Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

Refresh Old Wood Easily (Garage Door Update)

It is almost exactly 3 years ago that I decide to do something drastic. My husband and I took on the exterior of our home in DIY form as we are known to do. He tackled the stone veneer on the front, while I took care of painting the entire house top to bottom (yep, all by my lonesome self). I decided to take our builder grade garage door to a new level and give it a faux wood look. Many have asked, “How has it held up?” So today I’m going to show you the 3-year anniversary reveal, plus give you a few tips on how to refresh old wood with my latest treasure.

If you haven’t read about our garage door makeover, you really should head HERE to not only see it in full, but I also share the steps of how I achieved it so you can too. Here it is in summation:

Before and After of Faux Wood Garage Door with Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Boring before, but oh-so-good after, isn’t it?

UPDATE

Well, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. Here it is 3 years to the day since I first worked on my garage door

Faux Wood Garage Door Update by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Looks like new, and going strong. I haven’t done anything to it in any way to touch it up or enhance it. I love it! It is a south-facing door and gets blasts of our below zero temps in winter and near hundred-degree temps in summer. WAHOO!!! (psst! I even find those benches from curbside shopping!)

3 Year Update on Faux Wood Garage Door - Still Lookin' Good! | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

The only thing I noticed was around one window it looks like the plastic had shrunk or something so my door original is peeking through, but that is it! (fist pump action going on)

Close-up Faux Wood Garage Door Window | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

You still wouldn’t believe the number of rubber-neckers we get and people who stop to ask how I did it. I am so utterly glad I gave it a try and took a chance.

Won’t you pin and share so others can get that high-end look for less? Then, I have another goodie for you.

Faux Wood Garage Door 3 Year Update - Still Lookin' Good! | DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

Now for my other tip on how to refresh old wood. For ages I have had on my “desire” list a set of old theater/church seats. So you can imagine my utmost excitement when I find this pair on our local Craigslist.

Old Theatre Seats Before | Refresh Old Wood by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I squealed like a child (ahem) and hurriedly called to inquire. You may be asking, “Why do you want them?” Because they’re rare, they’re cool, and create unique entry (or anywhere) seating. I’m all about different. tee hee.

Good news is that they were super-affordable. Somewhat bad news is that they are a dog chew toy. I got to meet the two offenders – they are gentle giants, and why the owner decides to sell the seats before they got more damage.

Not only has the wood been chewed up, but also were so absolutely dry. The wood is brittle and flaking in many spots since it is made out of layered wood. I want to halt that deterioration immediately.

REFRESH

I didn’t use paint or stain with this type of problem. However, my favorite tool to refresh old wood is boiled linseed oil (or or even hemp oil). This time I use linseed oil and demonstrate how easy it is to see the gorgeous wood come to life as shown below.

Old Theater Seats Revived with Easy Treatment to Refresh Old Wood | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Isn’t it amaaazing?! It keeps some of the wear showing for a gorgeous patina, but absolutely refreshes the wood without altering it.

Top View of Refreshed Old Wood on Theater Seats | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

As you may have guessed, this isn’t a new thing to me. I also rescued my antique pew that also had been a chew toy and left for dead outside in the mud. I tell all on my post over here. In addition to the pew, I have also used this same technique on a several furniture and craft projects.

Antique Theater Church Seats with Refreshed Wood Technique by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

SO GOOD

Not only are they wonderful because they fold up, but they offer storage in the back where hymnals or accessories rest. The best part is how they showcase rustic charm.

Antique Theater Seats in Home Decor | Refresh old wood with one simple method by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Oh, and if you love that chalkboard rack above them, you can find that available in my online shop, and I should be restocking some more of those wire locker baskets. They sell out fast!

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Rustic Farmhouse Chalkboard with Antique Theater Seats by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

You can bet I will certainly have fun playing with these beauties.

In addition, pin and share this trick on how to refresh old wood to inspire others too.

How to Refresh Old Wood with One Ingredient by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

blog signature

While you’re at it, here are more ways to refresh old wood:

How to Use Linseed Oil to Revive Weathered and Worn Wood by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comRevitalizing Old Wood with One Easy DIY Method - Stain by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Patty says

    I love what you did to your garage doors. Now all I need is a garage!

    • Larissa says

      That would help!! 😀 You can do this to your exterior entry doors as well. Works wonders!

  2. Lynne says

    I love the garage door buthow did youdo it…where is the tutorial ????? Love love love it!!!!!

    • Larissa says

      Lynne, it’s in the first section of the post if you click on HERE. It will tell you how to do it. 😉 Thanks!!

  3. Tracy Skrasek says

    Love the refreshing of old wood. Now I need help with an old dining set that has a clear coat but needs help. What are your suggestions?

    • Larissa says

      Feel free to contact me using the form at the top of the page and I’ll try to help. 🙂

  4. Patty says

    Wow! I love the garage door, it really looks like wood and I love the pew chairs they look beautiful.

  5. freidia Martindale says

    Just love me some Linseed Oil!
    Love your chairs and am in love with the garage door!

    Happy Fall!

  6. Jaime says

    The transformation of the garage door is amazing… and I’m thrilled it’s held up so well after three years! Beautiful, Larissa!

  7. betty lou says

    I have an old pew that needs some linseed oil lovin’. Thanks for sharing!!

  8. Ann says

    What color of paint did you do around your garage too? That is my favorite color, and how great to know I can get the look of wood with paint. I will definitely try this.

    • Larissa says

      Do you mean my house color? It is my custom mix. I’m happy to hear you like it!

  9. Maxine Busbee says

    Could you tell me how many days it took you to complete the garage door project?

  10. Cheryl Atkinson says

    Hi Larissa, Wow, what an amazing job you did to this garage door. did anyone in the neighborhood offer to pay you to paint their garage door? it looks awesome.

    • Larissa says

      Some did ask, but I just don’t have much time. This was a few years ago, but I always get questions/comments on how they love the look. Thanks!

  11. Nichole Horrocks says

    I love these doors! I am planning to do some shutters and stain them a dark walnut but I wasn’t my garage doors to look the same. Any suggestions on colors of paint to use.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! That sounds like fun. Do you mean colors for walnut look-alike for your door to match the shutters? I would just look at the shutter when you stain them and find that base color that’s similar…I’m assuming a light tan. Then use a dark color on top like the color you use to stain. Not sure if that helps… 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces