19th Century Antique Dining Table Restoration — Deconstruction & Discovery

Starting the Journey Back to the 19th Century

Welcome back to the shop! In this project, Bryan and I are diving into the restoration of a beautiful antique dining table — dating back to the late 1800s. This post kicks off a multi‑part series where we will take you step‑by‑step through the entire restoration process, beginning with one of the most important phases: careful deconstruction.

Before we can breathe new life into this table, we have to understand how it was originally built, what’s been changed over the years, and what repairs or replacements will be needed to bring it back to its former glory.

Assessing the Table’s Condition

Once we flipped the table onto its top, we immediately noticed a mix of original hardware and later repairs. Several screws had been added over the years to stabilize wobbly joints. The table was originally designed to extend, but the current owner doesn’t have the leaves, so we’ll be working closely with them to decide whether to rebuild the extension system or convert it into a solid square table.

This is one of our favorite parts of restoration — collaborating with the client to understand their vision while honoring the history of the piece.

Removing the Skirt

The first major step was removing the skirt around the table. One entire section was missing, which means we’ll be replicating that piece later in the series. Many of the screws were flat‑head and heavily rusted, likely original to the table. Others were Phillips‑head replacements added much later.

As we removed each section, we could see evidence of early pocket‑hole‑style joinery — screws driven in at an angle, a fascinating detail that gives us clues about the table’s construction methods.

Uncovering a Hidden Stamp

One of the most exciting discoveries came when we found a partially hidden manufacturer’s stamp. After removing a board that had protected it from decades of dirt and grime, we could clearly make out “Cho—H… Oshkosh Wisconsin”.

A little research confirmed that this table was made by the Choate Hollister Furniture Company, which operated in Oshkosh, Wisconsin from 1892 until 1899, when the factory burned down and was never rebuilt. That means this table is one of the surviving pieces from a very short period of production — a rare and meaningful find for both us and the client.

Removing the Legs and Casters

Next, we removed the legs, noting the original bolt‑and‑nail construction as well as later repair screws added to stabilize wobble over the years. The casters were also removed since they no longer function properly. Depending on the client’s preference, we may replace them or modify the legs to sit flush on the floor.

Ready for the Next Phase

With the table fully disassembled, we’re ready to move into the next stage: stripping the finish down to bare wood. This is where the table’s true character begins to reveal itself, and we can’t wait to share that process with you.

If it was helpful to see this antique dining table deconstruction, follow along with this restoration series, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and bookmark out our website for more woodworking projects, tips, and behind‑the‑scenes updates.

Happy woodworking!