1930's Silky Oak Sideboard - Furniture Restoration

If you would like to support the channel - www.buymeacoffee.com/restorat...
For this old Sideboard restoration, I have tried to use only hand tools (though one power tool may have slipped in). I make a new drawer from scratch as well as strip back the darkened finish to expose the amazing grain of the Silky Oak underneath. I hope you enjoy my process and maybe learn something new, as this isn't some normal furniture flip! Let me know in the comments what you like or dislike about it.
Regards,
R.E
(Photo of the Grevillea Robusta)
John Robert McPherson, CC BY-SA 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I can't believe how many people have watched and seem to enjoy my work! Thank you, I am so glad to share my hobby with you all. I have been asked about setting one of these up and always said no, but if it will make people happy, you can now shout me a coffee. www.buymeacoffee.com/restorationendeavours Also, check out kzbin.info as I learned so much through his awesome videos.

[@lindaczerwinski3312]

Ah, a purist. Very enjoyable because you enjoyed it!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you so much.

[@131dyana]

My Grandma had a piece just like that. Grandpa took the locks off. she put her fine silver ware in the drawer and her good table cloths in the side cupboards. that was in the Dining Room near the corner. Thank you for sharing your excellent work and brining back those memories. God bless.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Oh wow! I can see it being used that way. Glad I could brighten your day. Thanks for watching!

[@167curly]

I particularly enjoyed seeing you create the missing drawer using dovetails made the traditional way that I was taught. Congratulations on another fine restoration using only hand tools.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I see you have watched a few of my videos. I am glad you are enjoying them! I am trying to look for more pieces where I can do things like remake parts from scratch, but I think I will have to just make some furniture instead of restoring to do it. Cheers,

[@willieverusethis]

I love the grain and the color of that silky oak. I have never seen a piece of furniture made with it before. Lovely work.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@glenlongstreet7]

That is beautiful, the wood is happy. So many people think that removing the crackled antique finish is wrong. That is just not true. Honor the maker and finish it just like he did.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I like that train of thought. If it needs it, it should be done.

[@user-vm3vx1iy7w]

Стильная штучка получилась! Просто загляденье! Татьяна, Москва, Россия 🇷🇺

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Я рада, что Вам понравилось, Татьяна. Спасибо за просмотр.

[@tstrong7910]

I loved the investigation of the piece that you did that allowed the piece to tell you what it needed. Well done!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I like the challenge of finding what history it is hiding and get it close to authentic again. Thanks for watching!

[@lorrainewhitlock5377]

I just found you tonight and I subscribed because I like what you do

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you, it is much appreciated.

[@eileenball39]

New drawer pull looks great! Glad to see you are using tape dispenser you refinished.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I try and use everything I fix up and make, though with tools lately I have not been polishing and finishing as much. And thank you for checking out so many of my videos!

[@LadyShmady]

"old locks will sometimes open themselves when turned on their side" - Information we will never forget. 😄

[@RestorationEndeavours]

It's may not always be the case, but I will now always try it before ripping the back off things.

[@sharimccormick1352]

I'm subscribing as well. Thanks for showing how to do dovetails. I want to restore a mahogany dresser with one missing drawer front and I'm going to try doing dovetails instead of gluing front to sides. Ironically, I'm also 72 and been working on furniture since I was a kid. Mom showed me how as she didn't believe in tossing old furniture out when you could fix or refurnish it--but NOT paint it as wood is beautiful. I'll be a regular viewer from now on.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I say give it a go and enjoy yourself. Also, check out Paul Sellers videos for a lot more detail and tips. He is amazing.

[@miketurany2082]

I Have never seen anybody lay out or cut dovetails like that talk about old school. So I liked and subscribed. what a beautiful peace of furniture Found on the side of the road no doubt.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Check out Paul Sellers. He does very much this work and in traditional style. This piece was original in a friends back shed, but who knows for how long.

[@TealCheetah]

Good job fixing the locks, and the whole project

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you! It was tempting to buy new ones, but then it's just a waste.

[@TheMrAshley2010]

+

[@deguzmanjrrobertom]

Because i enjoyed watching this, ill subscribe.

