100 Year Old Buffet Kept Falling Apart | Furniture Restoration

This furniture restoration was my most frustrating to date.
Broken drawers, drawer slides, drawer stops, cabinet floors, dents and scratches, and my fight with a bent and cross threaded screw.
I purchased the antique buffet off Facebook market place. The owner told me it was 100 years, and it certainly looked like it had 100 years worth of wear and tear. I removed all the old stain and varnish and took care of the minor dents and scratches (some damage was too much to fix).
If you liked this furniture restoration/furniture flip please like and subscribe to follow along for future DIY restorations.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out in the comments.
Thanks for watching!
- JM
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List of items used in my Furniture restorations
Klean Strip Premium Stripper - amzn.to/49FPZiQ (Amazon)
Krud Cutter Degreaser - amzn.to/3uG1zLT (Amazon)
Brasso Metal Polish - amzn.to/3ULUfJk (Amazon)
Carbide Scrapper - amzn.to/49iDObH (Amazon)
Detail Carbide Scrapper - amzn.to/3UNaNAQ (Amazon)
Ridgid Air Compressor - amzn.to/4bFtPyW (Amazon)
Nylon Brush - amzn.to/3SLN1SZ (Amazon)
Putty Scraper Tool - amzn.to/49HDF1h (Amazon)
Lacquer Satin - amzn.to/48iby7P (Amazon)
General Finishes Gel Stain Antique Walnut - amzn.to/48r5FoW (Amazon)
PreStain Wood Conditioner - amzn.to/42MqREJ (Amazon)
Black and Decker Iron - amzn.to/4bFfgLP (Amazon)
Disclaimer, the above links are affiliate links, so if you make a purchase with the links provided, I will receive a small commission. There's no extra charge, but it helps me out!

[@ronwilson3555]

Beautiful! It’s so refreshing to see one of these restoration videos that is actually restoring the piece and not just repairing and painting it!

[@restorationrhode]

Glad you enjoyed it! I will admit though, sometimes I have to paint a piece, but I'm trying everything I can to not paint them.

[@christinesquire3074]

Beautiful! One question, why didn’t you sand and oil the back panel while you had to off? Curious only, not a criticism

[@restorationrhode]

@@christinesquire3074 I could have. I just think that is a little bit of a waste. It was in good shape and no one will see the back.

[@nickthederpyfox241]

Can we forget about the absolutely gorgeous and stunning result of the restoration for a sec and just appreciate the middle finger to the nasty knob? :)))

[@restorationrhode]

Sometimes you gotta show your frustration. Thanks for the compliment!

[@kathykapsner3897]

Such gorgeous wood! I’m glad you left it natural color👍🏽. I also appreciate the no talking, no music.♥️♥️

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@LucyJG]

I would recommend watching AT Restoration. He’s been in the business in Estonia for over 25 years & has great tips. You’re doing well.

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! I do subscribe to his channel and have taken some of his tips!

[@jt9498]

Turned out beautiful! Nice recovery!

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@willieckaslike]

That is a beautiful result. Thank you for sharing !

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you for watching!

[@moonbuggie]

So beautiful. A real craftsman restoring a piece rather than painting it. So refreshing to see.

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

I laughed out loud when you flipped the middle finger at the knob that was giving you so much trouble! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done that. That tung oil really brought out the beauty of the wood. I swear I could hear the dry wood slurping it up like a traveler in the desert at an oasis. The brass hardware is really pretty, too, and you made an excellent choice on the door knobs. By the way, to “scrap” something means you throw it in the trash. The action you used to remove the finish is to scrape.

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad it made you laugh! Yea, I saw the typo after I uploaded it and wasn’t gonna through the whole upload process again all over the letter “e” lol

[@nunya3352]

dove tails on the drawers are modern, the rounded tenons are the giveaway and trademark of machine mass production techniques- post 1950's for those parts anyway.

[@restorationrhode]

Great information. I'll know what to lookout for on future restorations.

[@michaelvaughn2091]

My mother had the same buffet (and matching china cabinet) which she purchased new around 1955.

[@andrewgrace4410]

Awesome restoration 😸

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@robertgriffith9703]

Foreshadowing. Good One. You Made Me Laugh! Nicely Restored. You Made It Less Antique and More Modern, so It can Look Good in Any Home!

[@restorationrhode]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KnottenWood]

Holy cow!!!!! That final result!! The wood grain and the tung oil!! Just beautiful!!! New subscriber here!!!

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks for the sub!

[@TheCraftyMagnolia]

Absolutely gorgeous! You make everything look so easy, but I know it wasn't. I love the hardware you chose too!

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you so much! It was actually the original hardware.

[@TheCraftyMagnolia]

@@restorationrhode I meant the replacement parts. The shine you got out of those old pieces was awesome!

