My husband asked me to refinish this family heirloom | Antique ELM Furniture Restoration

[@frelnc]

I'm so glad you chose to follow your husband's wishes and leave the "kid stuff" in the drawer. This is an adorable little piece. The doors have absolutely stunning grain which adds a whole other dimension to this little beauty. As usual, Katie, a great remake. Love it.

[@theendofmuffins]

Seriously, what an incredibly sweet request. Makes my heart melt.

[@letegabriel2721]

Agree

[@TheLindyHooper]

Wow. This is a primo example of how to do a How-to. Great camera angles, no excess explanation and info that makes me feel like I can do this. Bravo

[@teddic6214]

That is one of the best refinishing jobs I have ever seen on a piece of wood this old. Your husband is so lucky to have such an artist in the family. Well done!

[@dshey6802]

That was sweetly sentimental of your husband to want all the childhood marks inside the drawer left alone. In spite of elm being a greenish wood it DOES have beautiful grain. The two stain colors you combined hid the green very well. I liked the rustic authentic hardware. You now have a little beauty for your home.

[@MeMe-cd1wy]

So happy you did not paint it like so many other “repurposers” online. It is truly beautiful.

[@marthaolmsted4029]

Thank you for preserving and restoring this washstand by refinishing the wood instead of painting it over like so many others. Beautiful result!

[@alcinaysusideasdiy119]

No hay nada de malo en pintar un mueble

[@mregister3945]

​@@alcinaysusideasdiy119your opinion

[@robinrubendunst869]

@@alcinaysusideasdiy119I prefer o natural finish.

[@patriciacrozier7624]

Love this piece I have 2 of the. Was there no way to eliminate the cigarette burn? That makes me so sad as You made it so beautiful. Thanks for keeping it.

[@gbrickcommercialre]

Would've loved to have seen your husband's reaction. He must be very pleased; the piece was beautifully and sympathetically restored. Love your work!

[@robk1310]

Wow!!! you could make some minor cuts/trims, and turn that into a nice Mission style end table.

[@janine4360]

Okay, not only are you expert at your trade of furniture refurbishing, but also at creating great videos! 💯

[@mushyfrogs9]

This is such a simple restore but it's absolutely one of my favorites that you've done. The wood grain is beautiful and I looove the way the mix of the stains turned out. ❤️

[@shannonphx407]

I just love wipe on poly! I wasted years using the straight stuff and I don’t think I ever managed a bubble free surface. Wiping on thin poly with steel wool sanding between coats is so easy and nice. Its almost like giving your furniture a loving massage. This was a lovely refinish.

[@Njeanous]

Katie is Priceless. She spoke so clearly and relevantly. I will definitely consider REFINISHING. Her explanations were enlightening.

[@blueberryblues3365]

When we were first married 50 plus years ago I bought a piece just like that with the harp on the back for $69 at an antique store. 😊It was not in bad shape and we owned until a few years ago when we downsized. I miss that sweet little piece in the guest bedroom. You did a beautiful job of redoing it and I am always impressed by your patience. Great job! Xo

[@kathyaakananabluebird]

What a lovely family story this piece has. I am glad you and Doug saved it. :) Beautiful work.

[@stephanie1860]

I’ve been watching restoration DIY for years and you’ve made it so approachable. The sanding alone can be intimidating. Thanks for the contribution. 👍

[@kathyl5610]

Katie, this turned out absolutely beautiful! What a joy to be able to restore something to its original beauty, and still keep the character of the old piece. I love it and I’m sure your husband is very pleased. 😊

[@jessicamichalski6253]

I have a similar family piece (except it’s currently painted) and this beautiful restoration inspires me to FINALLY tackle this project. Thank you!

[@debbiestott3651]

Something special about old family prices and the memories they bring back. As always a great job done Katie.

[@petersdotter1]

I really like that you accented the grain and different colors of the natural elm wood with your finishes. It makes the piece so much more interesting, and a conversation-starter, prompting family memories that will continue through another generation or two.

[@maggiem4734]

I absolutely love how this came out. The grain in the wood is outstanding and beautiful.

[@joannye2871]

Wonderful job…it is always refreshing to see what can be done with old treasures rather than merely trashing them!

[@1953lili]

How sad that elm isn’t found anymore because the grain is stunning! Thank you for restoring this sweet little piece of family history!

[@sherryjackman9680]

Fun childhood memories from art supplies in the drawer insider that your husband asked you to save. What treasure as some of us don't have that many good ones from our youth. I have really enjoyed learning a lot from your videos. I now have better idea of what to watch for when choosing used furniture. I don't have space or equipment to do much refinishing in my current apartment. Over 40 years ago in Fairbanks, AK I refinished a dresser and my hubby took lots of photos to prove I did it. Glad I found your channel.

