Carpentry and Woodworking - Antique Table Refinishing

I am refinishing an antique table form the early 1800's and have noticed that several of the spare leaf boards have warped. Is there any way to unwarp these boards? I've been told to soak them in water and place weights on them but I'm kinda of leary doing that since moisture is probaly what warped them to begin with. Tnahks on any help. Zach

First, are you really sure you want to refinish this piece? You'll definitely diminish it's value as an antique. If retaining value is important to you, look for someone who restores antiques - it's my understanding that a professional restoration is best for retaining value.

As for those leaves, you're right to be leery about soaking them. I suspect that soaking would do way more damage. Before I did something that drastic, I would put them in a room that has the same temperature/humidity as the planned 'home' for the table. If the table was stored in an unheated environment, putting it in a 'normal' environment may correct some of the problems. Don't count on any miracles though.

This is a family piece and the value for us really is more of a sentimental. It has seen some pretty bad wear on the table top. The legs and carving are all good. The table has been an inside table for as long as I can remember.

I can't imagine you would want to refinish a 200 year old table yourself (unless of course you do it professionally). This table has sentimental value, but it is also a surviving piece of furniture from a long, long time ago... Have it professionally restored, or just leave it - either way, chances are it will be passed down in your family for another hundred years.