Repairing and Refinishing Mid Century Chairs From A Church Sale | Furniture Restoration

In this video I repair and refinish a pair of mid century chairs. I bought the chairs at a church sale.
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[@bookofdust]

In my family there’s a collection of what we refer to as “Church Chairs.” They came from my grandmother’s Methodist church and were sold off to parishioners when the church could finally afford beautifully carved pews. Having 8 children, my grandmother bought quite a few and they were handed down in the family. They are ladder back chairs and we’ve had to replace the canning seats every couple of decades, but otherwise the chair’s integrity have never been a problem, nor have they ever needed to be stripped and resurfaced, the honey finish just mellows and becomes warmer. They were made in Lebanon County Pennsylvania and most likely created by local Mennonites or Amish at the time and are over 100 years old at this point.They are just beautiful and functional objects, but every time I look at them they give me great joy.

[@generatorjohn4537]

Nice story. Thanks

[@A-Minor-Music]

I am from Lancaster Co. PA, so am familiar with the beautiful work of the Amish & Mennonite carpentry shops. My parents also had some vintage wooden chairs from the area. Sadly they were all donated/sold when my dad sold his house.

[@jill552]

I love mid century dining chairs. Those Drexel Declaration chairs look lovely. Beautiful job. I, also, want to say I love your video style with clear narration and no music.

[@waterbitten]

The lack of music is highly appreciated! +1

[@A-Minor-Music]

I agree

[@stoveboltlvr3798]

I hate music blasting in videos too. It ruins them!

[@jeanniealford4234]

I agree!!!!!!!

[@NewHopeAudio]

It’s cherry on top of incredible work!

[@bren70ssss94]

Here in rural ireland on a chilly afternoon with the woodstove lit enjoying your video as ever , thank you :)

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you for watching.

[@imhonestlyjustsoconfused]

You're living my dream right now. I hope you have found peace with life and have none of the chaos that urban areas will throw at you.

[@waterbitten]

Living the dream! 👌🏾

[@cdd4248]

Sounds Lovely!

[@halaissa3430]

My friends daughter brought me an antique spice rack that needed some fixing , i glues the loose parts filled the voids with wood filler , sanded it and preparing to stain it, i learned it all from your videos , thank you 😊

[@JamesDeese]

Because of your channel I have been on a tear to try and save a lot my families old furniture from the junk pile.

[@toddylu6869]

Oh, before I forget. I need to thank you...I decided to stain a table top in GF Gel Stain the other day. I had never stained anything in my life. I have been watching your videos and some others which gave me the confidence to strip it, sand it, pre-condition it, then stain it. I then applied three light layers of Shellac to prevent any lifting I had heard could happen with gel stain. So this was completed and I let the table rest for a couple of weeks. I wanted to be sure I could use Poly over Shellac...because I am such a novice. OK, I am getting to the thank you part. ...So I applied the first layer with a foam brush..it was ok, then I remembered your videos and how much you stain and work with small pieces of folded rags or towels. So I got an old t-shirt, folded a small piece and applied the second Poly coat. It went on so smooth and I had much more control over the saturation and pressure during the application. So THANK YOU, THANK YOU for that... you should know how and when you help others. These chairs are adorable and I am so glad you left them green. Thank you for the instructions you give. I am a nurse and the last two years have been "different". I have taken up some projects around our house. My husband wants me to buy furniture but I have chosen to up-cycle what I have. Again, many thanks for the videos....I have learned so much!

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

You are a nurse. Thank you.

[@cpearson7372]

YES! I wanted to thank him, for leaving the green seat covers, too. Preserving their history, leaves such a great feeling of relief.

[@cdd4248]

I am right behind you...just purchased the basics and going to give it a go! I am nervous and feel like I am preparing to go skydiving or something...LOL

[@Porkcfish]

“I got lucky at a church sale, recently." That meant something completely different to me.

[@rockdinosaur8619]

Underrated intro - a little sly innuendo there

[@loisbolton1800]

😉

[@sherrylsews7468]

Whew, I'm not the only one... 😏

[@cdd4248]

Hahahaha! I thought the same!

[@AbeEmersonJr]

This guy has the most ASMR voice and delivery of all time! I LOVE watcing these vids! Lol.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@jgorry69]

I find this so relaxing and I am a restorer of paintings and furniture for 35 years. Every day I learn. Keep up the content!!! Irish Australian

[@cherylmoss3632]

Thank you..no music blasting our senses and ears.

[@toddylu6869]

I got so tickled..."I got lucky at a chursch sale recently"...my mind is always in a gutter somewhere....so I continued to watch your great video.

[@silverchickadee4130]

I have these chairs and the dining table. They are in great shape. I’m hoping to come across four more chairs someday as the table easily seats ten with the extensions. It was awesome to see how to repair these if the need arises.

[@jill552]

SilverChicadee, lucky for you. A beautiful line from Drexel.

[@AP20680]

How funny that this kind of mid century scandi style is highly desirable again today.

