New Life for OLD Wood - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine finishes a countertop of reclaimed boards sourced from an old New England mill. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or write us at [e-mail]. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).

[@coreygrua3271]

Released three hours ago and has 900 likes. That says something about loyalty for Tom Johnson’s quality and his value to the woodworking community.

[@steelsunpi]

Now 16 hrs and almost 3000 likes.

[@Greenacres1958]

Look now! Crazy!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it's very gratifying!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I'll have to check!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thanks

[@adamfitch965]

I’m so used to seeing you fixing up old furniture, it’s really cool to see you building a piece from scratch, albeit an antique piece of wood. Beautiful work as always!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@lostonwallace1396]

Tom, that island looks pretty stunning! I don't think that it could have turned out better! In my mind, adding the layers of shellac to keep the resin from leaking through was a very smart idea, and in the long run it saved you a few hours of headache. As always, your videos are top-notch, and whenever I see that you have a new one, I know that my day is apt to be a good one because I get to start it off watching you do some wood wizardry! Thanks for all the great entertainment and education.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate that!

[@rosandy123]

Great use for some old reclaimed wood that's had a previous life. Years ago, I had an 1880's house with original features, though some were missing. I managed to find a 200 year old Pitch Pine beam that came from an old mill. I wanted it dressed down but no one would touch it, that was until I found an old woodshop with no electricity and the saws were belt driven from an old tractor. The owner put on an old beat up blade and ripped it down for me, highlighting the nails etc with pencil so I managed to remove them all. Using an original piece I then had a local carpenter copy the mouldings, so when I installed them, in the exact same place they would have been you couldn't tell. The smell from this 200 year old wood was amazing. I just love watching what you do, and always learn something. Keep the videos coming.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Quite a project and it sounds great! Thanks for watching. I would have loved to have seen that old shop!

[@walterplummer3808]

I appreciate that you did not just cast it into a block of epoxy like everyone else on KZbin. Looks very nice. Thanks

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, and I think the varnish will look very natural as it ages

[@tnekkc]

I feel the time passing with each coffee cup.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, count the cups!

[@Toby-fp1nf]

I know my way around wood but I'm lightyears away from what this master is pulling off. Clearly this man has forgotten more about wood than I'll ever learn...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I don't know about that!

[@tullochmacmurray5482]

Gorgeous. Looks as if it has been in your kitchen from day one. And sealing with shellac before applying epoxy is a great tip.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it worked out!

[@rirkc]

I'm always amazed how beautiful salvaged lumber can be with the right restoration work. Absolutely lovely island top.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@negotiableaffections]

Absolutely beautiful, Tom. The older timber might be tough work but all that character, even 'personallity' of the finished wood makes it so worthwhile, not to mention its history and battle scars A late night cocoa is not the same when staring at a sheet of white laminate. I'd be drawn to this top constantly.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it's a focal point in the kitchen, really captures the feel

[@sgath92]

I love that reclaimed lumber has caught on with the public, I think its neat to see something that's been around for a hundred or two years being used for something like this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Oh yes, it's great!

[@kayerin5749]

Another great video. This was fascinating, seeing how you worked out what you needed to do as you went along. Kudo's also to Mr. Hill (?) who is sharing this bounty around:) I love the opening and closing nature scenes to your videos. They seem to be getting better; clearer and sharper. Your camera skills are growing too!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I love shooting video of animals - it's not easy!

[@graceveenema4762]

I noticed how the foliage around the cat reflected in its eyes. They were really green!

[@retiredarchitect3462]

Terrific job for the"cobbler's children"! I love the kitchen itself too. In 1999 my wife bought our 250 year-old house while I was away at an AIA event, and I was an "architect with a hammer" for six months, while still running my practice. Many projects were rushed or not finished to perfection, and we lived happily with some "artsy" distressed aspects for 20 years. Happily since I retired I have been able to go back over many projects and have brought most of the house up to a better level - still not what I would have gotten for clients - and never as beautiful as the work you have done! Kudos

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it never ends! But we love working on this house and preserving it for the future

[@geoweb8246]

Tom, I like how you put a coat of shellac on the top before using epoxy. The shellac sealed the wood so the epoxy would not soak into surrounding wood...very clever.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I was happy it worked!

[@kila4]

I LOVE seeing the finished piece in the home!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! So does my wife!

