Warping Oak Dresser
Hi All, Long time lurker, first time poster. My fiancee's father had a nice (unfinished) dresser made for her. The sides are oak faced plywood, but the drawer faces and the top are solid oak. The solid oak pieces are 3/4" thick and the 9" high drawer faces are single pieces of wood. The top is also 3/4" thick and "joined" every 4 to 7". We were told that the wood was "kiln dried". We haven't had a chance to finish it and it has been sitting in the house for about 2-1/2 months. The top has warped enough to actually pop the staples out and away from thin plywood back. The drawer faces have also warped to varying degrees. My questions are: 1) Is this our fault for not finishing it right away? Would better quality workmanship or wood not have warped? 2) What can we do to fix this? My fiancee is a bit reluctant to talk to her father about it because it was a gift. Any help would be most appreciated! Thanks, Doug Woolridge
reading it closer, if the solid peices of wood are warping, and they were already kiln dried, then yes it does sound like moisture. seems like it would need an awful lot though to get that kind of warpage. almost seems like the wood wasn't truly dry when it came out of the kiln. do you know where your future father-in-law got the wood from by chance? where do you live? where did you store it? just seems like a lot of warpage to me. just my thoughts ron
Thanks for the replies Ron and Reeder. Sorry it's taken me so long to respond to your questions. <<Reeder In our house's basement. Its winter here so the basement is relatively dry, but we do run a humidifier on the first floor (set for about 40% RH). Not sure, it spent an unknown amount of time in an enclosed car trailer outside (wintertime again). I wouldn't think this would have been more than a week or two. We didn't look at it closely when we picked it up, so I'm not sure what state it was in at that point. It's probably hard to believe that we didn't look at it much, but I was in the middle of replumbing the supply pipes in the basement when we brought it home. (No, no accidental showers on the dresser!) See answer to #2. I don't know the conditions it was in before it was put in the trailer. Only the possible humidity fluctuations in the basement. Never did measure the relative humidity down there. <<Ron Hopefully the above responses provide some answers to your questions. SWMBO will be talking to her Dad this weekend to see what he recommends. Thanks again for all the help!! Doug Woolridge Wisconsin
Hello, I recently purchased an old window pane and the ropes that helped open/close the window is still attached on both sides of the pane. The window frames, are various sizes, 3 x 5", 4 x 7" , etc... it's unique. It also has at least 5 to 7 layers of paint that's very badly peeling, chipping, etc. If anyone is familiar with window panes, can you tell me what kind of window I have? Secondly, I would very much like to strip all of the paint off and was thinking of perhaps putting the window pane into a large container with stuff that will help remove the paints. I'm concerned that this might ruin the glass. I'm also wondering if the ropes should be left intact or if they should be removed? There was a specific area of the window where its natural wood was exposed and I thought, perhaps black walnut, but I can't be sure at all. Before I purchased the window, my original intent was to strip the paint off and re-paint it and hang it up in the house for decor purposes. After seeing the beauty of its natural wood, I'm inclined to bring it back to its original state. I need your expertise here, please. If you could, please give me step-by-step process as to how to do this, please. Kindest regards, ~Heidi~
Hello, A dear friend had to get rid of everything she owned, so that she could go back home to where she's lived all her life... (England)... I very proudly own quite a few things from her. She used to love antique shopping. She purchased a chair that I don't consider antique that I'm going to re-do myself and stain it. This other piece she purchased is an end table. The top part is really short and the bottom piece is more elongated and I think this is called an end table. When she got it, she painted yellow/mustard color paint on it. The end table is most unfortunatel bunched up in a straight line horizontally and I'm guessing its water damaged. This is on the top table and bottom table. I want to fix these problems. How can I take care of the water damaged areas? What do I need to do? Also, I need to remove the paint. I've never painted wood before. I always believe wood should be just that, wood... without paint hiding the wood. Wood has such beauty to it, I think. I am concerned about removing the paint from this end table for fear I'll do some damage to the table itself. I want to eventually stain it to its original color... I'll have to do some research work to find out what stain color was popular for this kind of table when it was once popular. I don't even know if a 40's, 50's, 60's, etc end table. I know it isn't 90's. If you know what I'm talking about, please do educate me. I look forward to your expertise on what to do with the end table. Thank you, ~Heidi~
Can some one tell me how to decorate with an old window? I have one, like the idea but have no clue what to do with it.
