Sunday, April 28, 2013

50 Year Old Trestle Table

My mom and dad were DIYers way back in the 50's and 60's. 
They bought a turn of the century Craftsman era home that needed some fixing up.
I told you how they refinished all of the wooden doors in this post here.
My mom loved shopping for antiques and restoring them. 
My dad helped with refinishing projects but he loved to build  furniture.
At some point in the 1960's he built the table that now sits in our dining room. 
He made it out of reclaimed lumber from a barn using antique plans.
The patina of this wood is lovely. The tabletop got refinished at some point in the 70's but since then we have left it "as is". 
Trestle table made from reclaimed lumber.
The legs are just beautiful. 
The table has two ornate pedestals joined with a horizontal stretcher with tenons secured with a wedge. 
It is a classic trestle table design.
The top is constructed of wide, wonderful boards that are dovetailed on each end into perpendicular pieces.
 I don't know what kind of glue he used but this has held up for over 50 years. 
You can get plans to make your own at 
www.popular mechanics.com. 
The finish on this table can withstand just about anything. 
We use it for formal dinners but I have spent hours and hours doing crafts, puzzles or scrap booking at this table.  
It has been in style in one way or another for almost the entire time I have had it.
 
Farmhouse tables are back in a big way. 
It is such a joy to have something with history. 

 My husband never got to meet my dad, but I think they would have had a great time doing stuff together. 
They say you marry someone just like dear, old dad. 
Read about some of Bill's projects
  here,
  &  
   here. 
I think the old saying is true!
I miss you, Dad,

22 comments :

  1. What a wonderful remembrance of your Dad. You must think of him every time you sit down at your lovely table.

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  2. Good Morning Katie, How wonderful, to have a piece of furniture in your possession which your father made. If this farmhouse table could tell a story, I am sure there would be a lot of wonderful stories to tell.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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  3. So wonderful that you have this lovely piece of furniture that your father made. Something to be cherished for sure.
    I am your newest GFC and have nominated you for the Liebster Award. You can find out more about it here - @ Eclectic Red Barn
    Bev

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    1. Thank you, Bev for the nomination. I got it at some point already. I appreciate the nomination. I know how It was to find new blogs that haven't had it before. Thanks for the kind comments about the table too.

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  4. What a lovely table and extra special because of the connection with your Dad!

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  5. Oh what a special and precious post about your dad and this beautiful table. I have a few things that my dad made also and they are so very special to me. I would love for you to link this to my Inspire Me party that is ongoing.
    http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/04/162nd-inspire-me-tuesday.html
    Hugs, Marty

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  6. The table is a treasure! People pay really good money to get similar creations....
    Thanks for sharing....it is beautiful.
    Nancy
    http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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  7. Hi Katie, what a beautiful table and story. I really know exactly what you are talking about as I, and my daughter, have many pieces that my dad made. He was a master craftsman too and I'm so proud to display and talk about what he made and I'm glad to see you are too. We are two lucky girls!..Happy Thursday..Judy

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    1. Thank you, Judy. I am so glad you have pieces made by your dad.

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  8. I so love a farm table, the bigger the better even.
    What a treasure to have.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Michele

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  9. the table is really wonderful, how blessed you are to have it! Love your wall color in the DR, just gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you, Debra. It is Driftwood by Martha Stewart.

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  10. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story of your dad. What a beautiful table! New Follower.


    Jody

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  11. A stunner for sure - the table & the story. I have no words...except it took my breath away!

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