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

My husband asked me to give a little restoration to an antique elm washstand that’s a bit of a family heirloom. I stripped the old finish, re-stained the beautiful wood and got it ready for the NEXT generation.
Products Used in this Video:
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+ 3m Half Mask Respirator urlgeni.us/amzn/3MRespirator
+ Surf Prep 3x4 Detail Sander & 5” Random Orbital Sander
+ 80, 120, 180 & 600 grit abrasives
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+ Bacho 2” Carbide Scraper urlgeni.us/amzn/BACHOScraper
+ Gator Sanding Grip urlgeni.us/amzn/GatorSangingGrip
+ Odourless Spirits urlgeni.us/amzn/4NNQD
+ Varathane Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner urlgeni.us/amzn/PreStainWoodCond
+ Minwax Penetrating Wood Stain in Special Walnut & English Chestnet
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+ Lint Free Cloths urlgeni.us/amzn/GrabARag
+ HOTO 12V Brushless Drill & 3.6V Electric Screwdriver urlgeni.us/amzn/HOTOSCREWDRIVER
+ New Hardware from Spearhead & Co. www.thespearheadcollection.com
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IMPORTANT: This video is not sponsored. You watching these videos supports my small home business. I am grateful for each and every one of you! This description may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these affiliate links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Always read and follow individual product or tool usage and safety recommendations. Viewers should attempt these projects at their own risk.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@MeMe-cd1wy]

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

[@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!

[@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. 😊

[@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. ❤️

[@janine4360]

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

[@kathyaakananabluebird]

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

[@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.

[@debbiestott3651]

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

[@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. 👍

[@Njeanous]

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

[@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!

[@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! 👍👏😊

[@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 😊

[@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.

[@joanklaczek4009]

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

[@user-ix8bx6ek3t]

Fantastic job preserving this family treasure.

[@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! 😍

[@RogerStPierre]

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

[@lindysmith13]

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

[@lyndapalecek8952]

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

[@martihurford]

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

[@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!! ❤️

[@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.

[@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. 😊

[@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.

[@joannye2871]

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

[@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!❤

[@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!

[@Freds_mom]

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

[@juneknight9586]

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

[@sarahrenfrow9795]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@denisemcghie9773]

What a beautiful piece of history for your husband. I love watching you restore furniture. 😊

[@theophany150]

Beautiful job! Great piece, so full of family memories, and that is most valuable kind of furniture. So glad you saw the value in saving it.

[@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 !

[@melanieeaton3344]

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

[@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!

[@RaimundoHoward]

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

[@flamingoliz]

What a precious piece! Love the backstory and the love that went into this. This turned out really beautiful and I love the new hardware with it too, much more appropriate. Wonderful job ❤

[@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.

[@gnatuhlee0041]

What a special piece to be able to bring back to life! It looks so good, thank you for being such an inspiration!

[@gracerodriguez6869]

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

[@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!

[@judymielcarek6011]

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

[@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

[@kimeverhart6253]

Oh my goodness!! This is so beautiful!! I’m so happy that you use oil based stains in your work. I think it makes the wood look so rich and brings out the natural beauty just so wonderfully!! I have a little oak wash stand that I need to refinish and now you have given me the spark to get started!! 🥰❣️

[@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.

[@lucindajennings148]

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

[@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. ❤

[@zonyasvintage7859]

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

[@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!

[@brianne9]

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

[@ComfortablyLost2020]

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

[@dyanalayng5507]

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

[@lawniecontois95]

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

[@denisesmith100]

I just love watching you bring pieces back to life. So much love, sweat and tears on your part! And your accent is like sprinkles on the cupcake. Thanks for sharing your passion in a way that teaches me stuff!

[@kybifox13]

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

[@Hawkpelt94]

That grain POPS with the stain! Absolutely gorgeous piece!

[@ashleyadams6803]

Nice job! It’s nice to be able to keep a piece that has been in the family for decades!

[@janielnegron1689]

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

[@barbaraleventhal8571]

Beautiful job on this little nightstand. Look at the grain in the doors. So pretty. The pulls for the drawers are lovely.

[@beverlyhess611]

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

[@margaretponder4950]

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

[@bfranklin1052]

Absolutely gorgeous. I'll bet your husband is thrilled. The new hardware is lovely, esp the knob. I love your systematic approach to every project. I always learn so many good habits from you. Thank you so much for your great content!

[@robinhammett9562]

It turned out beautifully!! The best of all wash stands I have seen.

[@kristindoherty3719]

Love the piece and the makeover! Beautiful job

[@mary-virginiafeger3306]

Beautiful and so inspirational. A wonderful family heirloom.

[@neehapatel1956]

Loving this restoration! Beautiful!

[@shelly1224]

That looks so nice! Love how the inside drawer still kept the memories

[@marysmith9083]

🙌🏼 It’s a lovely piece ~ you have done an amazing job!

[@lindawhite5006]

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

[@mistygeller3193]

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

[@c.h.9193]

Love the new hardware. So glad you retained the memories! Beautiful Job. Cathleen

[@jeepstergal4043]

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.

[@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. 😊♥️👍👍👍👍👍🌟

[@donnamcknight3175]

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

[@JBryan-sx8qs]

Great job; the wood is absolutely gorgeous!

[@susanbarton8969]

It looks beautiful Katie. Love how you can see all the wood grain x

[@darlenepurcell]

Love this! Its beutiful! I like that you left the blemishes that will remind your family of treasured memories! Great Job! Thanks for sharing!

[@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.

[@janetmcmillan4215]

Love how you refinished this Katie. Our whole family will be impressed. We thought all the kids were just playing for hours in the bunk bed room. Those little kids must have been smoking🤣🤣🤣

[@joanngarza3734]

Thank you. I picked up a homemade one one that is all wood and haven't touched it yet. Always learning something new. Thank you.

[@MrB_and_me]

Wow! That wood grain is unreal! Nice job 👍

[@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!

[@shabbysuse7821]

What a lovely piece of furniture Katy, you did it proud!

[@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.

[@mebestlife888]

Love it!!! Great job!!!! A true family treasure

[@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!

[@momococo8779]

I grew up with this exact wash stand and now I know how to refinish it. Thank you!!

[@brendaalbaugh8927]

Nicely done! Love keeping some of the history of the piece. Thanks Katie!

[@gsh319]

Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the great work.

[@colleenmccarthy-evans3149]

such a lovely and charming piece, thanks to your loving restoration.

[@cindymacdonald5611]

What an amazing transformation. Love the grain of the wood. You are talented!! Thanks so much!!

[@alician_stump]

This is so cool. I could watch you work for hours. I don’t think I ever realized how interested I was in woodwork until this video! You’re inspiring

[@rebeccavinyard2899]

Such a special piece. You did good Katie! ❤

[@greenjeanbrown]

Katie, you've done a marvelous job of restoration. The lovely graining is a delight to behold. That this is a cherished family piece adds a unique layer to this project. You are ever the consummate professional in your approach and execution. Bravo!