Sandra, Many people hang window panes on their walls for added decor purposes. There are so many things you can do with a window pane. The window pane I bought from a well known antique shop is unique, the panes are 3 x 5 inches, 4 x 7 inches, it goes on... it's a lovely lovely window pane my husband and I fell in love with. It still has the ropes attached to the sides of the windows. If your window pane still has glass that isn't cracked or anything, you can put pictures behind the glass or lay it on a 'sill' of the window pane, you could do that with the window pane. You could also add dried flowers to it. Someone I know hang costume jewlery (from the Mardi Gras), (not something I would do... just not my style)... oh, a friend of mine found 2 matching window panes, one had cracked window glass and she took the pane to a professional glass shop and had the proper size, etc cuz and fitted... the other window pane, she had all mirrors added... she said the mirrors only cost 5 dollars total which included everything! I'm sure the window glass cost more. Mirrors make a small room look larger. There's so many different things you can do. If I think what I have, I'm leaving it well alone and not adding stuff to the window pane. The natural beauty of the wood and the pane in itself will speak volumes as a wall hanging, (I think). The more I look at the finish of this window pane we bought, the more I wonder why on earth they got rid of it! I know good wood when I see it. I just can't believe this. I really will need to remove the paint and be as gentle as possible. I literally *cringe* that paint was used on this kind of wood... or any really decent wood. I'll never understand this! I've got so many friends who paint wood and my stomach does flip. To each his own I guess. But, Sandra, there's so many things you can do. ~Heidi~ Can some one tell me how to decorate with an old window? I have one, like the idea but have no clue what to do with it.
Hi Ron, 1) do you have any dividers (mullins) in the windows? The window pane did not come from our house. I bought the window pane from an antique dealer for $15. The window in itself has a very interesting 'gap' on the sides... nothing at all like the windows that I'm used to seeing. So, the side of the window pane in itself is called 'divider' or 'mullins'? like old double hung windows. the ropes need to be left in tact, unless you plan on doing alot of work. on the other side of the window jamb is a counter weight attaced to the rope, makes like that much easier to open and close your windows. you *should* be able to take the ropes of of the window however with out feer that the rope will go into the wall permanently and forever, as there is a knot in the end of the rope. correct? take a peek. I just went into the garage to check it and yes, there is a knot at the end of the rope. The other end is 'cut' because it was removed. But, yes, its knotted. So, this used to be a double hung window? How old are such windows that have ropes attached? suggestion would be to use one of these. simply smeer it on, let it sit for the amunt of time suggested by the manufactor, and scrape of. with 5 of 6layers, it might take more than one application. then simply sand it up. This is what I originally thought of using. Thanks *so* much! It's just that I *never* had to work with stripping paint off of wood. I had to deal with removing badly peeled stain/etc from our oak door. We've lived here 2 years now. The front door looks so beautiful! But boy the work it took for me to re-do that entire door! *LOTS* of work! Do you prefer a specific paint remover? If so, what's your preference? I'm so worried about ruining the wood. I still cannot *believe* people paint over such good wood. smack you if you repaint the wood ;-) JK of course..but that is a beautiful wood. Yes, it is beautiful wood. Trust me, I know good wood when I see it. I cannot be 100% sure if it is black walnut wood. Regardless, why on *earth* paint on any decent wood???? I'll never understand this. I can understand painting pine... cheap wood... no problem, but *good* wood, forget it. I would much rather let the beauty of the wood speak for itself. I just don't think black walnut was used for making windows, so this is why I'm not even positive just what I have yet. Ron, thank you so very much for your help! I've learned a bit from your post about the window, especially about the ropes. I have *never* heard/or seen ropes being used for windows, but can now appreciate how life was back then. Oh... one more question... if you know about windows/frames, etc... do you know which company made windows like the ones I have? If not, how would I go about finding this out? Google... yes... but what would I want to find? Any suggestions? Again, thank you so very much! Your post again, was very helpful! I *will* take before/after pictures! ~Heidi~
Hi Liz, damaged. Veneer is a very thin (about 1/8") piece of wood that is laminated over a base of less expensive wood. Ah... interesting! There's only one specific area its bunched up... for example, if I had sand and I put that on the ground... in a horizontal line, that's what the area of the table looks like... so that is veneer? take the veneer off and replace it. This is possible. The other option is to remove the veneer and stain the base wood. I did that to a table. How do we even begin to remove veneer? All of the furnture I've done has absolutely no veneer whatsoever... so I have no experience working with stuff like that. Is there a book or something about how to take care of furniture that's damaged? veneered,and the top isn't , the table warps. I'm totally lost. Please re-phrase this... I've re-read that and Its not sinking in for me... (that'll happen to me sometimes)... it isn't you at all, it's me! Are you saying if I remove the veneer, the table has a possibility of warping? If so, what other options are available? remove the veneer from the bottom, hopefully it will go back down LOL. I'm not familiar with hump-backed table. I'll have to look that up. I love doing stuff like this! love it! Heidi
correct. look a t a side view of plywood like oak or something, you will see a very thin piece on the top or both sides. this is the veneer. saves money. check amazon.com. my initial thought would be to try and steam it somehow, then gently tery to seperate it, using a putty knife or razor blade to try and cut the glue as you go. i would think that if the top veneer was left off for a period of ime, then yes the table would warp. it has to do with structularl integrity. a similar example would be SIP panels that are being used in homes today. all these are is 1/2" OSB plyood on either side, with a layer of foam inside, glued to the wood. no kidding, this summer when i did my first work with these, a 2" piece 4' long held my body weight (bout 200lbs) i couldn't break it till i started bouncing. the thing is, the opposite pieces are working against eachother. and if one side can't go anywhere, neither can the other. so for replacing veneer, i would suggest not taking the old off until the new was right there to put on again. this would minimize any moisture getting in and warping the wood. HTH ron
Ya like a piece of art, hung on the wall. Sandra
Speaking of Marvin windows... I've been looking at a lot of their ads... they've got beautiful windows. Now... when one goes shopping for windows, what should we look for in a window? Any differences between Anderson (I grew up with these windows), Pella, Marvin and any other that I simply can't think of right now? Um... what are the pros/cons of vinyl, aluminum, wood windows? I'm sure double pane offers a lot more energy savings and single pane windows (that we unfortunately have).. speak for itself... ~Heidi~ The replacement windows had friction devices built into the new window pieces. I think that was via Marvin windows. It was essentially a vinyl molding gasket material, you could see what is available locally and mill out a groove to insert this into your windows. I think I've seen the spring friction tape in like renovators catalog. I'll see if I can dig up the source for that.