[@theelizabethan1]

It's beautiful!! Love that you opted for this refreshing honey-colored finish....rather than the tiresome, somber, brown-black shoe-polish stain that was on it.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I agree, though from what I can tell, the darker finish deteriorates and gets a lot dark over time, so originally it would have been nice and warm instead of dark and dreary.

[@Kevin_Beach]

I'm SO glad that you didn't re-stain the wood. The natural golden colour is beautiful. 18:01

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Silky Oak is one of my favorite timbers. It has so much character.

[@helenaneumann1872]

Great work. The natural tone makes the furniture appear lighter. I've learned a lot, especially that I don't need all the machines.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

This makes me happy. There are a lot of good hand tools floating about that with some TLC are still great to use.

[@LaughingInTiny]

Wow. Stunning. Love watching you work. Jaw dropped watching you split that piece by hand!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you very much. It is harder, but also cheaper and more fun!

[@susancooper8712]

Nice job, lovely and informative, thank you for posting😊

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@lois8844]

Love watching use of non electric tool. True Master.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I wouldn't call myself anywhere near a master, but I am glad people are enjoying my work. Thanks for watching!

[@emmahardesty4330]

True artisan when electricity is abandoned. Fine result. First impression: early 20th century; I saw this piece many times as a kid in old fashioned homes in the 50s. Thanks and best wishes.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you, I try my best! A lot of people are suggesting early 20th, so it's in pretty good condition considering.

[@charleneblake1146]

Beautiful transformation ❤

[@claudiabrown8265]

watching you work on that piece was like listening to a beautiful song

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you, I am so glad you enjoyed it that much.

[@Simphome]

your hand is a masterpiece it's really cool to be able to restore that. I'm sure you could add some decoration but this is fine too.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you so much 😀

[@petermann1150]

Nice to see that you're doing dovetail joints. The Japanese are quite expert at concealed dovetails.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Agreed, but visible dovetails done neatly just look so good too!

[@richarddonahue3565]

EXCELLENT restoration.

[@elainestokes7822]

Beautiful, very simple piece but lovely!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Glad you like it!

[@bjharrison4460]

Beautiful!! -- Yet another wood piece that I am so glad didn't get painted!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you. I will say, the back did come close, but lucky the drawer stuck and I had to replace it anyway.

[@florencelavorelsimon7930]

Stunning work

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Many thanks!

[@sharonbower6446]

You have done a lovely job,

[@debraneria4242]

Absolutely gorgeous 🥰👍

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you! 🤗

[@karenszasz7455]

Great restore, thanks for the explanation of why you did what you do. It was helpful.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@WillowGarden-uv3vt]

This piece of furniture dates to around 1915-1925. A nice traditional piece, modest but still very nice and proper.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Wow, thanks for the info. It can be hard to nail pieces ages down, especially if I am not the first person to work on it.

[@kayrichardson4301]

Excellent work on making the drawer.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you very much!

[@Ladybug-uf7uh]

How beautiful this wood is! The whole piece is just stunning. Thank You for uploading.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. Hopefully many more on the way!

[@mariajesusvaliente5358]

​@@RestorationEndeavours❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊❤😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤😊😂😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@carolinaroblescarrillo3855]

Es una belleza de mueble, quedó como si guera nuevo !

[@juliaso6881]

Excelent! I can't stand people paintimg old furniture 🙌 congratulations!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

When it is timber this nice, for sure!

[@elainestokes7822]

Beautiful job, well done!

[@Maitree15]

What a difference, I usually love dark dark wood, This piece might change my mind.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you. I have something with a similar finish at the moment, and I am toying around with trying to redo the finish fully original. It's just hard to see what it should look like though!

[@colleenmccarthy-evans3149]

Lovely transformation.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you! 😊

[@jackieburnett6881]

Gorgeous! You do excellent work!!! I really enjoyed this! Ty for sharing

[@RestorationEndeavours]

You are so welcome!

[@cynthiageiser-reed1514]

Oh my goodness. Beautiful. I enjoyed watching you work.. thank you.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

You are so welcome, I'm glad people appreciate these pieces as much as I do!

