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Anyone have any info on this table?? I have never restored anything before and do not want to do it any more harm than already has been done. Trying to find out any info like era, type, what it would take to restore, if it is worth it and what it could be worth if done correctly...

Shari · Answer

Let me preface my comment by saying I am definitely not a furniture expert but I'm thinking this could be a Duncan Phyfe style pedestal drop leaf table, possibly from the 30s or 40s. It's probably not terribly valuable money-wise, based on similar tables I saw on eBay, like here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Duncan-Phyfe-drop-leaf-table-antique-mahogany-LOCAL-ONLY-near-Great-Adventure-/161386345796?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item2593603544 http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-MAHOGANY-PEDESTAL-DROP-LEAF-TABLE-DUNCAN-PHYFE-STYLE-2-DRAWERS-/121406522880?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item1c44648600 However, with that being said, if you want to make sure, it couldn't hurt to ask an antique dealer or restoration specialist to give you their opinion of age and value. If you have a place to use it, I would say it is definitely worth refinishing but if you intend to refinish and then sell, you'll probably put more time into it than it's worth since refinishing takes a ton of patience and can be quite time consuming. One of the absolutely best refinishing jobs I have ever seen anywhere was recently posted right here on HomeTalk. The restoration of this vintage vanity was stunning. It literally took my breath away when I saw the before/after. If you decide to refinish your table, you might want to confer with the girl who did this restoration. She's obviously VERY good at refinishing and may be able to offer you valuable tips and guidance. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bathroom/vanities/staining-wood-vanity-vintage-renew-4191103

Dana · Answer

Heppelwhite pulls. Those little brass claw feet run about $30+ to replace.

Patty @ Always Something · Answer

This appears to be a Duncan Phyfe reproduction, most likely made in the 30s or 40s. Here is a link to help you identify it: http://www.ehow.com/how_7449122_identify-duncan-phyfe-table.html. Because it is in such bad shape it would most likely not be worth trying to restore it. I would, however, either putty the peeling veneer or peel the rest of it off, then sand the piece and paint it. It would be pretty in either chalk-finish paint (like Annie Sloan) or milk paint (like Miss Mustard Seed's line). Good luck!

Robin · Answer

It is a Duncan Phyfe reproduction. The veneer on the top is in bad shape and would cost more to repair than the value of the table. Now comes the fun part! Remove the veneer, sand and paint it in a fun color. Be sure to seal with polyurethane before using. Paint the feet with a metallic paint (you can clean the grunge off with TSP). It can be used as an entry table with the leaves down, used in the dining room or even in the living room. The drop leaves make it very versatile.

Polly Zieper · Answer

Honestly,I'm not that brave- This is a beautiful table and must be an antique!I personally would take it to a professional to repair any scratches and refinish it.

Joy Derouen · Answer

You can remove the veneer by using an iron on the steam setting. Place an old sheet or bath towel and use a little steam. The steam should loosen up the glue to where it should pop up. Depending on how much glue was used when it was put on.

Hayden Grace Design · Answer

Its too bad the center burl veneer is shot. Consider taking out the center section and use its remaining veneer for repairs to the 2 side pieces which will now be the new top. You may be able to use that center section for the skirting that may be needed if you want to put them back on the sides. I could also see it being a nice entry table, with center section tossed, and cut one of the side pieces as a 4'-^'backsplash. . .

Hayden Grace Design · Answer

I also want to add that this is a safe project since its not valuable as a restored piece. Make it great! Or make mistakes, and get them out of the way on an inexpensive piece. I made an entry table once that was a very narrow replica of a piano face. It included bold colors, brass pedals and all the subtle curves of a Steinway. Expand your ideas of what it might be....

Cathy · Answer

Beautiful project.  Since it looks like most of the damage is in the middle section, clean the entire table, maybe with Formby's refinisher, fill the holes with wood filler, stain to match rest of table, and finish with a good poly sealer, and put a beautiful flower arrangement over the spot or a runner from side to side to cover the damaged areas. Good luck!!!

Limerickchairlady · Answer

hi there.. just remove the veneer all together. sand the whole table and clean with sugar soap. allow to dry completely. now the fun part.. get some chalk paint and paint the legs in the antique white and get some Gel Paint and do the top in an dark oak. Or do the whole unit in chalk paint and slightly distress. enjoy.

Lisagerard · Answer

I love your table, and I would also use milk paint on the whole table accept for the top. I would do some kind of decoupage over the top of the table and really make it your own.

Cathy · Answer

Such a shame to cover beautiful wood with paint.

Lucid Designs · Answer

Replacing the veneer is actually a really easy process. If you have any wood finishers in your area, more than likely they will sell you some of their burl veneer for little investment. 
Since this particular veneer is so thin, it will come in a sheet. You just roll wood glue onto the table surface, apply veneer (that you've cut to size while taking into consideration the center piece looks to have four burl pieces booked on center with some trim around it), move it into place, roll all the bubbles out with a rubber roller. Wipe all the glue off. Once dry, sand with super fine finishing paper, wipe with a tack cloth, stain and seal, or just seal. Same process for both sides, only use two booked pieces instead of four. Use Watco Danish Oil in a darker shade to bring the rest of the wood back to life.

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Seeking all types of assist... ;-)

Giving a 1942 Vanity Table a New Life

Suggested Project Book