[@pamsheets632]

Exquisitely beautiful job! Love the wood details! Absolutely gorgeous finish and color! Your work is by far the best I've ever seen! Thank you for letting us be a part of your awesome creations! 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@Jorgetrdias]

What an absolute ledgend! Respect Mr. Johnson 🪚

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice

[@schrodingerscat1863]

That really turned out way better than I thought it would. Once again you have taken something that looked fit for firewood and turned it into something outstanding.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@hijmestoffels5171]

I really miss the „like again” button. I watch these videos often for a second time after a few months.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm not familiar with that button. But yes, I like watching them again too!

[@billmcrae1424]

The wood has character, just like the craftsman who made it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's nice

[@Carmastrong855]

Sometimes it's the simple project that brings big rewards. This is great, Tom! We've been missing your new content, so thanks again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@PattyPaints]

Wow... that turned out beautiful! At 14:12 I see Ella's face in the three knotholes at the top of the frame. ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! I see it! Thanks

[@michaelroady6807]

I'm very excited to follow your steps to refinish the top of a vacation rental dining table that is continually damaged. I've yet to find a finish that resists heat! Good to have met you Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! So far, this finish has exceeded my expectations. I’m testing it everyday, purposefully putting hot coffee cups on it, so far no problems

[@leandabracegirdle4737]

Absolutely gorgeous as usual! Did you notice the puppy in your island top? Once you see it you can never unsee it. That just added to the charm for me! Thank you Thomas Johnson, you are a huge inspiration!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! As time goes by we keep seeing more and more images. If Jesus or The Virgin showed up we'd really have something!

[@jeanettepaynter1183]

This looks beautiful. I loved the fact that it was reclaimed wood.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too!

[@philedgerton7892]

I really like the photos of your finished pieces in their "natural habitat".

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! me too!

[@anneholland552]

Oh, what a beautiful result!! Tip for the epoxy step- hit the spots briefly with a heat gun after adding the epoxy to remove many of the air bubbles.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I wish I had known that! But it turned out not to be a problem

[@ginalou5774]

That looks amazing in the kitchen. Your wife must be loving that.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! We both are!

[@melissataylor5494]

Great addition to the kitchen. It pretty much takes center stage. Thanks for showing us your approach to making this countertop. Loved it and your videography.❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Melissa!

[@slawomirh.3636]

Mistrzu Thomasie, twoje filmy nauczają dobrego podejścia do drewna, nawet mnie, mechanika samochodowego. Pozdrawiam i życzę dużo sił i zdrowia.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Dziękuję! Myślę, że to świetnie!

[@jeffweber8244]

Beautiful. I much prefer this sophisticated approach to make the epoxy completely invisible and showcase only the wood!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it worked well

[@tonymorley3947]

Another great video from Tom. I’ve followed his videos for a year or so and I’m always impressed with his range of skill, the level of detail and his depth of understanding of wood working, I think his ability to explain in a concise and informative way is exceptional.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's very nice

[@167curly]

That old lumber has made a beautiful top for your kitchen island, Tom. Many congratulations

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, complements the kitchen really well!

[@carolvanrooyen4929]

Absolutely beautiful! May it see thousands of meals prepared on it! 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

I hope so too! Thanks!

[@judithfairchild8620]

This piece came out beautifully. I would be proud to have that for a table top or a stand alone counter.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Judith! We are enjoying it!

[@randyattwood]

That was fun to watch. Great piece of wood and so glad we got to see it in situ! Nice kitchen!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Joe1935429]

As you began with the catalog of holes, cracks, splits, etc. I began to think "reallly?' As usual, you knew what you had and what you could do, and proceeded to produce a most beautiful table top that will last for years. Another piece of your genius. THANKS!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@strongjohn10956]

You have really brought out the character and natural beauty of the wood. Thank you for yet another informative video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@frankhill9527]

The counter top looks right at home in your kitchen. Another great job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it fit right in!

[@featherdude]

Beautiful finished project.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@susiepattinson3031]

Always a pleasure. Thankyou.🧡🧡

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@eamonanthony6767]

Lovely piece of work Tom you saved and enhanced an nice lump of wood, well done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks 👍

[@joevano]

Looks great. Love that the wood wasn’t perfect but you made it functional and look great!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! First comment! Congratulations

[@normanbott]

150 years plus and it's still being used and giving pleasure. A wonderful result, the colours can only develop like that with time. If only I could find material like that in the UK ...

