I need some help re: saving wood panel above fireplace
I just joined this site today – but I’ve “lurked” around for a little bit in the background over the past few months.
I’ve been dealing with a serious health issue for the past several years. It actually caused me to have to move away from my home for awhile (years – not months). I’ve recently been able to move back home. I am trying to have some renovation done and have some questions. Originally, I was searching for some answers on the Houzz forum because some of my questions related to remodeling/updating my kitchen. However, anytime someone asks questions re: red oak, the OP receives many negative comments. It seems like all red oak = builder’s grade = immediately throw it in the trash (one interior designer refers to it as “slapping lipstick on a pig” anytime someone wants to update their kitchen without replacing their oak cabinets – seriously).
When I built this house many years ago, I “designed” my kitchen (replacing the kitchen that was originally part of the model I looked at with components from some other kitchens I saw). One item was adding this fireplace. During construction, I asked to extend the oak all the way to the ceiling.
When I asked some questions about updating my kitchen, I received comments about how much oak I have (I have oak cabinets/island/wide trim around set of 6 tall double stacked windows w/ vaulted ceiling in eating area) – and was told to tear out my oak fireplace. If I was then told that if I couldn’t afford to tear it out, I needed to hide it with paint.
Here’s the thing – I like wood grain. I specifically had the builder upgrade my kitchen from white painted cabinets/trim to stained oak because I liked the warmth of wood. I even had some trim stained vs. painted in other rooms of my house (taboo back then – acceptable to not have all matched trim now – BUT stained trim still is frowned upon apparently). What I don’t like is how the color of the oak has aged. I did a little sanding on an end panel of my lower cabinets and on a cabinet door. It looks pretty to me – I distinctly remember the first time I saw this fireplace after the wood had been extended to the ceiling – it was beautiful.
Anyway – I just noticed that there is a crack (? – not sure what to call it) on one of the panels above the fireplace. This is not surprising- I didn’t live here for quite awhile – I was actually very surprised that my wood floors didn’t have issues due to the humid summers and cold winters due to great temperature/humidity fluctuations while I was absent. I didn’t really do a good job of taking care of that while I was absent. I was basically bedridden for a few years – and there was a time (not very long ago) when I didn’t think I would ever be back in my home.
I am not sure if these panels are veneered or not. I only recently realized that it may not be solid oak boards. After doing some reading, maybe it’s more likely to be veneered vs. solid? I think that the cost to have the wood extended to the ceiling was around $400 (it was a LONG time ago – the total was $600 but I think that may have included adding wainscoting in the dining room – maybe not).
Questions: How can I tell if it’s solid or veneered (without the obvious sanding it until I break though the veneer!)? If it is veneered, is there a way to salvage it – or does it have to be ripped out?
Everyone tells me to just sell my house -mainly because it’s more house than I need. But here’s the thing – I have missed out on so much over the past several years that I find being here gives me comfort – and reminds me of when I was a healthy single mom raising my daughters. There are a lot of fond memories in this house. Also – it’s been paid off for about 9 years now – and I like living here without a mortgage (so happy that I listened to my mom who told me to do a 15 yr mortgage and make extra payments – really helped to have this paid off when I no longer could be a full time attorney).
Sorry for such a long post – I actually had surgery about a week ago – and am taking some medication that makes me a bit “loopy” . . .
I would appreciate any thoughts/advice/suggestions. Thank you!
Replies
From the grain pattern, it's almost certainly plywood -- so, veneer. To me, it doesn't look bad, and I'd just live with it. You could have it replaced, but you'll never get it to match, and it will look worse than it does now.
Really, it looks fine.
Looks like plywood to me (and very nice). I doubt anyone but you will ever notice it... even if they were buying the house.
Well. . . I just realized that I attached the wrong close up photo. . .
Does this photo change your mind? I didn’t center it very well! I told you that my medication is making me a bit loopy!
I know that it’s more obvious if I look at it from this side angle than from the front. I actually didn’t even notice it for the last 4 months that I’ve been back at home. But now I see it every time I look at it.
Is there anything I should do to prevent it from getting worse?
I was pretty sure that it was plywood - I was just hoping that it wasn’t so I could sand it.
Thanks!
Given 35 years years of home improvement experience I would concur with the above assessments that the recessed panels are plywood and the rest of the molding is solid red oak. Overall the work seems to be of high quality.
I can't clearly see the cracking you mention except possibly in the first photo, but it doesn't matter my suggestion will be the same contact a furniture repair specialist. A quality finish repair specialist should be able to make your crack disappear to all but the most discriminating eye. Try to replace the panel would probably leave you with a far less satisfactory result because of tonal differences in the new panel.
I think theblemish is minor, and I wouldn't fool around with it. There's a pretty fair chance you'll be even more unhappy with the result.
If you didn't even notice it for four months, no one else will either!
It looks like the maker went to the trouble of edging the plywood to allow for the movement of the whole mantle without the raw edges showing... unless what you're showing us is the outside edge of the trim molding.
Your rails and stiles are solid wood, and your molding is solid wood. Only the flat fields with the repeating grain pattern is plywood.
Well, "DM", I've been accused of being "Direct" before, so here goes: Who in the H-E-Double Toothpicks do they think they are telling you what you do and don't "Need"!?! I'd tell them to go straight to [fill in the blank], don't pass go and don't collect $200.00. I absolutely hate people like that. As to your wood preferences? As a dear friend used to say: "Everybody's different. That's why they mark towels 'His and Hers'." Buy what you like, within your budget. Speaking of your budget, there's pro's and con's to the choices you've presented. Only you and your handy, dandy slide rule can figure that out for you. Glad you're back "Home" both physically and, more importantly, emotionally. After all, that's the most important thing, isn't it?
I am not sure you are looking at the upper left side of the last picture but I see considerable cracking of the veneer. My guess is that it is substrate , likely mdf, that has dried out and is pulling the veneer apart but it is the first time I see it doing that. When the summer humidity sets in, it will probably close back. I would use a wax crayon with matching color to fill the cracks, you can melt together different touch up wax sticks to get the exact match and then rub in the wax and wipe with a cotton cloth until it disappears.
Just like people, as wood ages it develops character, sometimes that’s a crack, a split, a wrinkle here and there.
100% agree with John leave it alone. If you try to sand you’ll go through the veneer. The most I would do is try a matching color filler, but you may not be happy with that, either.
Sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for, including this house. Perhaps there is something more behind you’re watchful eye?
I agree in general with most of these posts. As my floor guy said: Sometimes the cure is worse than the problem. I HAVE seen furniture refinishers come in with a hot-knife (burnisher?) and waxes and make minor blemishes like that completely disappear. And it's not going to be as expensive as a replacement.
I think you mentioned you aren't as happy with the color anymore? I'm guessing some of the discoloration is buildup. Have you tried using SC Johnson Paste wax and 0000 steel wool on it? That makes a really nice finish, and the steel wool pulls of any kitchen grease and other stuff. Also, on those lines, starting with a mild soap and fine/soft scratch pad (or 0000 SW) would be a really good start, then on to the paste wax.
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