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For over 40 years, The Back Porch has been Erie's trusted name in furniture restoration. We treat every customer, and every piece, like family.
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"Every piece comes with a story. Almost every person owns furniture that’s been passed from one generation to the next, and it has sentimental value." — Joe Temple, Founder, in a 1997 interview with the Erie Times-News
About Us
The Back Porch, Ltd. is a family-owned and operated furniture restoration business that has been serving the Erie community since 1981.
The foundation of our shop was laid long before our doors officially opened. Our story began in the 1970s with Joe Temple, whose passion for woodworking and the preservation of wood’s natural beauty served as the spark for what would become a lifelong family mission.
In 1981, Joe officially founded The Back Porch with his sons, Jim and Doug. It has always been a true family operation. Our roots are built into the very walls of our business. Joe and his sons constructed the shop building themselves—a hands-on beginning that set the standard for the hard work and dedication we bring to every project today.
Over the years, nephew Jason Aloiz and Doug's son Dan Temple joined the team, carrying on the tradition of craftsmanship and care that Joe started. Though Doug retired in 2015, he still enjoys making the trip to the shop to lend his expertise to specialized projects, including caning, rushing, and repairs, ensuring those rare skills stay within the family.
Today, the business is operated by Jim and Dan Temple.
We take pride in treating every customer like family. Over the decades, we have built a loyal customer base not just through quality work, but through genuine relationships. Every piece of furniture has a story, and we understand the history and sentiment behind the items brought into our shop. We will take good care of yours.
A look back at a 1997 feature on Joe, Doug, and Jim Temple in the Erie Times. We’ve been restoring the history of our community since 1981, treating every heirloom with the same care and respect we did over forty years ago.