[@lauralake7430]

I have had luck finding a few good pieces from demolition, but dont know how it is in the UK

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that's what I love about it too

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Laura! Yes, they must have a lot of old wood in the UK

[@Crowbar777]

I love reclaimed wood projects. All the starting defects add to the beauty of the finished piece.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, we're loving it too!

[@terrydawson4594]

Thanks! I needed that! I was given a truckload of 30 yr aged walnut/oak/ something else from someone’s barn attic. Eventually I plan on making all of my countertops out of walnut. You will be my tutor! 22:56

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And I can tell you, the Waterlox Original is holding up much better than I ever hoped for! Be sure to finish the bottoms, and all the endgrain really well. There can be a lot of problems around the sink, and dishwasher too. I would do the sections around the sink with granite, and the rest with the walnut

[@dennishinkle5010]

That old dry wood really soaks up the moisture. It came out great.👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@HeikeWoolard]

That looks way better than pretty good. This island top is absolutely beautiful.😍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ivetteazares5286]

Another great job I love that counter top so glad you kept it in a natural color, loved watching

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much 😊

[@RM131313]

Reusing timber to create special pieces is always a great idea. Looks "Pretty Good"!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it really worked out!

[@marilynfranks8995]

It turned out beautifully! I was skeptical when I first saw it, I don't know why though as everything you work on turns out splendid. It's nice to see you doing different things. It has to be fun for you too! Great work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much! It is a nice change of pace!

[@caroltanzi29]

Thomas: love what you did. And it looked great in your kitchen. Nothing like having another surface to work on. Carol from California

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Carol! So true...

[@jomercer21113]

Shellac to the rescue! Wow--what a spectacular result!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jerrywoodlee2345]

I enjoyed watching this for the second time. I am looking forward to watching future videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@johnuselman3600]

“I think it looks pretty good.” Can he be more understated? Just amazing. I love how he tells us the products and why he is using it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@kenc2257]

What a neat project! Perfect addition to your lovely kitchen.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@hdwoodshop]

9:04 love that old timey sander. I used to get my haircut from an 80 year old barber who had a machine like that to massage my scalp. It was two smaller machines, strapped to each hand. Weirdest but also most gratifying experience after the cut.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I remember that when we were kids! The barber didn’t normally do that to kids, but he would once in a while, it was great

[@sylviekoenig9960]

This started looking (from afar) like a pretty straightforward job. It turned our being a lot more complex than anticipated… As usual, a lot of elbow grease… The final result is absolutely outstanding!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! These "natural" table tops are a lot of work!

[@susannaude8514]

The end result is so beautiful! Great job, sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@tomblanco8234]

I hope the Epoxy Army notices he did not drown the wood in gallons of plastic. Great respect to Thomas Johnson.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I'm hoping the varnish will look very natural

[@kennethmiller2333]

You keep knocking it out of the park. Once I get a place with a garage (probably my next duty station), I can't wait to start trying my hand at things like this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope you find some space!

[@43painter]

Very nice, Tom ! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@steveh1273]

Nice work and excellent camera work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@Mike-xs6ed]

Such a delight as always Tom to watch your video's I'm always fascinated, I don't know who does your filming of it, but it is well edited. I like it when you leave it overnight, and comes back to it in seconds, yes ! good editing, And that famous cup of coffee or whatever you bring in, in the morning, makes it kind of cosy...Thanks Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, I do the videography, and I have an editor

[@andymolly9100]

Stunning job Thomas after dealing with so many defects

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Esprit5758]

Love it! What a cool way to use old lumber. It's beautiful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

It sure is! Thanks!

[@hiker1392]

Thanks for the pics in the house!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Nannygoat]

Love love the character in this wood and, made a gorgeous tabletop

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@MDJeeper]

This turned out so lovely! It’s always nice watching you work, no matter what the project is. It’s really cool knowing that the wood used to make this island was so old and able to be reclaimed and re-purposed. Thanks so much for sharing Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@pitsnipe5559]

Nice, can’t beat the look of that old lumber. Our Son in Law built a dining table from reclaimed barn siding, beautiful! When we redid our kitchen five years ago, I wanted to do a walnut top on our island. Got vetoed. ☹️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like walnut! Tough choice

[@Mike--K]

A great use of reclaimed lumber that someone else might have overlooked. The finished top looks beautiful in your kitchen.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It does!

