furniture making, repair, and refinishing
1
vote
1answer
44 views
How can I touch up a marred furniture paint job?
I recently repainted some night stands using benjamin moore advanced paint. They look great, except that I noticed some debris on the top and removed it with tweezers. I attempted to smooth over it ...
4
votes
6answers
140 views
How do I prevent doors on a media cabinet from sagging?
A friend and I have just built a floor to ceiling media shelf unit for DVDs. It has 9 shelves and is about 3' wide. The frame around it is made up of 2"x8" boards and the shelves (except for one in ...
3
votes
4answers
283 views
How can I mount a desk on a wall with L-brackets?
I'm currently planning a new wall-mounted computer desk and intend to use something similar to this as the top:
However, my end goal is for a wall-mounted desk, using L-Bracket mounts. I've never ...
2
votes
1answer
301 views
Can I use two 2x4's to replace 4x4 posts in a loft bed?
I'm building a loft bed for a queen size bed. I planned to build a platform and support it with 4x4s, but I'm having trouble finding untreated 4x4s. I plan to loft the bed 5' or so. The platform will ...
2
votes
1answer
179 views
How can I make a park bench more sturdy?
I purchased a park bench for my patio
But it's a little on the flimsy side and I'm afraid someone is going to throw themselves down on it and it's going to break. In what way can I strengthen the ...
2
votes
2answers
236 views
Which technique of wood joining is the best for joining these boards of a small table?
I want to join these four 1.8 cm thick beechwood boards as one can see on the picture. My idea is to join at the B points with biscuits but I’m not sure what to do about the A points. It needs to be a ...
1
vote
2answers
239 views
How can I update this very stubborn antique bed frame so the mattress fits properly?
How stubborn you ask? Well the bed frame has three issues, but really only one and the other two are only a result of the first:
The rails are too short. Not by much, maybe an inch. Maybe even ...
1
vote
0answers
42 views
What type of support would I use for a hutch that is leaning inward?
I have a hutch that is comprised of two pieces that come together. The bottom is a flat surface with a cabinet and two doors in addition to some storage space. Above it, is a more storage space ...
0
votes
3answers
168 views
How to make a floor plan?
First, I'm not good with home improvement or anything too manual for that matter - I'm more of a computer geek.
I am soon to move into a new empty apartment and I am going to go furniture/appliance ...
4
votes
1answer
299 views
How do I create concrete or fiberglass outdoor seating that will last?
My husband and I have a design for outdoor seating we would like to create that is organic (curvy) in shape and surfaced in mosaic designs. Think of a dragon undulating in and out of the water, the ...
2
votes
0answers
120 views
How can I fix a table top that I spilled air freshener on?
I spilled air freshener on the top my dining table. It is a veneer top with urethane finish. The area is sticky to touch. How can I fix this?
3
votes
2answers
223 views
What type of wood should I use to resurface my table?
A club at uni has this great big old table. (about 1220mm by 2420mm).
The club in question is the gaming club, so pen and paper RPGs, card games, boardgames, warhammer. fairly rarely models are ...
5
votes
3answers
1k views
how do you screw in double ended screws
I have a flat pack shelving unit to put together. it has double ended screws. according to the instructions you just screw them in using you hands. This is impossible, the pre drilled holes seem way ...
7
votes
2answers
491 views
When repairing a split table top, should I use dowels, biscuits, or something else?
We bought a 5' diameter table many years ago from a Macy's warehouse sale.
It's a 1" thick wood table top screwed to a cast iron leg/ base.
When we bought it, it had a slight warp about 2/3s from ...
4
votes
2answers
196 views
How do I determine the ideal height stool for a given height surface (table, counter, bar, etc.)?
My immediate need is to ensure that I'm matching the right height stools to a kitchen island, but I assume there's a standard difference that's ideal for an eating seat to be from the eating surface?
...
2
votes
1answer
256 views
Where can I store outdoor patio or deck furniture over the winter?
I have a variety of plastic / wood / metal patio furniture that I am looking to store over the winter.
Unfortunately, I don't have space inside to store it.
We usually see temperatures of about 10 ...