[@lorimrasek7611]

What a beautiful piece, the grain in the wood gorgeous. I love how you're husband didn't want the inside of the drawer done, memories 😊

[@martihurford]

A very pleasing result for this family heirloom. I especially loved your choice of replacement drawer handles. ♥️

[@donna6516]

What a striking--and special--piece. And a thousand thank yous for a true restoration that honors the wood. So many "restorations" that I see are clean up, sanding and then spray painting! While there may be a place for that and some pieces look better in disguise, this is so lovely.

[@lyndapalecek8952]

Such a beautiful piece. The stain color and hardware complement each other. It is ready to find a special place in your home.

[@pattym4543]

What a beautiful restoration! You did a great job, giving this piece a ‘face lift’ while preserving its past. I’m sure your husband was very happy with the result! 👍👏😊

[@HAGGISWOOMAN]

FYI I purchased a Ryobi spiral screw extractor kit from Home Depot for $11.57 , I find this very handy to have in my tool box! Keep in mind the screw won’t be any good and must be replaced but if you do a lot of this kind of makeover/diy it’s a game changer when your working on your own.

[@lindahunter842]

I am so glad I found your channel. I have learned so much from you! Greetings from Ontario. I have recently refinished my cabinets and followed your video. They turned out amazing. 80% prep, 20% painting. The cabinets feel like glass when you touch them. Thank you so much. I am am binge watching your videos. Thank you so much !

[@hlynn2008]

Another winner! These restorations you have been doing that honor the original finish of the piece have been my favorite! I know it's not always a luxury you can do...if the original piece is too flawed, damaged, etc. But when you can, my oh my do you do such an amazing job! 😍

[@lindacsmith13]

The stain you chose brought out that beautiful grain. What a lovely piece for your family.

[@joanklaczek4009]

Very nicely done, especially respecting the history of the piece.

[@cmitchell7347]

Such a nice blend of stains to achieve the rich, dark honey color. Great choice for the new 'old' hardware. The handles look like smiling eyes. :) The piece can now weather many more chapters.

[@bigviper64]

Girl, you Rock!…you have the Guts and Skill to handle such a job like this…Its always NICE to have all of the tools and large work shop also…I’m just learning this stuff myself.

[@roseannsullivan1871]

I purchased a similar wash stand in the 60's in a used furniture shop in New Hampshire. I refinished it similar to yours, but it had one door which needed to be replaced. Luckily, I found a local craftsman who made one for me. I used it in the kitchen and loved it for many years. Sold it at a yard sale many years ago. Thank for bringing back a lovely memory for me.

[@jenniferlashley2081]

Our family has a similar washstand that has been passed down from previous generations. I love what you did with this piece - restoring its dignity yet preserving its history. Great job!

[@jeanlanz2344]

Wow! The elmwood grain pattern on the front doors is so beautiful, almost psychedelic. You did amazing work. God bless you and your family

[@sandyleet1]

You’re the most thoughtful person ever I love when these pieces are painted but your husband needed it to look the way he remembers it. Respect you so much 💙

[@dyanalayng5507]

Looks so beautiful! Those drawer pulls and knobs are so much better. And thank goodness for Robertson screws! 🇨🇦

[@adamfitch965]

Damn, what an amazing transformation! You really brought out the character in this piece, especially in that elm wood grain. It’s such an underrated wood, and that awful 80s finish was hiding it. I also love that you kept a lot of its history, both visually and sentimentallly. A million times better!

[@charlenegoskowicz8220]

Whoa, the difference between night and day! I really like the finish, too. It sort of reminds me of a "fumed" finish, especially the way it has a grayish tint hanging on the grain. What a loving restoration, what an amazing job!

[@melanieeaton3344]

I'll bet your husband was thrilled! Simply beautiful!

[@kellysusalla-boyd9355]

Paint brush handle is genius! Love the saved marks and dings preserving its story in your husbands family.

[@judymielcarek6011]

Well, that piece was certainly loved. Turned out so nice. I’m glad you left the memories with it❤

[@RogerStPierre]

What a beautiful piece! So glad you kept in the family.

[@MissMeyer.]

This has got to be one of my favorite videos of yours!! Just the history alone makes it that much better!! May it bring continued joy and happy memories for your family!! ❤️

[@jannagrigorieva7893]

Lovely!! Looks so much better and will last even longer now with the wood getting a "facial scrub"! And i always appreciate your tips, tricks, & explanations!

