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.
![](http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6298482038_2459a9d01e.jpg)
Three years later it now sits in my dining room and it looks much better than it did back then.
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6747049899_c8c7b8695d.jpg)
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.
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6747050729_eaacb96cc0.jpg)
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6747052527_800b56becd.jpg)
I quickly got to work sanding down the one side and immediately I could see a huge difference.
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6747048031_dcbed44703.jpg)
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.
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6747046691_8d6675537e.jpg)
It took almost a whole day, but I finally got it all sanded down to a super smooth finish.
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6747047325_3f04e53d26.jpg)
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).
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6747049121_f4988f1bc0.jpg)
The table also has three small leaves, which I have yet to finish. I figured I’d leave those for next Summer.
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6459248365_d73e16e620.jpg)
This is what the table looks like now, with these new chairs I picked up from an old office for free.
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6728261323_c986153443.jpg)
I love the finish and the rich colour of the stain. Its the perfect backdrop for my recipe pictures now!
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6748820901_6a02b33e28.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/15249615821_2a0fd5aa99.jpg)
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!