[@marshayoder7627]

100 years old...probably about right. I have 1 just like this! It was my in laws. And it's just about 100 years old...I have redone it.

[@restorationrhode]

I bet it looks great!

[@juliakathryn2582]

I'm always tempted to try my hand at these extreme repairs, but I'm realistic enough to know I haven't got the skills. Kudos and congrats!

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! It can be frustrating but rewarding at the same time.

[@brazillady5119]

Well, I could probably do this. But, it being me, it would require at least 3 trips to the ER, I wouldn’t be able to find my tools, any wood I cut would be measured twice, then cut. It wouldn’t fit. So I’d measure twice and cut. This process could possibly go on for several tries. When I finished it would be crooked and not at all level. To end it all I’d have parts left over. So, I could do it. It would look like crap, but I could do it. 😜

[@restorationrhode]

@@brazillady5119 😂😂

[@cintiafreitas7699]

😍Beautiful work‼️ 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 From 🇧🇷

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks! Stayed tuned for more restorations!

[@armelleaymonin8907]

Good work! Looks great After do many repairs.

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks! 👍

[@Lily656]

Beautiful!! You did a great job, really enjoyed the video. Excited to watch more of your videos!!

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! I’ll try to have one out in the next few weeks.

[@mardigra1916]

Excellent craftsmanship

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@chareast9997]

They used to make furniture that would last because they took the time to assemble it well and used good wood. That furniture was long lasting serviceable and beautiful. Thanks for bringing it back to life.

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks! I get real joy out of bringing these pieces back to life. Next video up is an old typewriter desk I'm restoring. Very cool and unique piece. Stay tuned!

[@ChedarCowan]

Absolutely gorgeous! You make everything look so easy, but I know it wasn't. I love the hardware you chose too!

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks! It was actually the original hardware. I just buffed.

[@martinebangs6520]

Hi there, new to your channel, watching from small town in Ontario, Canada....You did a great work on this hutch, very nice wood finish....Take care...cheers !!! 🍁 🍁

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! I have more content coming out soon! Stay tuned!

[@rudybriskar5267]

Hop on over to Flipping Drawers or Mayfield Restorations. These guys are top notch and the community is growing. They just finished the Absolute trash challenge. There were half a dozen or more participants.

[@restorationrhode]

Im subbed to both them. I also like Modern Makeovers.

[@dorotaZiętecka]

@@restorationrhode a znasz AT Restoration? On jest wspaniały.

[@restorationrhode]

@@dorotaZiętecka I follow him too. He’s great.

[@chrisp.76]

Back to the way it was meant to be. Lovely!

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! Working on a new piece. Stay tuned!

[@cherylacampora670]

wow!

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks!

[@guy4462]

nice

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@OldPumpMan]

The style of this sideboard looks just like one we have that was my wife's great-grandmothers that she brought over to the US when she moved here from the Isle of Man.

[@restorationrhode]

I don’t know who made this piece it has no markings which is typical of very old pieces.

[@pamallen2498]

I have one similar in style, but mine is MCM with recessed handles

[@restorationrhode]

Recessed handles could be a cool look

[@rebeccac2867]

What a gorgeous piece of furniture. Thank you for restoring it and sharing your process. I just love this so much!

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you so much!

[@kathyw7143]

❤

[@Raymond_Petit]

Wow! That was so satisfying seeing the final result!

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks! Stayed tuned for new content this weekend!

[@leewood729]

Based on the style of round dovetails, this could well be 100 years old, easily. Glad you didn't paint anything, lovely piece.

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@ransomdaniels8395]

So glad you replaced the dust panels between the drawers! Most people discard them but you often can tell the quality of the piece by whether it has dust panels or not. I have seen them in earlier pieces as well as high-quality younger pieces. That is one beautiful piece of furniture! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@cleo1034]

It’s a winner! 🏆

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@catherine5166]

I LOVE your film editing.

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@amybucher5439]

It looks beautiful. Careful & thorough work. Nicely done.

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you very much!

[@Bob-mk4cd]

Just subscribed. Great restoration!

[@restorationrhode]

Awesome, thank you!

[@leighr9662]

Lol! I knew this would be beautiful, but you really had me at "I shall call this piece LeClerc"!

[@restorationrhode]

For all my F1 enthusiasts out there!

[@gaydyson4287]

I have one that looks just like this but it also has a glass in front that sits on top of it it's in great shape we actually found it in someone's garage where the chickens had been roosting on top of it finding several eggs at the time it's pretty amazing

[@restorationrhode]

I hope you have it new life!

[@LaughingInTiny]

😮 Wow, it's stunning! I'm a dark wood girl and didn't think I'd like the natural tone... but it looks fantastic! Well done on the hardware. 👍

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks you! At first I didn't like the two tone hardware but it grew on me.

[@suhayl5157]

just subscribed; keep the good work.