[@slanginnoodles9865]

Fabulous. I love that you just gave them a tighten up but didn't mess with them too much

[@TheChicagoCourier]

love that squirrel call, squirrel squeal 😊

[@WabiSabi1959]

Growing up, Declaration by Drexel designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall was our family dining set. We had the hutch and lowboy as well as the table, 6 chairs, and 2 captains chairs with arms. They originally had off-white Naugahyde seats to match the porcelain knobs on the case goods. 1st Dibs had a set of 2 for sale at $1400.00 Great find and great job! They should be stamped on the bottom with the lot# and date of manufacture.

[@Lee-dq2lw]

The stories they could tell. They are lovely

[@JanxAngel]

I recognized these chairs immediately. My grandparents had 8 of them, the dining table, the large coffee table, the sofa, and the hi-fi stereo. All the pieces were still in near perfect shape when they passed and were sold to a dealer. Except the hi-fi which I have in my living room since the dealer didn't want it.

[@traceyrussell-kowalski5916]

Wow with just a little TLC they look Beautiful 👍

[@danielpreilly77]

Couple of beauties, really like the design of these and I’m amazed how the pale lime seat upholstery has stood the test of time. Turned out great.

[@thart6103]

I’ve been looking forward to this video ever since I saw on IG that you purchased these chairs. I just inherited 4 of these same exact 1960’s Drexel Declaration chairs. So thank you for this video. They’re beautiful!

[@ldianehigley3287]

My mother has walnut chairs similar to these that she has had since the 60's. You made these beautiful again! Love watching you work.

[@amyhartman8068]

They look great. I liked how you went through removing the dowels. Great find.

[@nowvoyagerNE]

i realize it would be an invasion of your privacy, but i think about how nice it would be to see how you use these pieces in your own home. thank you for this relaxing video. *:-)*

[@holton345]

I think he sells the vast majority of these pieces.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

I actually keep most of them. I should sell some but I’m a terrible salesman.

[@holton345]

@@DashnerDesignRestoration Well, I guessed, but I guessed incorrectly.

[@nowvoyagerNE]

@@DashnerDesignRestoration : i imagine you are a bit biased when you choose something to restore...biased in your attraction to the piece of furniture in the first place, and then biased in favor of keeping it when it is done. i see nothing wrong with that! *:-D*

[@ninoskae]

I WISH he would sell since I’m in his neck of the woods but alas he does NOT 😞

[@cathys949]

I have a thing about chairs. I would own probably 50 by now if I bought every one I liked at flea markets! Great video!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

These are beautiful chairs, I love that you didn’t change the upholstery.

[@sherrygiambalvo2288]

I have this Declaration dining set. It was my parents from the 50's. It no longer has the original finish, but I just love it. My mom hated it, but she hates anything from that era. Said she lived though it once, doesn't want to again. Anyway, they could only afford four chairs when they bought it. A few years ago I was lucky enough to find the two captain's chair to go with it. They did not cost me $5, much more than that! I wish I Iived near you, because my set needs this type of restoration. I loved seeing these beautiful chairs brought back to life! 💕

[@rayscrafield2106]

Beautiful work. You got a real steal on those chairs. I never find anything like that. Darn!

[@MrPhotodoc]

I love church rummage sales. Always the best deals in town.

[@heyhope326]

You have great taste 👌👌

[@rddgray6541]

02:21 this makes me very happy

[@marciabradley7660]

I found 4 R-way chairs at $5 each last spring that have curved backs and seats. I’m still excited about that find.

[@janetmario]

WOW!! Well done!

[@michellepetersen5121]

The chairs turned out great and I agree with the darkening of the backrest. Perfect addition to the chair🌟🌟

[@LauraSomeNumber]

As always a calming and satisfying video.

[@pou618]

Beautiful. Amazing the upholstery was in such great shape.

[@bloggalot4718]

Another great result, thanks for posting.

[@pteddie6965]

I love these chairs. You did a great job with the restoration.

[@elnasell5113]

They look great !

[@zloungeact]

Best work I've ever seen you do. Great job!

[@djmond3497]

Bravo! These chairs are gorgeous 😍

[@vision7559]

Absolutely beautiful. I really love the colour of the seats. 👏👏

[@rcdoodles6214]

A beautiful restoration. Your video presentations are a joy to watch. It’s amazing to watch a master woodworker quietly (love not having music) bring second lives to so many lovely wood pieces. The seats on these chairs are totally mcm, love the color! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.

[@katenickels617]

love your videos - instructional and so calming

[@frelnc]

Gorgeous. They look wonderful.

[@angelaarena5208]

What gorgeous chairs and that green wow ♥️ love them

[@guitarpop]

Wow good job and amazing find!

[@BBell-qt1lr]

Very nice! You did a great job making these chairs usable again.

[@ArabianShalifa]

you do such beautiful work. thank you.

[@sznuw]

they look beautiful! restored with such love and dedication as always. great video, cheers!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

You had me with the opener! Awesome chairs. Thank you for sharing the restoration! I will chairish this for a while!