[@debsmith2269]

Great job. It looked pretty sad to start with, but you've breathed new life into it. It's great to see the hand tools in use for this one. Too often you see people using every super expensive, noisy power tool known to mankind. More time consuming going the hand tool route but much calmer and definitely quieter.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Glad you enjoyed it! That is my thinking. It's so much more relaxing just not having to hear the whine of power tools.

[@gaynorjackson8857]

Stunning restoration Beautiful cour

[@elenalatici9568]

I read this title as Silly Oak Sideboard 🤣 Now I know about Silky Oak.🙏🏼

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I mean it is a little silly.

[@alisonwebster6694]

Very impressed. Great you got the locks working. Best wishes Alison

[@RestorationEndeavours]

So am I, I don't think cheap reproductions would be quite the same. Thanks for watching!

[@lizagoldman7857]

It's just beautiful, i love the Natural honey color and the wood grain. Thank you for sharing your great talent.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you so much for watching!😀

[@Jan-qv8ku]

Beautiful job!

[@janetrutherford8568]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Old_Scot]

I can't believe how beautiful the wood looks now you've finished. It's gorgeous!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you very much! It's weird to think that a lot of this wood was just painted all white back in the day.

[@selmamachado5728]

I hate painted wood.

[@Old_Scot]

@@selmamachado5728 I think it has its place. I've painted mismatched cheap pine furniture white for my bedroom. Though I wonder if some future youtuber will strip it because people in the future love knotty pine! :)

[@RestorationEndeavours]

@@Old_Scot @Selma Machado I think this is my challenge now. Find a piece so damaged (maybe from termites or rot) that I have to paint some of it to make it usable again after filling/patching it. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@sharimccormick1352]

@@selmamachado5728 Amen.

[@elizabethlacky6068]

Impressive ..beautiful outcome without electricity.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thanks!

[@conscience-commenter]

Underneath all that dark stain was beautiful figured oak just waiting to be uncovered . Lot of work and beautifully done .

[@RestorationEndeavours]

It was an effort, but im glad it could be uncovered and saved. Thanks for watching.

[@solangeabreu7197]

What a show... congratulations, it was perfect, wonderful. A beautiful thing to appreciate this handmade work, Good week!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you very much!

[@colleenkidwell5820]

Great piece. I would agree with the early 1900s when this piece was made. Great job.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you. The only thing that made me think it wasn't quite that old was the condition of some of the exposed wood. However, it just may have been stored well.

[@Self-TaughtWoodworker]

Thank you for not painting it and not going for the shabby-chique look. You have a new subscriber.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you for appreciating my work!

[@deborahhanchett899]

Brilliant!!!😍

[@PointerNation]

What a lovely piece...its beautiful! Well done, sir!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you kindly!

[@Restorology]

Thank you for sharing this project. Cheers!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheNightshadePrince]

I love the wood and the final look. I think the shellac darkened overtime which is common. To me it looks 1920s, most antique pieces don’t have the cut outs for the mirror which makes it look more modern but it doesn’t look 30s to me as the thirties typically produced more modern furniture. This would fit in perfectly in those 1920s fairytale cottage style homes. Maybe Australian furniture was 20 years ahead of American furniture in style. :)

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I think you are spot on about the shellac darkening. I have been told that it could be about that time, and possible made by a local company so I have been trying to find their old catalogues for a more definitive answer.

[@rosesrose9131]

I like the lighter wood. The piece came out wonderful.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you very much!

[@philomenahearn1717]

What a beautiful colour and so much skill and care put in to it. Definitely a piece to keep as an heirloom.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I totally agree! It will be around for awhile longer now, I hope.

[@Fruity_lexia]

I absolutely love Silky Oak. I have a SO dresser that belonged to my grandparents, dated to 1919. It's slightly chunkier than the one you have so I would date yours to a little earlier than mine. Maybe the 1900s or earlier 1910s for yours. I don't think anyone in the 60s would have made a piece like this so that "67" on the back of the mirror is either the date of a replacement mirror, or something else 🙂 Love the refinish on this piece, showing the lovely grain of the timber. Mine needs refinishing too, you may have just inspired me.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

It's amazing timber, isn't it. I was thinking that maybe it was custom piece that was made to order, but it's strange to see pine used with such an old piece of wood for the top. The tree would have been massive. I do think you are right though, the 67 can't be a year, or at least the original year. Good luck with it, and hopefully it's not to big a job!