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks for the sub! I appreciate the support!

[@Maitree15]

WOW!................Outstanding.

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@danajz6575]

Subscribed as soon as you threw the hand gesture! That's exactly what I would have done!

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@rudybriskar5267]

Count me in, I subbed.

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks!

[@gydaanderson332]

I’m impressed! You got it to stay together and it looks great!

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! Took some effort but got it all back together.

[@kimmiles9147]

It’s a beauty. Well done.

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@tondakremble6660]

Fantastic restoration! Beautiful!😊

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@ЕленаКолесникова-х3г]

Ну очень большая работа проделана.Результат просто Великолепен.Мастер ,вы просто волшебник.Это работа на века.Шикарная реставрация.Изумительная работа, достойная великих мастеров.Браво.Спасибо вам❤❤❤❤

[@restorationrhode]

I had to use google translate haha. Thank you for the compliment!

[@annafox7474]

Really nice result

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@plumiegainey7323]

Great transformation in its beauty. However, felt liners have cleaning issues.

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks! Yes I agree. But I wanted to keep it original.

[@mudrat52]

Wow love the natural look ❤

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@beverlybowman813]

Lovely

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@ceeyaaa]

Beautiful piece now

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@hpot53]

Beautiful! Ken from Alabama USA

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you very much!

[@diamondperidot]

Excellent work

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@killy1958able]

That is gorgeous 😊

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! 😊

[@LynnWasylenko]

Gorgeous!

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! 😊

[@KarenFix-sm4kc]

Lovely work

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@jeanniesmith6766]

Awesome ! I'm currently working on one just like it so this is very helpful!

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@neilschipper3741]

Came out looking great! Your humor makes a very entertaining video still laughing about the bird😂

[@restorationrhode]

Glad you enjoyed it! I’ll keep up the humor!

[@garygerbino3171]

Great job. My first time watching your channel, but I am hooked now.

[@restorationrhode]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for your support!

[@designabeej]

Really beautiful 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! 😊

[@lindamarsh6711]

Crude finger gestures don’t invite followers!😊

[@restorationrhode]

Just conveying my hours of frustration with that knob.

[@petervandermolen9835]

Indeed, don't roll the dice, if you can't pay the price.

[@gregpendrey6711]

Thought it was ok to share that but trust me your subscriber base will be women. No need to pander but don't forget we catch more flies with honey. The other channels are sitting on their laurels so, welcome.

[@patbolstad3701]

Beautiful 😊

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you so much 😀

[@madeleinekarlssonbengtsson]

Awesome

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@MASI_forging]

You đi a great work. It looks beautiful 😍😍

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! 😊

[@SparrowStockwell]

Nice job!

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks!

[@bigjarn]

I have an oak flat front drawer with half-blind dovetails. The face drawer side dovetail wood is all gone; my plan is to remove enough wood to glue in a h,w,t matching block, make a new draw side and router cut new half-blind dovetails. I'm going to hold the block in place with two short blind dowels. Your opinion would be appreciated. John

[@restorationrhode]

Trying to visualize this. Do you have a photo of it? If I’m visualizing it right you could tack it with Brad nails. Would be easier than dowels and they should be covered once you put it back together. Again this is how I image it in my head without seeing it. Also what do you mean by h,w,t, half-lap with tenon? Since you are using dowels.

[@mariavilarperis1882]

WoW 😍

[@BenoitLahlou]

From the aspects of hinges and dovetails, I think, if it isn't repared before and some things wasn't changed, it wasn't 100 years old Par l'aspect des charnières et des queues d'arondes, je pense que si il n'a pas été réparé ou certaines choses changées, il n'aurait pas 100 ans

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you for the insight!

[@bettinadewoof3309]

Is this piece made with mahogany veneer? The colour of the natural wood looks a lot like my parent’s mid century dressers I’m going to be tackling.

[@restorationrhode]

I think it is mahogany veneer. However, I’m not the best at identifying wood types.

[@oneshotme]

Had one just like this in the house growing up and to this day I wish I still had it but went to step mother sadly It looks beautiful and you did a wonderful job restoring it as well!!!! I enjoyed your video so I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you for supporting the channel! They are a classic look, never go out of style.

[@oneshotme]

@@restorationrhode That they never do!!

[@cferguson3368]

Suggestion...heads for screws & bolts made prior to 1930s were not made in the standard sizes we have today. Check around local garage sales or flea markets to find inexpensive screwdrivers with larger heads, and more importantly, wider bit depth, that are made prior to 1930. While it will not fix a piece of hardware that has gotten crosswise, it will make the removal easier because your screwdriver head will match the screw.

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks! This great advice. I knew Phillips head screws weren’t made until the 30s but I didn’t know about the size difference of the screw heads. I know a few local places I might find an old screw driver set.