[@laurelarmstrong4535]

A wonderful piece of furniture with memories. How fortunate you are talented enough to restore it.

[@halcyonacoustic7366]

I mean there is some talent but she explains how to do it pretty well. No need to be intimidated away from trying it yourself!

[@juneknight9586]

The grain in that wood is beautiful. Good job on restoration. I love it!

[@lindawhite5006]

That turned out beautiful! Thank you for taking your time and sharing with us. 🇺🇸

[@janielnegron1689]

I really like that you left some of the marks and imperfections. Definitely retains the memories and character of the piece.

[@RaimundoHoward]

Awesome work! This is the first DIY restoration video I watched and I feel ready to tackle my project. Thanks for sharing!

[@lauris5708]

What a nice little piece. I love the shape of it. I'm not usually crazy about elm but it suits this piece and the new finish looks amazing.

[@brianne9]

I love the story behind the dresser, and it turned out beautifully!

[@kathrynschamanski3766]

What a great job! The rescue of an old piece...especially one that has memories attached is such a good feeling. I really like the hardware you chose...it fits right into the era of the washstand and makes it look special and "finished."

[@salvagedbykscott]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ComfortablyLost2020]

Wow, you did an absolutely remarkable job, wow, thank you so much for taking the time to show us how you did it!

[@julijopeterson7096]

I love what you did with this & that the marks were left on it. It’s beautiful! The only thing I probably would of done different is on the right front door if you’re standing in front of it. The bottom part of that door has no pattern on it. It’s the only part of those two door fronts that doesn’t. This is just me but I’d paint a wood grain texture on it to have it blend in but even without it it still has incredible charm becuz of it’s visible history. Great job! Love it.

[@jeepstergal12]

That is so lovely! I love the look of elm, and it breaks my heart that the beautiful Elms that used to line our streets are just a memory.

[@kybifox13]

Oh my gosh 😍 so pretty!!! I love that Doug wanted to keep the art supply markings on the drawer!

[@shellydehart8217]

Katie, you did an amazing job. I love the different types of wood it’s made of. I have a washstand commode just like yours. It even has the serpentine front. I love mine. It’s made out of Elm n Hickory trees. Your right their hard to come by. I refinished mine over 20ty years ago. I think it’s do to do it over again. It’s a beauty n with many memories to go with it. 😊♥️👍👍👍👍👍🌟

[@honeykat1]

What a charming piece! It's so nice that it is impregnated with all those memories too. I thought you made the right choice to add the redder stain on top of the first one: it seems a little warmer toned and looks lovely! That elm wood is lovely too, with all those swirls! I don't know if I've ever seen that before, even though I used to live in Canada many years ago. Another lovely job! I always look forward to seeing what Katie did (and what Katie did next)! [Ps. you workshop just gets better and better: more organized, so tidy!! Love it!)] thank you again for sharing your work! kindest regards, k

[@Hawkpelt94]

That grain POPS with the stain! Absolutely gorgeous piece!

[@TWMAC2011]

Dings and marks are the character and history of a great antique. Well done.

[@margaretponder4950]

Beautiful! Your inspiring me to gather up some of my late husband's family pieces!

[@helenaneumann1872]

It was right and proper to restore the little cabinet made in the Art and Craft style and to give it a new shine. The solid, piece of furniture looks pretty again and will certainly serve its purpose for a long time to come. Not to forget that you certainly made your husband happy. :)))

[@jkhegarty857]

Awesome job!! 👏 A beautiful piece of restored furniture. Thank you for the family history & the period of the furniture. It helps to admire the piece even more. A very nice video. 😊

[@gracerodriguez6869]

You did a great job, it is a beautiful piece, so glad you kept it

[@mrgarner4796]

You did a beautiful job. This piece reminds me of a piece my Mom had. She used the bottom as a liquor cabinet and the drawer held envelopes of family photographs. I love older furniture...it is real wood. I have my great-grandmother's bonnet chest and would like to refinish the top only. The rest of it is in decent condition. She purchased it from money she earned selling eggs when she was first married. This piece of furniture means a lot to me. She lived with my family when I was growing up on the farm.

[@kalischer53]

This is a gorgeous transformation. I have 2 solid maple end tables (from my childhood) that I want to refinish. This video game me some great ways to accomplish it. Thanks.

[@mary-virginiafeger3306]

Beautiful and so inspirational. A wonderful family heirloom.

