Asked on May 11, 2014
Hope for this wooden table?
by
S
+22
I found this table in a large workshop/barn. I was able to buy it for $20. It's in pretty bad shape. Someone used it as a work bench, as there are several holes drilled all the way through and the dark spot is some kind of stain. I have sanded off the majority of the top layer and I think it goes pretty deep. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to salvage this table top?
This is after being disassembled and a rough sanding
You can see the dark stain
Here are the holes someone drilled through
Another view with the stain I the top left corner and holes in the bottom left
This was what it looked like when I first brought it home, I love the scrolls!
23 answers
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Did you try flipping the top over or is it just as stained on the underside? I notice some metal pieces. Wrought iron? Why not stain the top a dark colour - as dark as ebony - to disguise the stain. You could fill the holes with stainable wood fill. Or make matching on the other corners and wood fill. Please don't paint/distress - it is becoming too common.
Marion Nesbitt
on May 11, 2014
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It looks like the top is attached to another piece as the underside doesn't have the same detail and looks totally different. I was hoping to keep it a lighter "raw" look, but may have to go the darker route. Thanks for your comment!
S
on May 12, 2014
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Whatever you decide to do to the wood, top it with a glass top!
Sandra Irish
on May 12, 2014
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I like the way it looks,it shows a lot of character.I would apply a dark stain leave the holes and cover with glass.Amazing one of a kind table!
Funnygirl
on May 12, 2014
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I love this table. Love it!!!! If the stains bother you, why not prime it with a stain blocker....then paint it. Great buy!!!
Lynda Nichols
on May 12, 2014
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Looks like a oil stain. I had one with a oil stain and just keep sanding. It came out. The holes do give it a lot of character. I like them.
Sherrie
on May 13, 2014
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I love it the way it is, it gives it character. I would stain it slightly darker. If you can sand down to bare wood in small sections, when you stain in a darker shade, it will leave more sections of dark stain to add to all the darker spots. You could also stress the table more by putting more dents and groves in the table.
117135
on May 13, 2014
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If you don't want to go as rustic with your table as some people here are a fan of, you can always fill the holes with pieces of Dowell Rod then sand smooth. If you want a stain free top, a new sheet of good quality plywood, veneer, paint or wood planks in whatever size you like. Then either stain or paint. It really depends on the look your going for in your dining room. Country, rustic ecclectic, bohemian the stain and holes are great. More formal, traditional, you may want to retop it. Keep us posted, it does have great bones.
Vicki Menton
on May 13, 2014
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Shannon, That is adorable! I would fill the holes, stain the top a darker color along with the scrolled "legs." Take the wrought iron and make front legs, the scrolled legs against the wall and put a glass top on them then attach the table top upright against the wall and make an art deco buffet out of it. Maybe put a cool stencil, print or mirror on the table top.
Claire
on May 13, 2014
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it looks like a Harvest table to me. Maybe do a milkwash paint? That would hide the dark stained area. Or if its solid wood, sand a little more then, then combine a couple of different stains.
Kim
on May 13, 2014
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I would try cutting the table into strips like hardwood floors. You have the option to move the stain areas around and then your stains would more like accents. Love the legs.
Ldownie
on May 13, 2014
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whatever you do , I hope to see the finished product
Wendy Johnson
on May 13, 2014
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It's an oil stain. Try hitting it with TSP first, and then with wood bleach. It will cleanse and then lighten it, but oil tends to sink into the wood grain so it's unlikely you'll ever completely get it out. One thing you might do to make the 'rustic' look more deliberate is, after you sand it, hit it with a darker stain, sand it again just enough to remove the topmost layer of dark stain, and then stain it with a lighter stain to highlight instead of hid the imperfections, and then layer it in a half-dozen layers of clear polyurethane so it really shines.
Anna Erishkigal
on May 13, 2014
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Sounds like u want a light (raw) look?? i would try a stain blocker, or keep sanding? You may have to stain the whole piece with stain blocker to make it uniform...hopefully u can then use a lighter stain to complete the look you want. Ask questions at the paint dept. as they "should" be able to help you. i, personally would fill the holes...but it does give it character!! it depends on the rest of ur decor???
Pauliegirl1
on May 13, 2014
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I saw a table on one of those DIY shows where they 'burned' the wood with a hand torch to highlight the grain of the wood. Then, sealed it to preserve it. The burn marks could camouflage the stain and holes.
Pam R
on May 13, 2014
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Some friends used cat litter to absorb oil stains on their driveway with success. Might be worth a try on wood.
Marion Nesbitt
on May 13, 2014
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I would go with the look it has and maybe add more patina to it by adding more marks and knicks and then give it a light oil rub...what a great find!
Shari Veater
on May 13, 2014
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I would cover the top with zinc or copper sheeting. I have also tiled tables to make it interesting. Good luck
Linda
on May 13, 2014
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You can't go wrong on this. Great deal.
Carole Alden
on May 13, 2014
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This is such a great find for $20!! This is totally personal preference, but I would stain the top the darkest color I could find to match, but leaving the imperfections evident. Then I would give it a few coats of tong oil or wax. As far as the legs go, I would paint and distress those to really highlight the awesome curves! Good luck!!
Country Design Home
on May 13, 2014
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I think if you're going to want a natural finish, you're going to have to live with its distress. But if you intend to paint it, you might consider flipping the table top. Depending on the condition you can infill the drilled holes easily, sand the surface and prep it for paint and that way you won't have to deal with the oil stain which will likely do battle with your paint (and win). If not, sand that stain to near oblivion, infill with wood putty of some sort and paint. In my most recent experiences, primers no longer seem to work anywhere near as well as they used to when I was younger so don't count on any primer helping you conceal any unwanted character/flaws.
Joffler
on May 13, 2014
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No help here other than saying you got a great deal for this absolutely gorgeous table. I Love Love Love it!
Jeri Niksich
on May 13, 2014
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If its cat litter might need multi applications of cat litter. Use doles to fill holes or leave as is :-) have fun!
Linda C
on May 15, 2014
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