Hey folks:
I’m moving into a new office whose windows are framed with rough sawn redwood. It’s the “distressed” look — butt joints, nail holes not filled, nothing sanded, no noticeable finish.
The office is about 30 years old and the wood looks pretty rough. Frankly, I don’t think it’s a good fit for my office furniture, which includes an antique roll top desk, rocker and plant stand, all from quarter sawn oak. And in general, my furniture is pretty top-of-the line and I think the rough hewn look is better for a natural food store or something. My day job is as a psychologist.
I asked the new landlord if I could swap out the framing for quarter sawn oak and he’s hesitant because it will mean one office in the complex doesn’t match. I see his point and it saves me a lot of money and work.
So my question is this: can I do anything to dress up this redwood framing? What would it look like if I sanded it smooth and finished it and plugged all the holes and gaps? Any suggestions on some non-toxic, easy to apply finish I could apply that would bring out the richness of the grain? I’m attaching a few pictures for your review. The furniture and mess in the pictures belongs to the current tenant — not mine and not how I intend for it to look.
Replies
You might want to use a lacquer finish, not exactly non-toxic but I have used a brushing lacquer such as Deft on Redwood and it looks nice. I have not used a water based finish on Redwood so if you where going that route do a small test piece.
Troy
Somehow I don't think the landlord would like that much better. The look would be just as much different as if you had removed them.
The solution might be window treatments that essentially cover the trim. Curtains with a valance would cover all but the sill even with the windows open for light or view. Closed, no trim shows at all.
It would be helpful to have the pictures smaller, but to my eye, I think it is pretty nice looking as it is. If it is very rough, I don't think I can make that out. I think once your furniture is in there you will not find it as "clashing" as you seem to think. I have all kinds of antique furniture blended with new.
Or, as Steve has suggested, maybe sheers that will let in the light but tame the woodwork.
Edited 8/19/2009 9:19 am ET by Gretchen
it may be easier to get a matching furniture than to sand and refinish the Redwood in place without scratching the glass. I'd agree with Gretchen from the pics I can't see the roughness you speak of , just move in see how it feels when your in .Don't worry be happy .
regards from Oregon dusty
It's funny because I don't think the pictures do the wood the (in)justice it deserves. I don't like to talk smack about any kind of wood in any kind of condition, but if you saw a close-up you would see that it's more the kind of interior finish you find in rustic cabins.Still, I'm always happy to get a recommendation not to spend 8-10 hours sanding and another day finishing. Thank you all for freeing up my time to do more fun woodworking in my garage.
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