[@sharimccormick1352]

@@RestorationEndeavours Perhaps it was 1867 instead of 1967.

[@kjctubestuff]

It's possible the '67', if it is a date, only pertains to the mirror itself. The mirror may have been fully replaced or simply re-silvered in that year. It's a lovely piece & your restoration is an elegant enhancement. ❤

[@RestorationEndeavours]

@@kjctubestuff That seems to be what a lot of people are suggesting! And thank you for the kind words!

[@julie1089]

Maybe 67 is a lot number??

[@vbee3571]

It is very beautiful! 🌟 In the U.S. I had an oak buffer exactly like this with the old, darkened stain. Who knew the wood could be so lovely. You’ve got some serious skills. Thanks for showing us all these tips.

[@vbee3571]

Oh-mine was circa 1920.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Sometimes they darken so much you forget what is hiding. Thanks for watching!

[@lisab7320]

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

It is a great piece, isn't it!

[@Mad9977]

that looks gorgeous 👍

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tammyc1276]

Turned out absolutely beautiful.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you!

[@bethroberts674]

So beautiful!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you! 😊

[@mariannedottl2538]

Sehr gelungenes meisterhaftes😊 Können, da das Stück nicht künstlich "übermalt" worden ist, sondern wirklich fachgerecht restauriert worden ist!

[@nanaobx]

Absolute stunning piece and master craftsmanship.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you, I do try my best!

[@kathrynmartin8224]

Brilliantly done as usual... thank you...

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you for watching!

[@howlingwind1937]

The old cupboard came up beautiful! I have always liked silky oak, thanks for the video. Cheers from Tassy!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thanks for watching!

[@howlingwind1937]

@@RestorationEndeavours 🙂

[@svetlanaziatnina1514]

Очень профессиональная работа, и всё эти механические инструменты хороши в ваших руках.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Спасибо за ваши приятные слова. Я рад, что вам понравилось.

[@gailcullinan349]

Hello from South Africa. Your work is fantastic and I love that you explain what you are doing as you go along. Thank you. I am so impressed that all your carpentry is hand work. Its very difficult to use a hand saw accurately as you do. Wow

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you so much. It's all just practice and patience.

[@julianolan2860]

Just lovely to see the wood unstained and showing off its glorious grain from our wonderful Grevillea trees.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I agree, but just think that this was considered a common, cheap wood back in the day. Seems like madness now.

[@cathybenson5119]

Have you ever tried Howard's Feed n Wax? It has an orange fragrance. I hope I got the name right. I only know about it from other restoration videos. Good job on the buffet. 👍

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I haven't, but I do have a job I'm looking at where I can't strip the finish, so I may give it a go. Thanks for the tip!

[@lindamarsh6711]

Nicely done. I am 71 year old woman who has been refinishing furniture since I learned at 16. You did a great job on this dresser. I would place it as a well home made piece from the 40’s. Thanks for not playing music and not eliminating to much of your work. I’d rather watch more of the labour than all of sudden the video is over without seeing the half of the work. Speeding up is fine, just be careful it’s not too much. Thanks. I’m subscribing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇨🇦!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you so much! I like the videos that are more real time as well. Only problem is I sometimes end up with several hours of footage and have to cut it all back! Thanks for subscribing, it means a lot to me.

[@drbettyschueler3235]

Wow! Your restoration of this piece is wonderful.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Glad you like it!

[@ImCarolB]

I like that you used hand tools. Besides power tools being very expensive for a hobbyist, I enjoy the satisfying physical activity of using hand tools, particularly planes. The sideboard, with its amazing grain pattern, is lovely! I enjoyed your comment, "But where's the challenge in that?"

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you very much! I kind of like the idea that someone may go buy a cheap second hand plane and have a crack at fixing something too. Also, sometimes a little challenge makes it more interesting as well!

[@Rocklyn277]

Beautiful results, fantastic job.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you!

[@nancypeteja6560]

Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! ❤

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I agree. Thanks!