Hi Ron, You said it loud and clearly! I just will *never* understand this. Hard wood floors has undescribable/breathtaking quality to it if its well cared for over the years and actually the character over time just improves. I cannot hear of anyone having carpeting over existing hardwood floor. I just can't. I get that upset! I *hate* carpeting and absolutely cannot *wait* until this entire house is fitted with Hardwood flooring. Just trying to learn a bit more about pine... it's such a soft wood and I read about this in I think March or April issue of Family Handyman. For our kitchen, I'm very interested in perhaps getting wood/cork flooring. Environmentally friendly. I'm quite fond of doing everything environmentally friendly. Sometimes, there's just no way out and I unforunately have to resort to harsher things, *only* as a very last resort). Wood truly does have such unbelievably beautiful ... you all fill in the words.... If one feels they h ave too much wood in the house, all that needs to be done is to decorate and use rugs to balance everything. Makes a big difference! ~ Heidi~ amen! or carpet over hard wood floors. what were these people thinking?! oh well to each their own i guess. try what i suggested, it should be gentle enuf. little sanding and you're all done. perhaps try asking a local refurbisher and asking what kind of remover they use as this might help. ron
Ron, I just noticed when I went to look at the window that the cord is nailed in just below the drilled area... drilled area on each side of the window is the size between a dime and nickel. I could remove the cord. (Cord was the word I was looking for... just didn't come to mind and I kept saying 'rope')... ~Heidi~ heidi, maybe you could tie the rope ina know around a bolt of some sorts. maybe that would help. i would not suggest switching to chains, the pulleys are not designed for this. ron
Ron, in place anymore. tryin to think, monder if you are using it as apiece of art if you could find an old pulley/window weight at an antique store. could be very interesting.... Yes. I'm using it for art. I have every intentions of restoring this window right back to its original beauty. (The way it *should* have been all along). I don't mean to carry on about this but I really don't like it when real decent wood is painted! Argh! guessing, don't quote me on this... Ok... I'm *not* interested in um... what antiques cost today.. that's not up my alley. I'm simply interested in when these windows were built and when they stopped making them. Just wanted to have a rough idea at how old the window is... I know it isn't definete. A rough idea is really all I wanted. refurbisher. or i can call and ask some people who might know. let me know... Local refurbisher... they are most unfortunately a dying profession. The only thing I know we have for sure is a local lamp/light fixture repairs. We do have a store locally for unfinished furniture store. I could ask. I saw an article, I *think* either in Fine Homebuilding (this month) or Family Handyman ... oh no, I know wher eI found this... I was waiting for my sister at the train station and while waiting, I read through a book, PAINT by 'This Old House'... discusses everything you can imagine... and one chapter discusses removing/stripping paint and most gels/paint removers have a strong odor and causes extreme high and there's a relatively new product that is citrus based. I'll look into this. this anymore, but seeing as you can by pre-rusted hardware (hinges and such), i would sure think that somewhere out there you could find someone who does make them. Oh no, I'm not interested in having the same windows for our house. No. I was simply curious who used to manufacture such windows that we've all been discussing. I couldn't find any stamped names or anything like that. I don't think I'll find that anyhow. There's so much paint on it... I'll let you know if I do see any surprises. Believe it or not, I am not kidding you... the window still has its orignal 'thingie' attached to it... i think its a hinge (if that's what its called)... but I did not buy the other window... they came together... I should go back to the store to see if the other one is still there and get it! It's rusted alright.... I will have to remove it *gently*... simply because I do need to remove the paint. It's very toxic stuff and I don't want any of that in my house. There's one company called... Lee Valley.. I think that's the company that has .... hm.... you know... it's so late right now I could be wrong on this... but something is telling me Lee Valley has a lot on restoration pieces (not originals, but made to mimick the originals)... I could be wrong... I could check it out if you'd like. The more I think about this, I'm going to have to go to that antique store to get the other window. Gotta have it! Wouldn't hurt and this house has a lot of rooms and it would be just perfect on the other side of the house. hmmm... ~Heidi~
All this talk about windows - I'm going to have to drive around town until I find someone who is remodeling and ask them if I can have one of their windows. Here's my idea. I'm redoing my family room in the animal/jungle thing - I could put the window on the wall with a tiger print (or any animal) behind it so it looks like he's looking in for a tasty snack. (he he) So what do you guys think?? Sandy (I knew I should have kept that bathroom window last year when we redid tub - shoot).