0
votes
1answer
174 views
Where can I find angle bracket similar to the kind used for Eames furniture? [closed]
I'm looking for some angle bracket to build shelving. Most of the slotted angle steel/iron I can find is 14 ga. and 1.5" thick at least with lots of holes. I'd like something a little more like the ...
4
votes
1answer
170 views
How can I stop wardrobe door from automatically closing?
Every time the right-hand door on my wardrobe gets opened, it slowly but surely accelerates shut again. As you can imagine, this is quite annoying as it blocks light and restricts view.
Is there a ...
4
votes
3answers
550 views
How can I reinforce a piece of furniture to put an aquarium on it?
I'm planning to build an aquarium - 50 gallons. I estimate that it'll weight 550 pounds. It would be in the top of a cabinet... but the top of that cabinet is a suspended glass. It's similiar to this ...
0
votes
1answer
168 views
What is the technical term for this corner cupboard?
I am trying to learn what this small blue cupboard on the left side of the table is called? It's a corner cupboard but I am not sure what the technical term is:
0
votes
0answers
67 views
What to take as a base of a chair analog of dentist chair? [closed]
I'm spending a great deal of my life working with computers, so I'd like to get more comfortable at least at home. Usual "computer" chairs are substandard to my comfort requirements, so I figured it ...
2
votes
1answer
96 views
How do I repaint furniture?
I've purchased this cabinet recently and would like to know if there is a way to paint it white?
It is described as:
Frame Material: Hardwood
Wood Finish: Painted
Finish: Painted
7
votes
2answers
185 views
How can I remove a moisture mark from a wooden table?
I have a white mark on my wooden dining table that was caused by a potted plant sitting there for too long without a saucer. Attempts to clean it off have been futile because it seems not to be a ...
1
vote
0answers
40 views
Looking for a Standing Table [closed]
I'm trying to find a standing table, on which to put my computer and whatnot. It would ideally have locking wheels to let me roll it around a little. And it would also have an adjustable table top, ...
-1
votes
2answers
189 views
What is the easiest way for me to get a sliding keyboard for my desk? [closed]
I'm very inexperienced with furniture, so I'd prefer an option that can work for inexperienced people.
Basically I'm wondering - is it easier to buy a desk first, and then buy a separate sliding ...
0
votes
1answer
167 views
How to remove bird droppings from woven patio furniture?
We have a set of patio furniture with a steel frame, but a loosely woven cloth seating surface. Since we live in a very wooded area, a chair was recently dive-bombed. I have a bucket and scrub-brush - ...
1
vote
0answers
178 views
Where can I find 3D models of objects that are more like real things? [closed]
I'm searching for furniture and related models (TV rack, TV, freezer, armchair...) for my 3D flat's design.
Sweet Home 3D and Google SketchUp have a lot of models, but I would like to use models of ...
4
votes
1answer
469 views
How to get rid of spilled olive oil on teak table?
Yesterday a flask of olive oil accidentally dropped on our teak dining table. My spouse quickly used some paper towels to soak up most of the oil. The rest was evenly rubbed in to prevent spots. ...
1
vote
0answers
63 views
How to clean sofas effectively? I have a toddler at home and he is allergic [closed]
What is the most effective way to clean dust from the sofa. I am from india we dont get the high quality vacuum cleaners in our country. Is there any other device I should be looking at.
2
votes
3answers
383 views
What is a good wood to use to build a base for a heavy antique table top?
So my gf has a really sweet antique baker's table top. It has what I believe is a porcelain but may be ceramic finish. I've never tried lifting it (it was here before I was) but she tells me it ...
11
votes
3answers
3k views
Is there an ideal height for a workbench?
Is there a universal standard height that people try to go for when building workbenches? Should DIY tabletops be tailor made to the height of the user and how does the ideal height of the tabletop ...
1
vote
1answer
633 views
How do I attach a shelf to a plaster wall invisibly?
Following this question: How can I attach two pieces of wood in an invisible way?
I have another - what would be a good way to attach a shelf to a plaster wall, if it is completely supported (i.e. ...
6
votes
1answer
171 views
While building a bed frame, at what point should I start worring about cross beams?
So, I've made this bedframe that's rather tall, the frame is 32" off the ground, and the legs are each bolted on with two 3/8" bolts running perpendicular, and horizontally.