[@judithdomangue9995]

I loved seeing the old-growth wood being reused, and it has made a lovely kitchen island top.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too!

[@the_atomshop]

interesting video. Always look forward to these. Many thanks for taking the time to make these films for us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@piedmonitor]

I am still hoping to buy a Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration t-shirt one day, I think it would look pretty good

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I know...

[@dirkg7062]

Nice job Tom! Beautiful piece of wood. Looks great in your kitchen.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@marekpaul6110]

Love slow grow old wood. The defects give it so much character. You execution of the project was as perfect as ever. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, it tells a story!

[@AquaPeet]

Would love to run my hand across that top after all the care you put into it! And I just imagined you running around slapping people's coffee out of their hand when they're about to set their cup down WITHOUT A COASTER :D

[@dlevi67]

Tung oil will take it in its stride. Especially 5 coats of it!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That will be the test! I think it will stand up to the coffee! We'll see...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, and I am letting it cure for a few weeks before the final installation - I think it will stand up to the hot coffee cups

[@patriciareidinger4071]

What a fantastic job. It looks great in your kitchen.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much! 😊 We love it

[@hanaaa6394]

Very nice! As a nursing professor I just laugh every time you fill the syringe.

[@lauralake7430]

Same here!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I imagine myself as the "Furniture Doctor"

[@bethcrane5780]

Hiya Tom! this looks great in your kitchen. I'm thinking about doing something similar in our beach house kitchen, so I learned a lot! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! It would be great in a beach house!

[@nickcampbell6881]

Perfect timing for this video! I'm just about to have a go at something very similar and had a few doubts... not any more!! Thanks Tom - so many great things in here that will save me hours of experimenting and improve my final result 10 times over. Really appreciate what you do. 👏👏👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful. Good luck!

[@d.e.s4432]

ooh I love it. I also love the wide-plank floors in your kitchen.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! We like them too - some rooms have even wider boards

[@MarcvanExel]

Great result!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Marc!

[@judithfairchild8620]

Taking what should be waste wood and turning it into a beautiful table top. Really really great piece.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Judith!

[@jeffj2495]

I think it looks pretty good too. At mid-project, some of the surface looked pretty bad. The vid at the end shows it was well worth it. Thanks for posting this Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Val_Emrys]

What an interesting change of pace project. Once again I am impressed with your vision to discover the beauty and utility in material that basically looks like trash at the start. You have helped me to develop that vision too and I have to thank you for that.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! "Hidden Treasures"...

[@paulstanding7267]

That is one beautiful peace of old timber you have don’t it justice looks amazing in your kitchen 😀👍👍👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@chandarussell]

Great island. The old wood looks wonderful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Chanda!

[@susanpaulson9010]

Hello, again. Been a couple of years since I watched due to various reasons. So I looked you up again. Wonderful addition to your kitchen.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Glad you're back!

[@susanpaulson9010]

@@johnsonrestoration Thank you Had Covid and health issues after that. Back on the mend and enjoying life, which includes watching your videos. Wonderful restorations, as always.

[@jgorry69]

Your effort and love is inspiring. Thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@mariaaparecidacarvalho6530]

Good. Very good. Thank you.💚💛🇧🇷🌻

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@altzana396]

Beautiful! I recently built my own butcher block countertops for the kitchen. Your use of the tongue oil finish has reassured me I made the right decision. Watching your channel has been such an inspiration and has helped my refinishing journey immeasurably. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I feel good about the tung oil varnish. Time will tell!

[@terryrazor5978]

The island is just stunning :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kennethleslie9414]

Always look forward to new video’s from you Tom, this one is very different but still riveting

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@michaelmaxwell8835]

Your work is great. I have watched a lot of your shows.👵😍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@yeagerxp]

Excellent work 👍👍👍 . Thank you for sharing. Take care of yourself 🇨🇦

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I'll try!

[@kersi-sandiego6036]

"This is my island in the sun, willed to me by my father's hand. "... Beautiful Tom. I love the underside more than the top. A lot of character as befits the history of the wood. Thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Your welcome! Definitely a lot of character

[@glynisbabbey4306]

Complements the kitchen nicely.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I had a feeling it would!

[@marilyngianadda1661]

I love the look and your process. Thank you!🙏🏻❤️

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@sooth15]

Looks great. Matches your pine floors beautifully.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It does! We have a lot of amazing pine in the house