Fond Family Memories Revived

A piece of furniture doesn't need to be an antique to be worth restoring. Sure, a 100+ year old item has many stories to tell, but something made in the last 20 or 30 years can also hold within it an array of special memories.

That was the case with this mass produced square timber coffee table. It was purchased by a Brisbane family about 30 years ago for its functionality and solid construction as it needed to accommodate a young family and their beloved pets. Over the next 20 years it was used by the children for drawing on, doing homework, playing games and having friends over for movie nights. Plus its once pointed corners were worn down by the chewing of every dog which the family owned while the children grew up.

Those children have now grown and moved out, but the table remains a treasured family item, with all those pen scratches and teeth marks of numerous puppies who have long since passed away.

As a surprise for his mum, the son (who now lives in beautiful Toogoolawah) contacted the men's shed about refinishing the table. But he didn't want it to look like new or have the scratched and teeth marks sanded smooth as these are what made this piece so special.

The table soon after being dropped off at the shed

The men's shed was more than happy to take on the project and took great care in rejuvenating it while maintaining its character. A light sand removed any dirt and grime but retained the deeper scratches and a clear lacquer brought back the patina of the timber while protecting it for many more years to come.

We are pleased to report that mum was thrilled with the end result and the table now sits proudly in her living room. No doubt it will be enjoyed by the extended family and maybe chewed on by a few more dogs!