additions for insulation
Custom storm or screen frame fabrication

Similarly, historic doors—especially solid wood with decorative hardware—are worth saving. We can restore or replicate interior and exterior doors in oak, pine, chestnut, or maple, matching period finishes and panel details.

Plaster Wall Restoration: A Lost Art Reborn

Before the rise of drywall in the 1950s, plaster was the wall material of choice—especially in Peoria’s historic homes. Plaster offers depth, character, and durability unmatched by gypsum board.

Unfortunately, many homeowners assume damaged plaster must be removed. That’s not the case. At Wood Made Illinois, we specialize in plaster conservation and repair, using traditional methods like lime putty, horsehair, and sand-based mixes where needed. We patch cracks, consolidate loose plaster, and preserve the subtle textural qualities that define historic interiors.

In homes where partial drywall has been introduced, we offer aesthetic blending so that transitions between old and new are visually seamless.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring Restoration

Nothing complements a historic home like original hardwood flooring. Whether it’s wide-plank heart pine, quarter-sawn oak, or maple, the character of aged wood is irreplaceable.

Our flooring restoration services include:

Sanding and refinishing
Patch-in repair with reclaimed or salvaged wood
Tongue-and-groove tightening
Surface distress replication (when matching adjacent rooms)
Custom staining and sealing for period-authentic finishes

In many Peoria homes, floors may be hidden under carpet or linoleum. We uncover, repair, and restore them with respect.

Period-Appropriate Cabinetry and Built-Ins

Built-in cabinets, window seats, hutches, and bookcases were staples of historic interiors. If you’re lucky enough to have original built-ins, we’ll restore them. If they’ve been lost to time, we’ll recreate them using period-authentic joinery, wood species, and hardware.

We often craft:

Custom kitchen cabinets with inset doors and face frames
Butler’s pantries with glass doors
Arts & Crafts–style fireplace mantels
Shaker-inspired linen closets
Window seats with hidden storage

Every project is custom, and our carpentry is designed to make the new feel like it’s always been there.

Exterior Woodwork: Siding, Soffits, Porches

Preserving the exterior of a historic home is just as vital. Many Peoria homes feature wood lap siding, cedar shakes, ornate brackets, dentil moldings, and covered porches—all of which deserve careful attention.

At Wood Made Illinois, we handle:

Cedar siding repair and replication
Custom fabrication of soffit and fascia details
Column and baluster reproduction
Porch floor replacement with tongue-and-groove fir
Wood gutter repair or reproduction

We avoid synthetic replacements and use time-tested materials like kiln-dried cedar, fir, and rot-resistant hardwoods.

Energy Efficiency in Historic Homes—Without Compromise

Historic homes often get a bad rap for inefficiency—but most of that is fixable without damaging the home’s original character. Rather than replacing original windows or blowing in insulation that can cause moisture issues, we take a thoughtful approach to upgrades.

Our methods include:

Weatherstripping and draft sealing
Insulated window inserts
Storm window installation
Attic air sealing and proper ventilation
Radiator and boiler efficiency improvements (through partner trades)

We work closely with homeowners to balance authenticity and sustainability.

Custom Millwork and Period Reproduction

Not every project can be restored with off-the-shelf materials. That’s why we maintain a small-batch millwork shop right here in Illinois. From matching missing brackets to fabricating 1890s-style newel posts, we build what can’t be bought.

For Peoria homeowners who need millwork for historic interiors or exteriors, we provide:

Profile matching for crown, base, and casing
Porch spindle and bracket reproduction
Custom archways and ceiling treatments
Specialty wood turning and carving
Fireplace mantels and surrounds

Everything is made to measure, with finishes that age beautifully.

Working With Local Codes and Preservation Standards

Many Peoria neighborhoods fall under historic preservation guidelines or are subject to city regulations for exterior changes. At Wood Made Illinois, we’re familiar with these rules and help homeowners navigate them without sacrificing their vision.

We coordinate with local officials, supply necessary documentation, and ensure your project stays within both legal and aesthetic guidelines. Our goal is to make the process stress-free and to ensure your home retains (or gains) its historic designation, where applicable.

Why Choose Wood Made Illinois for Peoria Historic Renovation?

You have options when it comes to contractors—but very few bring the level of historic carpentry expertise, regional knowledge, and commitment to craftsmanship that we do at Wood Made Illinois.

Here’s what makes us different:

Local Expertise: We know Peoria homes—because we live and work here.
Authenticity First: We prioritize historic materials, techniques, and finishes.
Custom Carpentry: We build what others can’t using traditional tools and skills.
Transparent Process: You’ll always know what’s being done, why, and how it honors your home’s character.
Skilled Trades Network: We collaborate with trusted local trades for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC that align with our historic renovation standards.

Client Stories: Bringing History Back to Life

The Italianate Revival in West Bluff

We recently completed the renovation of an 1875 Italianate home on High Street in the West Bluff. The project involved full wood trim restoration, three fireplaces, and a custom butler’s pantry recreated from a single historic photo. The result? A vibrant, livable home that feels both fresh and timeless.

The Bungalow Revival in Uplands

Another client had a neglected 1912 Craftsman bungalow near Bradley University. We restored all the original oak built-ins, sanded and sealed the red oak floors, and reconstructed the porch columns using salvaged wood from a barn in Central Illinois.

These homes now serve as living pieces of Peoria’s architectural heritage—thanks to thoughtful, skilled renovation.

Ready to Restore Your Peoria Historic Home?

If you’re a homeowner in Peoria looking to preserve or restore a historic home, I’d love to talk with you. At Wood Made Illinois, we treat every renovation as a tribute to the craftsmanship that came before us.

Contact us today to schedule a site visit and consultation. Let’s make history together—one room, one trim board, one wood window at a time.