Software
Houzz Logo Print
shanmundy

plank wood counter top needs refinishing

2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago

Our 13 year old black walnut wood island counter top needs refinishing. I can't find a skilled person to do so. I'm hoping for some direction from anyone! I am in the Bay Area, Northern California.

Thank you!

Comments (21)

  • 2 years ago

    Are you interested in finding a woodworker, or do you want to learn to do this yourself?

  • 2 years ago

    Hi! i am hoping to find a wood worker

  • 2 years ago

    Understood. If you have tried local woodworkers and not had any luck, the next step is to look for paint contractors, finish carpenters, and last but not least, flooring contractors. I know that sounds bizarre, but flooring guys can be great. They have to use food grade finishes, but they will know that. Others more knowledgeable than I, like @millworkman will be able to give you better suggestions, no doubt.

    shanmundy thanked eam44
  • 2 years ago

    Thank you so much for responding, and the suggestions. I honestly didn't think this would be so difficult! It seems like we chose a countertop that is so unique that there aren't many resources outwardly available. Thank you, again @eam44!

  • 2 years ago

    @millworkman I'd love to hear your suggestions!

  • 2 years ago

    What finish is on the walnut now?

  • 2 years ago

    @dan1888 sadly, I don't remember and it isn't on the invoice that I actually do have :(

    For sure it is food grade.




  • 2 years ago

    Wow, it’s gorgeous!!

    shanmundy thanked ShadyWillowFarm
  • 2 years ago

    I wish you had been able to use a top mount or a flush mount copper prep sink. Would you be interested in replacing it now?

  • 2 years ago

    @eam44 I'm not sure. As of right now my priority is re-finishing the countertop. If I find a craftsman to do the job, I'll look into the option of changing the sink, as I know I'd need to decide on the sink in order to have the refinishing done.

  • 2 years ago

    If you have the invoice, can you contact the original manufacturer at least for the finish product.

  • 2 years ago

    @dan1888 definitely was my first try. After a TON of digging, I found that they went out of business around covid. There are very few fabricators, and none in California, that I've been able to find.

  • 2 years ago

    Understood. It’s just that the majority of the refinishing is for relatively minor, expected wear and tear. The area around the sink, though, is showing signs of water infiltration. I see the disposal and dishwasher are right there too - is that the main kitchen sink? If so it is a little undersized, and there is some sense in doing both repairs at the same time.

    The image below is of a Rachiele sink - they do make beautiful, hand hammered copper sinks although this sink is bronze. See how nicely their top mount can be installed in wood? There is hardly any shadow line and the wood around the sink is protected. Of course your sink size would be determined by the cabinet it’s in, still, it’s beautiful what they can do.

    @Joseph Corlett, LLC, any advice you can offer?

    shanmundy thanked eam44
  • 2 years ago

    This woodworker does impressive things. Blacktail Studio - YouTube Email him with pics for recommendations.

  • 2 years ago

    " @millworkman I'd love to hear your suggestions! "


    No ideas on anything wood working in California, sorry. Good luck and hope you find the right guy as that is a beautiful wood top.

    shanmundy thanked millworkman
  • 2 years ago

    Look for a furniture maker.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    This is a SUPER SIMPLE thing to DIY. You just need a palm sander, and sand off the film forming finish. If you want to do knife work on it, the ONLY safe choice for it is mineral oil. If you will not be doing knife work on it, then you'd want something easy to DIY like Waterlox. Each coat melts int o the other and give the wood depth. It's not the most protective hardest choice, but it gives some of the richest look to the wood, with easy application.

  • 2 years ago

    Have you tried contacting furniture shops and asking for recommendations? These guys in Menlo Park have gorgeous pieces -- they might be able to refer you to someone. http://menlohardwoods.com/

  • last year

    Oh my, that was certainly worth the wait! Congratulations on finding exactly the right person for the job.

    shanmundy thanked AnnKH
  • last year

    Beautiful!