A few years ago my dad went out for a drive and found an old table on the side of the road. He didn’t think anything of it and just casually mentioned it when he got back. Within seconds I hauled him back to the car and insisted he show me where it is. It was a beat up old solid wood table, but I could see the potential.
Three years later it now sits in my dining room and it looks much better than it did back then.
Here is what it looked like back in October this year when I started working on the table top. The legs were in pretty good shape, so I didn’t strip them, or the sides of the table.
I quickly got to work sanding down the one side and immediately I could see a huge difference.
I decided not to strip the sides because they had this beautiful two toned inlay that went perfectly with the stain I was looking at.
It took almost a whole day, but I finally got it all sanded down to a super smooth finish.
I used MinWax’s Jacobean stain, which ironically is the colour my parents did their dining room table in years ago. I had no idea, but I guess it unconsciously inspired me. My dad helped me out by doing the many layers of varnish (and sanding in between).
The table also has three small leaves, which I have yet to finish. I figured I’d leave those for next Summer.
This is what the table looks like now, with these new chairs I picked up from an old office for free.
I love the finish and the rich colour of the stain. Its the perfect backdrop for my recipe pictures now!
For the upholstery, I’ve ordered this cotton print canvas from Tonic Living. They are the same company who made my striped futon cover I use in the warmer months.
Now I just need to find time to finish the chairs and then we’ll have a full dining room set for next to nothing. Gotta love that!