[@jannamarie3990]

Fantastic job! 😊

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you! 😄

[@raymondmoderski3216]

I worked in Pediatrics in the USA as a nurse. My care generally focused on very ill children and an occasional adult. To keep myself busy I began to do some woodworking. My skill level pales next to your skill, knowledge and technique. Thank you for a brilliant video it has been a joy to see you work. Thank you, Ray Moderski.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I should be thanking you for the work you do then. But I am glad I brought you some enjoyment. I am lucky to be able to do this as a hobby after I finish work for the day too.

[@leewood729]

Good tip about waxing screws, never would have thought of that. :)

[@RestorationEndeavours]

It seems weird, but doesn't effect their holding power, and some future restorer or repairer will love you for it.

[@RissaFirecat]

You have a new subscriber sir! You do amazing work and it was done by hand! Thank you for taking the time to do this right.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thanks for the sub and the kind words. I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-us6zv9sl6p]

Очень бережная и трудоёмкая реставрация. Великолепная работа!!!! Браво!!!👏👏👏 Огромное спасибо за субтитры. С уважением к мастеру Людмила, Россия, Тюмень

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Я рад, что вам понравилось. И я рад, что субтитры были в порядке. Они пропущены через программу-переводчик, поэтому я надеюсь, что они имеют смысл.

[@user-us6zv9sl6p]

Да,хороший и понятный перевод. Спасибо за ответ!🤗🌷

[@melodypanek448]

That turned out beautifully! Terrific job!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you!

[@simplysimon9868]

I was taught to use hand tools only. Sharpen saws and chisels by some great old guys. Cabinet scrapers we made also for different shapes. It looks like a possible wash stand. Open space for a bowl underneath. 1920s at a guess. The bigger dove tails would have been spot on. Great job 👏

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you. That is some of the better info I have heard. Makes sense as the open area seems odd.

[@honeyp0t]

Wow, fantastic work. Great to see you bought it back to usable condition

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thanks heaps!

[@user-wd1qk3lb2h]

Видео с какой любовью вы это делаете! Уважение. Дерево « раскрылось» и очень красивое. Понимаю вас. Спасибо. 👍🏻🇷🇺

[@gwens3604]

Using hand tools in any kind of wood working is becoming a lost art. In the not so distant future, it will be lost altogether because of the time, effort and patience it takes for someone to turn something so old and worn into something beautiful and useful again. Thank you for such an interesting project.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Well said! It is sad because I feel having a good grip of hand tools leads to better design and building. Than again, it is also exciting to see what the future holds for some of these things!

[@hugolabate1514]

I loved it all the way. I'm very happy that you decided not to change the colour of the wood. Great craftmanship! Greetings from Argentina.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you. I like to try and go back close to original, or at least how it may have looked at one stage.

[@margaretalbert69]

I had a dresser somewhat like that and kept the mirror off and use a beautiful wall mirror😊. I also found a basket of old keys and found ones to fit...❤

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Great idea!! I did have a old restored mirror hanging above where it sits now, I should try it back and see how it goes. Thanks for watching!

[@dalmiroubina2162]

Superb job, master

[@laurasrn5067]

Looks amazing, excellent work 💖

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you! 😊

[@marywhittle3759]

What an amazing restoration! You love restoring pieces like this to their former beauty. Thank you!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thanks so much!

[@tombarlow6176]

All that with hand tools only you are a artist

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Thank you kindly, I am just an admirer of the classic methods.

[@jamessisk8380]

Excellent camera work, editing, and (of course) restoration. Thanks for sharing your incredible talents and for educating us about woodworking.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

I don't usually get comments on my camera work and editing, so extra thank you!

[@ricardosanfernando7378]

Beautiful I love to see the grain

[@RestorationEndeavours]

This stuff does have an amazing grain.

[@naomiquirion7725]

Beautiful work! I personally love hand tools, much quieter.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

That's why I prefer them too. 😀

[@ginazeuli4649]

What a beautiful piece! Loved seeing all the wood under that dark finish!

[@RestorationEndeavours]

It's a shame it had so many layers on top hiding all that grain. I'm glad you liked it.