Distressed Table – For JLS by JLS (2011). No need to worry about a coaster or table cloth at this table. In the pursuit of trying to keep it together, one either needs to try to keep what is nice that way – and those of us with kids understand that you need to pick your battles – or you end up giving up and what is nice becomes not so nice over time. I decided that my battle was not going to be the table in my kitchen nook. I also lack convention, which then presents one with the opportunity to do what I have done here – start with not “nice” by design, and allow daily use to add to the patina.
What you see here is a very simply pine table that has been heavily distressed. Using some simple tools and a few custom objects, I was able to create the illusion of heavy use (and misuse) on the table top. A simple finish of deep dark wood oil and heavy duty poly and done…
None of my projects come without a story. This idea came to me from a restaurant who did just this to all of their tables. I would like to claim that I am monkey zero, but that would be wrong…just wrong I say. Sourcing is always fun too. This project brought me to the low rent part of a high rent suburb. The seller sheepishly answered the door and mentioned that he was relieved to see me instead of the sheriff (apparently the sheriff also drives a red early 90’s land rover…?). People are so attached to things, even when they no longer want them. Perhaps it is some youthful attraction or suspension of reality (like when you were told that the dying family pet was going to the “farm”). In this case, the deal was wrapped and I told the seller what I was going to do to his table. He seemed saddened as I told him how I intended to f*ck it up and refinish it, on purpose.
Never trust that people know what they have. This works well sometimes, like when you can purchase crazy cool chairs that simply need some love. In this case, I need a solid wood table top – shallow veneer of MDF/etc would not work as it would not hold up to the abuse I intended to inflict during the distressing sessions, and may not stay together post. This table was sold to the old owner as “solid wood”, and in turn sold to me as “solid wood”. The exterior “frame” was clearly that, but gut told me that the panels were something else (table was heavy, but not that heavy). The price was right and I took it anyway…and found that I was right. The panels are some form of ply with a 1/8” veneer. Luckily it held up and in some ways made for a better end result as the chipping that occurred as I distressed the table top created some nice depth in places. Luckily the oil I chose to finish this table also has some decent bonding properties.
I am very pleased with the results. What was a rather “country” table now has a cool vintage modern feel. I would be happy to discuss technique specifics with you if you are interested, and as always, am open to discussions on future projects for similar items.
