Day 8 of the Twelve DIYs of Christmas 2025
When I saw this square folding table at a garage sale, I didn't think much of it. It was propped against a wall and looked worse for the wear — scratches in the finish and whitened circles where hot plates must have damaged the original stain. Still, the wood grain created an interesting diamond pattern, and I said so to the elderly woman in charge of the garage sale.
She stated that she always had enjoyed the table's pattern, too. Then she added, "That table was my grandmother's, you know. She used to sit there to make braided rugs. When I was a little girl, I used to watch her spin the rugs on top braiding them into a circle."
Now my interest was piqued. If this woman was older and the table belonged to her grandmother, then how old was this table?
I asked how much she wanted. She said, "Eight dollars." I said, "Sold."
And that's the story of how I came in possession of a Castlewood art deco folding card table from the 1920's. Given its history and memories, I aimed to treat it especially well. To start, I carefully sanded the surface, taking great care to sand in the direction of the grain for each section.
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Once the surface-level scratches were sanded out, I brought the table inside to paint the edges and legs a deep charcoal color (Iron Ore). While I typically aim to preserve original wood in a piece like this, the waved table edges and the grooved legs would have made restoration difficult. Paint was a good alternative.
Now my interest was piqued. If this woman was older and the table belonged to her grandmother, then how old was this table?
I asked how much she wanted. She said, "Eight dollars." I said, "Sold."
And that's the story of how I came in possession of a Castlewood art deco folding card table from the 1920's. Given its history and memories, I aimed to treat it especially well. To start, I carefully sanded the surface, taking great care to sand in the direction of the grain for each section.
.jpg)
Once the surface-level scratches were sanded out, I brought the table inside to paint the edges and legs a deep charcoal color (Iron Ore). While I typically aim to preserve original wood in a piece like this, the waved table edges and the grooved legs would have made restoration difficult. Paint was a good alternative.
After one final sanding with a fine sandpaper to ensure the smoothest finish and a careful wipe-down, I focused on the final stage: adding three coats of Minwax polycrylic (with light sanding in between each coat) to ensure that the tabletop would be properly sealed and preserved.
I love the finished product. The table's unexpected backstory and the time I invested in the restoration efforts make me love it even more.
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For being a hundred years old, I think this table is looking mighty fine. I hope the original owners would be pleased!
May your DIYs be merry and bright!
Visit again to see the remaining twelve DIYs of Christmas 2025!
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