Restoring and Refinishing Wooden Furniture: Ideas to Give Your Bench a Fresh Look

Wooden furniture pieces have a classic and timeless beauty that makes them the perfect addition to any home. However, if you have an older wooden bench in your entryway, dining room or any other space in your home that has seen better days, you might be tempted to replace it with something new. But before you do that, consider restoring or refinishing it to give it a fresh, updated look, texture, and visual interest. In this blog post, we’re sharing ideas on how to restore and refinish wooden benches, specifically entryway benches made of real wood like pinewood and longleaf pine. Whether you have a sturdy and hardy bench from ezekielandstearns.com or any other custom wood benches, this guide will help you transform it into the perfect bench for your home.

1. Sanding and Staining: The first step in restoring wooden benches is to remove the old finish, scratches, and dents. Start by sanding the bench with a coarse sandpaper to get rid of the old finish and reveal the fresh wood underneath. Next, sand the bench with a finer sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Once the bench is smooth to the touch, apply a stain of your choice to give it a rich color. A darker stain can give your bench a more rustic look, while a lighter stain can give a modern and contemporary feel.

2. Paint and Distress: If you prefer a more colorful look, painting is a great option. You can opt for a bold and bright color or a subtle pastel hue, depending on your style and taste. To create an antique look for your bench, consider distressing it by adding some light scratches or sanding the paint in certain areas. This will give your bench an aged look and add character to your space.

3. Reupholstering and Adding Texture: If your bench has a cushioned seat, reupholstering it with a new fabric is a great way to add texture and update its look. Choose a fabric that complements the color of the wood and the overall style of your space. You can also add texture to your bench by applying a layer of wallpaper or fabric to the surface of the wood. This will create a unique and eye-catching look that can be tailored to your personal style.

4. Gloss or Matte Finish: After you’ve completed the restoration or refinishing process, the final step is to apply a finish to protect the wood and add a shine. A gloss finish can give your bench an elegant and polished look, while a matte finish can add a more natural and understated effect. Consider your personal style and the overall aesthetic of the space when choosing the type of finish.

5. Additional Touches: Once your bench is restored or refinished, don’t hesitate to add some additional touches to make it feel like new, such as adding new handles or knobs, varnishing the bench legs, or adding a decorative trim to the edges.

Restoring and refinishing an old wooden bench can be a fun and rewarding DIY project that can give new life to your space. Whether you prefer a rustic, modern, or classic look, the ideas and steps outlined above can help you achieve the perfect bench for your home. Remember to always choose high-quality materials and take your time to ensure that your bench is restored or refinished to its full potential and lasts for years to come.