[@StephBer1]

Beautiful restoration. You've taught me so much through your videos. Thank you.

[@sarahrenfrow9795]

Lovely. Enjoyed. Thanks for sharing.

[@patrick070]

i love your videos. I learn something every time, and they are so relaxing to watch and listen to. Thanks!

[@ninoskae]

My goodness you have ALL the tools of the trade 😊. Amazing as always!

[@traceyrice]

Interesting chairs. Nice job! 💜

[@doddnejadfard3251]

Beautiful redo,,,,,great job

[@PB200559]

Great job, lovely chairs

[@ricks.4767]

Beautiful!

[@bluecurlygirl]

Beautiful job. They'll serve a purpose now for many years to come. Well done.

[@SparrowStockwell]

They look great.

[@iancollie608]

Stunning chairs

[@ricjamil3073]

Great job!

[@stevesmith6554]

2 very nice modern mid century treasures. Luckily were in pretty good shape to start. Love the seat color.

[@olgapaulus7299]

Chairs are beautiful. Nice job!

[@ibaber]

Every time I watch your videos, I learn something new! Thanks for another great video!!

[@TheBrianDotson]

These nuts. Those cracks. This is a more suggestive episode than usual. Lol. Joking of course. I literally play your videos every night. One of the most soothing voices and content on the internet. Much love

[@stargazer1359]

The covering that you chose for the chair pad really makes it Retro. Lovely, as always.

[@jill552]

I believe those are original.

[@tlemon1950]

Simply and skillfully done, great work.

[@albertine2169]

Gorgeous work, as usual ❤

[@michaeltreadwell777]

They look really lovely, and now have a new lease of life, thanks to your careful handywork. Well done :-)

[@jenniferlawrence8533]

Really enjoyed watching you recover the beautiful furniture. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Missed watching a few of your videos lately, glad this one caught my eye! nicely done job on the chairs. Thanks for sharing the story and the video of doing them. ECF

[@johnje4285]

Brilliant work as always

[@soofihasan]

Beautiful work as always. God bless,

[@kellywilliams5112]

Beautiful hand work on those Drexels.. I loved that you restored them and didn't paint and recover.. they are lovely.

[@jaymefunny7424]

Beautiful chairs!! Even before touching them.

[@Flecha57]

"First thing I did was to remove these nuts that were on a bolt that went through the back legs..." Ah... when things were well built... made to last. I love you problem solving processes. This video was a pleasure to watch. 😍😍😍

[@jannamarie3990]

Great job as usual 😊

[@nativestand1]

Yahoo! Watching for years from Beautiful Minneapolis, I love wood and appreciate all you do. Playing with refinishing since the '70's, I am still learning. Thank you.

[@sexefamily3034]

Still waiting for a virtual tour of your home showcasing all your finished pieces .... Love your channel!!!

[@Cradley684]

Nice job again Dashner they look good, have a nice day & Saty Safe !!!. Brian UK !!!.

[@ahujeffrey]

Great intuition. A wonderful find. Those chairs, as lovely as they were originally, are at least 50 times the value after your meticulous and attentive details. A pleasure to observe!

[@randyattwood]

Once again, great job.

[@fannycraddock99]

Really nice chairs and a great job as usual.

[@pattylevasseur4041]

every video i see you do...amazes me to no end thank you soo much for every piece you save;];];]

[@damonrao6625]

What a nice surprise to wake up to on a Monday morning. Thank you so much for the inspiration and guidance through all my lockdown projects here in Melbourne. (Broken dowels and repairing chair frames are two of my most recent challenges also.) Great stuff Dasher.

[@gailgaddy5340]

Very good job beautiful restoration with the dowels and such. I read all the comments. Jeez Jimenez Cricket, ya gotta have a thick skin. Bless ya ❤️

[@luciacastellani4723]

Your video are so relaxing, your voice amazing and I love your job

[@angelabstractart6168]

Thank you for another great video, good close up shots and solid explanation. I've a set of rose back chairs that need some serious love, they were my grandmothers. Probably from the 40s, I would love to have someone as talented and mindful as you to redo them.

[@katharinatrub1338]

These two chairs now look very elegant! Always a joy to watch, observe and listen to your calm voice...

[@lsimpson50]

beautiful restoration.

[@naomialaniz373]

Marvelous! I just love your content!

[@thomasdavis5514]

I really appreciate this video. I purchased a set of five of these exact chairs to go with my Drexel Declaration table. A couple of them need repairs to tired joints so it was great to see how they go together before I start on mine.

[@danai5985]

This is like therapy every time 😍

[@everettreed2730]

Very well done.

[@janis6363]

Good as new and there are so many young people that want that style of furniture for their homes and can’t afford new. Great rehabilitation job.

[@connyhanson6293]

Beautiful. Very nice video, it was really enjoyable to watch.

[@Mr_Gray_Sky]

"I got lucky at a church sale recently" is a damn fine opening line to a video.

[@pattichulick2940]

Beautiful