3D Printing Meets Piano Restoration: Creating Intricate Wood Carvings for a Custom Piano Bench

Can 3D-printed resin really look like hand-carved wood? At Brigham Larson Pianos, we're discovering just how powerful modern technology can be when combined with traditional piano restoration craftsmanship.

Our latest project is a perfect example: a completely custom-built piano bench featuring intricate decorative columns recreated using 3D scanning and resin printing.

And the finished result? You'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the original wood carvings and their 3D-printed counterparts!

A Beautiful Restored Piano Deserves a Matching Bench

When a family purchased one of our beautifully restored antique pianos, a 1901 Bush & Lane, they requested a custom matching piano bench designed to complement the piano's historic character.

She had one important request: Make the bench as large as possible while still allowing it to tuck neatly beneath the piano.

We designed it to maximize seating space while leaving just a few inches of clearance on either side.

But the most interesting challenge was recreating the piano's ornate decorative details.

Recreating Historic Wood Carvings With 3D Scanning

This piano had a missing decorative piece on a column, which we used the 3D printer to custom fix. You can read more about the 3D scanning process for this repair in the Blog: 3D Printing a Missing Decorative Piano Column.

 

When it came to the bench, we used 3D scanning to capture the shape and fine details of the original columns as well, creating a digital model that could be reproduced through 3D printing. After experimenting with the printing process, we chose resin printing for the finished pieces.

Resin printing allowed us to capture the delicate details of the original carvings, preserving the appearance of traditional woodworking in a completely different material.

Each printed column includes a 1½-inch-diameter opening through its center. This accommodates the internal support rod, meaning the decorative columns themselves don't have to carry the structural load.

Once painted and finished to match the piano, the results were remarkable.

As Brigham explains:

"You can't even tell that that's actually plastic. It looks like wood carving, and it feels substantial."

The detail, texture, and appearance blend beautifully with the piano's original craftsmanship.

Building a Custom Bench That's Beautiful AND Strong

Of course, recreating the decorative columns was only one part of this project.

The entire bench needed to be constructed from scratch.

For the top, we selected an imported wood veneer that beautifully complements the piano's existing finish. Both the color and grain pattern were carefully considered to create a cohesive appearance.

We also wanted to make sure the bench would remain sturdy for years to come.

Before finalizing the design, we gave our customer a choice: Would she prefer an under-seat music storage compartment, or would she rather prioritize maximum structural strength?

Her answer was simple: "Let's go sturdy."

So we incorporated sturdy oak cross panels beneath the bench, creating a strong internal structure designed for long-term durability.

The result is a substantial, beautifully finished bench that looks right at home with the restored piano.

How 3D Printing Is Changing Piano Restoration

At Brigham Larson Pianos, we've been restoring antique and family heirloom pianos since 1995.

One of the biggest challenges in restoring historic instruments is finding replacement parts that simply aren't manufactured anymore.

Decorative carvings, specialty hardware, unusual action components, and other custom pieces can be difficult or even impossible to source.

That's why we're so excited about the possibilities of 3D scanning and printing.

These technologies allow us to:

• Recreate missing decorative details by scanning surviving original components.
• Preserve historic designs that would otherwise be difficult to reproduce.
• Create custom replacement parts for unique and antique instruments.
• Combine traditional craftsmanship with modern precision to achieve beautiful, functional results.

Not every piano component is suitable for 3D printing, particularly parts with demanding structural or mechanical requirements. But for appropriate applications, it has become an incredibly valuable tool in our restoration shop.

As Brigham puts it:

"3D printing, the power of 3D scanning and 3D printing. What a revelation that is to piano work."

Preserving the Past With the Technology of the Future

What makes this project so special isn't simply that we created a beautiful bench.

It's that we were able to use today's technology to recreate the appearance of craftsmanship from another era.

From the carefully matched veneer to the custom oak supports and intricately detailed resin-printed columns, every element was designed to complement the piano and serve its new owner for years to come.

And now, with its beautiful custom bench complete, this restored antique piano is ready to make music in its new home.

Looking for a beautifully restored antique piano or considering restoring one of your own?

At Brigham Larson Pianos, we specialize in restoring, rebuilding, and refinishing upright and grand pianos. Whether you're searching for a beautifully restored instrument or hoping to bring a treasured family piano back to life, our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver exceptional results.

Visit our Orem, Utah showroom to explore our inventory of 300+ pianos and see our restoration shop firsthand.

Shop Brigham's restored & refurbished grand & upright pianos

Brigham Larson Pianos — Expert Piano Restoration Since 1995

Located in Orem, Utah | Nationwide Piano Sales & Restoration