Thursday, June 23, 2011

French Provincial Parquetry Dining Table

When I bought the chairs for my dining room, I actually bought a dining set of a french parquetry table and 6 chairs. I only wanted to keep the chairs so I decided to sell the table. The table surface was extremely damaged which doesn't really show up in the photos but it had coloured marks, scratches, water damage etc from a life of use. I wasn't happy to sell the table in it's damaged state so set to work......and work (and work and work) I did.

A week and a half later here it is ready for sale in my booth.
and close ups although these make it seem a bit darker/redder than it actually is.  I stripped and sanded it right back to the bare wood then gave it 2 coats of walnut stain and then varnished it. I decided to use varnish as wax just wouldn't cut it for a dining table. I didn't want heat or water to mark it (which it will with wax).  I actually did the whole process twice as I wasn't happy with it first time around as the stain had gone on a bit patchy. After doing everything a second time it's perfect. I'm beyond happy with the finish.

 
Gorgeous scrolly feet
The sweetest carved apron
and a beautiful parquetry surface. What more could you ask for?

Here is a midway shot showing how the stain didn't go on nicely the first time around. It's a bit marked in the middle. I'm not sure if you can notice but I thought it was worthwhile spending a couple more days on to get it perfect.
and once again in my booth

Full before shots:
So what do you all think? If you weren't perfectly happy with a finish would you go back to square one?

cheers Fiona

PS forgot to say the guy I bought this from said his parents had been using it recently as a table in their laundry to stack stuff on. No wonder it was in bad condition.

10 comments:

  1. Fiona, I love the table, glad you're fussy ( it's worth it) Completely distracted by that blue filing cabinet / chest of drawers xx Ava

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  2. Oh wow, you did such a great job, its beautiful!

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  4. That is stunning. Your second wind was worth it. You must have soooo much patience! :)

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  5. wow- i have never seen a table top like that! it is just stunning! you did it some justice! :)

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  6. Beautiful table top and what a great transformation!!

    Happy to have found you

    janet xox
    http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

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  7. Holy COW! This is gorgeous!!! I of all people know that this took some time...and skill....so beautiful! Thanks for linking up to the All Things Furniture Party!
    :-)
    shaunna

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  8. Wowie-kazowie! You must have the patience of a saint! What a lovely table I'm sure this table will find a home soon.

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  9. You did a wonderful job, the table looks great, love the details. Thanks for stopping by and sharing at Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays.

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  10. That table turned out beautifully! Good idea to do it again to get it right, great call. It is so gorgeous.

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