[@MermaidmomUP]

That elm grain is absolutely stunning! I love painted furniture renos but I'm so glad you chose to let that wood shine!😳😍❤️

[@eileenfrank3686]

Absolutely love everything about this little piece. The grain of the elm wood is so unique and beautiful. 🥰

[@zonyasvintage7859]

Beautifully restored! No easy task for sure . The wood tone changes in different light.. so lovely with the vintage knobs.

[@beverlyhess611]

This is a beautiful piece of furniture and I love the family history that comes with it! True treasure!

[@sarahrenfrow9795]

Beautiful transformation. What a wonderful keepsake. Love that you left some distinguishing marks. Thanks for sharing

[@NairobiKamealoha]

Awesome vid!! Love that you took your time to show each product used and each step. Also love that you kept the sentimental marks.

[@lymanlatham7005]

It's beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen Elm before. The grain of the wood is gorgeous, I love it. You did it proud. Thanks for sharing.

[@lindaczerwinski3312]

My favorite part of this video was watching all the love and care you applied with the cleaning, sanding and staining.

[@RJRansdell-d1y]

I agree with other comments on leaving the kid's marks on the drawers, and the wood grain is just stunning on this piece and you did a good job of bringing it out, I also didn't realize that Elm had such a beautiful grain to it

[@lucindajennings148]

Beautiful! Loved the final color and the hardware was perfect.

[@hotflippinmess9178]

OMG that wood grain! Chef's kiss 💋

[@debranelson2024]

I enjoyed the story behind the nightstand. It truly is an heirloom. I am glad Doug kept it, and you refinished it for him. Fun the watch!

[@SenterStuff61]

Your attention to detail is amazing! What a lovely piece to enjoy for many years to come!

[@rmm9110]

This turned out beautiful. Apparently I have a thing for washstands. I own five. My latest one I picked from the side of the road. It had an awful stain in the top I couldn't get rid of then quite by accident I discovered oxiclean cleaned it up and got the stain out and cleaned the whole thing. It is Chestnut and has Knapp joints. I love that you kept it unpainted and saved the family history in the drawer.

[@velmacoffey3763]

I have 2 of these. They needed extensive repairs' but I got through them!! They came to me with green paint so I reproduced that look. I love them !!

[@kathrynkneeland7179]

Love it, Katie. Brought back a wonderful memory of my grandfather who lived very close to where you live now. When he retired he refinished an old wash stand that was in his basement. It had layers of paint on it. It truly looked like junk. He never did anything like that before. It was stunning with high quality wood. The wood felt like velvet. I was so amazed at his work. Thank you for bringing back that memory. ❤

[@lawniecontois95]

I just love everything about this video. I love taking something old and giving it a new purpose.

[@lfatla]

I am going to restore a night stand that my father made his senior year of high school in shop class, he graduated 1958 i think I believe it is still the original finish it just needs cleaned up so that it shines again. It was my night stand while I was a kid and then when I got divorced I made it my night stand again. Thankfully my dad saw it in my room before he passed away. But now time to shine it up!

[@mistygeller3193]

Oh my goodness it’s so pretty!! Very well done ❤️ You kept all of the love and added some more!

[@donnamcknight3175]

That was so kind of you! I'm sure Doug appreciates it!

[@ssaah59ify]

Beautiful restoration...one that your kids and future generations can appreciate as well!

[@Mr_Gatoo]

I just brought a rocking chair for my momma from an antique store for a good price, i cant wait to restore it! Thanks for the video

[@beesknees213]

Very nice job. I rescued a small rocking chair and a wagon from going to the landfill. I will refinish them after I do more research. Your videos always amaze me!! Thanks.

[@PaulNewman3503]

Great job! You are my refinishing hero, and I've learned so much from you. I've finished a ton of pieces over the years, but now, with your experience and great teaching gift, my pieces have reached a whole new level as has my finishing confidence. Thanks so much for the excellence of what and how you do it!❤

[@yvonnerodgers6999]

This piece is so beautiful now. Fabulous work

[@teaandbiscuits7233]

I love the restored wood/white washed wood trend at the moment. This is a perfect example of enhancing a pieces natural beauty. Love it !

[@billymasoner3735]

Such a charming and priceless gem you have created! Your husband will be able to always look at it and remember those cherished childhood memories. He’s a lucky man.

[@pitsnipe5559]

So nice to restore and preserve a childhood memory. I recently restored a record cabinet that my wife’s grandfather built for her mother back in the 1940’s. The style is very similar to your piece.

[@J_L970]

Looks fantastic Katie! I have a few pieces of this style of furniture. There’s something about the simple yet classic lines that I just adore.