Having not actually used ...
7
votes
1answer
259 views
Table with 45 degree corner groove
I'm not a carpenter, so forgive me if this is obvious. Also, I'm Brazilian so forgive my English.
I want to build a table with only 3 MDF plates, but I want the corners to have "45 degree grooves", ...
5
votes
1answer
195 views
Am I doing something wrong with this sanding job?
I'm trying to finish a finishing job on a dresser; I abandoned the project (long story) a while ago after getting a few drawers done, and I've since lost the exact instructions I was following. After ...
4
votes
2answers
338 views
Why won't this bed's feet touch the floor?
My wife and I just got a hand-me-down Queen-size bed after our old one broke. It was disassembled and brought to us by people unfamiliar with its previous assembled state.
You might be able to tell ...
7
votes
3answers
3k views
What is this soft, sticky wood finish and how do I remove it?
We have a second-hand table with a mysterious finish.
The wood underneath is pale, possibly pine. With the finish, it's a slightly darker and "warmer" colour. The table is not antique; I'd guess only ...
0
votes
1answer
109 views
Best place to find second-hand expensive furniture? [closed]
I've found few tables that I really like, e.g.
http://furnish.co.uk/items/242974-jon-snows-perfect-modernist-oak-desk-national-treasures
...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
What are the advantages and disadvantages of nails and dowel pins?
I'm planning to build some cubbies and drawers based on the design in the picture in a closet in my house.
I'm planning to use plywood for most of it. I've seen some designs use glue and dowel ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
What options are available to hide a TV in the bedroom?
I'm having a wardrobe fitted in the master bedroom of our house, and I'm in a bit of a conundrum as to where I'm going to put the TV. The room itself isn't big, when the wardrobe's fitted it will ...
5
votes
4answers
2k views
What is the best way to repair MDF furniture?
Our kitchen is made almost entirely from MDF.
We have 1 closet where the hinges have pulled out and several drawers where the screws have pulled out. The MDF around the screws has just been eroded so ...
4
votes
1answer
341 views
Securing furniture to prevent tipping due to earthquakes and babies
I'm a new resident in the Bay Area, and with small children in the house, I'm looking at our furniture with some unease.
What's the best and easiest way to secure and fasten tall bookshelves in case ...
4
votes
1answer
2k views
How can I estimate the load capacity of a set of shelves?
I'm pricing and researching supplies for built-ins in my living room. The plan is cabinets on the bottom, a cubby for a TV and staggered shelves for several hundred HEAVY books above that. My ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
How can I repair screws in furniture with stripped holes?
I'm trying to repair a piece of furniture from which several screws have pulled out, stripping the wood. It's a lift top coffee table, such as this. (This is NOT the model in question, this just ...
0
votes
1answer
429 views
What is the standard distance between a table and a banquette?
We just moved into a new condo that has a small area (43"x120") off the kitchen that I am thinking of converting to a dining nook with a narrow table. Considering the dimensions, it seems ...
10
votes
5answers
10k views
How do I stop a bed frame from squeaking?
I recently bought a second hand wooden bed frame. All is good except it squeaks quite a lot when I move around on it (ahem). Any advice on fixing the annoying squeak?
EDIT :: photo of the joint
4
votes
3answers
814 views
Repair gouges in a particle board desk?
A few years back, I bought a $500 studio producer desk. It's made of particle board and has been through more than a few moves and has received a proper beating over the years:
Is there any way for ...
2
votes
3answers
3k views
How to loosen a nut when bolt and nut move together?
I have a sofabed whose back is fixed to the bed by bolt and nut. When I try to loosen the nut by wrench, the bolt and nut move together. There are no rust. How shall I loosen the nut?
Update: the ...
1
vote
1answer
77 views
Where to find folding stands for painting?
I'm looking for plastic folding stands for painting. The idea is to put e.g. plywood board at the top of those and paint furniture on it. Any idea where (e.g. web store) I can find these?
2
votes
1answer
302 views
Activating chair's gas lift? [closed]
I've ordered a chair from Argos, however, after assembly, the gas lift fails to elevate the chair -in fact, pulling the lever on the side seems to have no effect at all (it just swings back & ...