[@itsjustmetomc4848]

Funny, I just repaired an old dresser and had to do the same thing with my clamps. I too need to buy some longer clamps. Nice job

[@restorationrhode]

Clamps are surprisingly expensive. And you never need just one.

[@dannraff]

Fantastic restoration you did good. I like it much.well done I'm now subscribed.

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!

[@colleenkidwell5820]

This piece would benefit from lacquer toner on the frame to match it better with the drawers. I would guess that it is probably from the early 1920s. Quite a challenge.

[@restorationrhode]

I might try that. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@cferguson3368]

Don't disagree that toner would have evened out the color. However, sometimes, it's nice to just let the grain variations shine.

[@Tom-kl5lg]

At the 10:00 mark - what is the purpose of spraying vinegar?

[@restorationrhode]

Both cabinets had a little bit of a musk smell to them which potentially was mold. Vinegar cleans mold from wood. So I sprayed the inside and the back panel to clean those areas.

[@granpasgamings]

Sir, no offence here but make sure that the editing text is correctly done cuz you were saying that youd scrap the drawers and that means literaly that they would be thrown away,so if the edittor goes at work for you ore you do it make sure the basic english is done correct, just saying to aid you sir.Theres not alot of peeps willing to say this to help you better.For the rest your work is greatly done and the repairs and restoring is greatly done.

[@pattiobrien5408]

He was in the process of scraping. Pretty obvious. In an effort to help you the same way; you have typos that makes it hard to read. Hope this helps!

[@granpasgamings]

@@pattiobrien5408 Sure does ;)

[@davidwilhite8093]

You are using the wrong screwdriver tip on the cross threaded drawer pull. It is too small.

[@restorationrhode]

Yea I’ve been told I need to find an older screwdriver to better fit these older screws.

[@suhayl5157]

on a second note, your video missed out on some important details: we didn't see how you applied the finish; was it only tung oil? also, the drawer partition should be finished as well as the back cover. don't cut corners.

[@restorationrhode]

I used a lacquer on the drawers since they will get more use and a spar urethane with tung oil to finish the topcoat. I ran out of day light when applying the last top coat and didn't have it recorded. I'll make sure to get as many details included in the future.

[@nancyobrien7830]

Based on my experience, I would say this is a late 30s early 40s piece so I’m not quite sure it’s Antique yet Furniture needs to be 150 years old before it’s classified as an antique just saying

[@restorationrhode]

Good to know. I’ll start calling them Vintage.

[@pattiobrien5408]

It is widely accepted that an antique is 100 years and older.

[@es1541]

Nice piece finishes not good

[@es1541]

It needs more luster

[@gregpendrey6711]

1947

[@restorationrhode]

I must ask. How did you come to this conclusion?

[@gregpendrey6711]

It is like the Duncan Fife buffet popular during, before and after that date. USA is where we see them. It's possibly 100 yrs. If I get more info I'll add it. My first view of your channel. Looking forward to it. Thanks, G 😎

[@hovikmalians3523]

❤

[@raelenecronin1827]

Ok, I've subbed. Check out Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture e Restoration for a masterclass on it. But you're doing fine. You need longer clamps!

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks for the sub! Glad you enjoyed! I finally did get some bigger clamps. Clamps are expensive!

[@Leroyy536]

It’s a reproduction, probably made 70s 80s

[@dianerose4469]

I find your "hand signal" offensive!! I am not subscribing

[@restorationrhode]

Ok

[@richardwarren4879]

I have this. It's almost mint, never restored. A couple of scratches on top. Almost mint, never restored.

[@restorationrhode]

Very nice!

[@pablobarros610]

The work you do goes beyond restoration, and how to bring to life something that has been forgotten in time. Congratulations on the beautiful work and keep it up. A hug straight from Brazil

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you! Stay tuned for more restorations to come!

[@pablobarros610]

@@restorationrhode I'll always be here waiting for news!

[@raymonasorrow]

New here from Poconos PA ! Love this ! Subscribed ! Awesome for your dad to buy those clamps !

[@restorationrhode]

Thanks for subscribing! I agree they were a perfect gift at the perfect time!

[@nationalparksdiary3549]

You decided to name the piece “LeClerc,” and it has “Charles” written under one of the drawers. So…are you naming this after the Formula 1 driver who has that name? That’d be cool. 😂

[@restorationrhode]

*taps nose*

[@michellelivingstone6464]

Hilarious when you chucked the handles😂😂

[@restorationrhode]

I was so let down when I started polishing them and discovered they weren’t brass.

[@richarddonahue3565]

Very attractive and pretty. It really updates the look also.

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!!

[@carjam49]

wow. this is just gorgeous, great work

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you so much!

[@cleopatracatra2097]

Very awesome result!

[@restorationrhode]

I think so too! Thank you!

[@ednaalegria8710]

Beautiful!

[@restorationrhode]

Thank you!