Refinishing and Maintenance of a Solid Japanese Horse Chestnut (Tochi) Live-Edge Dining Table

Custom Furniture, Doors, Built-ins, Remodeling, Repair & Maintenance | OJIKI Workshop

This project showcases the refinishing and maintenance of a large solid Japanese horse chestnut (Tochi) live-edge dining table that had been well loved and used for many years. The customer wanted to restore its beauty rather than replace it, so it could continue to be enjoyed for many more years.

A dining table is one of the most important pieces of furniture in any home, serving as the gathering place for family meals and everyday moments. Solid wood live-edge tables are especially valued for their striking natural grain and one-of-a-kind character. Over time, however, the finish can wear down, and scratches, stains, and signs of daily use inevitably begin to appear.

In this project, we restored a treasured solid Japanese horse chestnut (Tochi) live-edge dining table through professional refinishing and maintenance.

Rather than replacing a piece filled with memories, the customer chose to preserve it. Our goal was to bring out the natural beauty of the wood while ensuring the table could continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

1. Condition of the Well-Loved Tochi Live-Edge Dining Table

The table we received for restoration was a solid Japanese horse chestnut (Tochi) live-edge dining table.

Its beautiful figured grain and naturally shaped live edges were still impressive, but years of daily use had resulted in several common issues:

• The finish had deteriorated and become sticky.
• Water marks and food stains had become noticeable.
• Numerous fine scratches and surface wear had accumulated.
• The overall luster had faded.

Because a live-edge slab has such a large surface area, a worn finish can easily hide the natural beauty of the wood grain.

Fortunately, solid wood can be restored. With proper refinishing and maintenance, it is possible to bring the table back to its original beauty.

Before & After Comparison

2. Removing the Old Finish with a Hand Plane

Professional refinishing involves much more than simply applying a new coat of finish.

First, we carefully removed the old finish using a traditional Japanese hand plane, eliminating years of built-up dirt, worn coatings, and surface damage. The tabletop was then sanded until perfectly smooth, revealing the natural beauty of the wood beneath.

Taking the time to prepare the surface properly ensures excellent adhesion for the new finish, resulting in both lasting durability and a beautiful appearance.

Since every live-edge slab has its own unique grain pattern and hardness, our craftsmen carefully adjust their techniques throughout the process to suit the individual piece.

3. A Natural Satin Finish with 30% Sheen Polyurethane

Once the surface preparation was complete, the tabletop was finished with a 30% sheen polyurethane coating.

This satin finish is a popular choice because it enhances the beauty of the wood while avoiding an overly glossy appearance.

Its balanced sheen offers several advantages:

• Elegant, understated appearance
• Preserves the natural texture of the wood
• Helps conceal everyday scratches and stains
• Easy to clean and maintain

As shown in the photos, the finish brings out the rich figured grain and natural character that make Japanese horse chestnut such a beautiful wood.

4. Bringing the Dramatic Live-Edge Grain Back to Life

One of the greatest attractions of Japanese horse chestnut is its distinctive grain, with every slab displaying a unique pattern found nowhere else.

After refinishing, the natural figuring, color variations, and depth of the wood became far more vibrant and expressive.

The original live edges and impressive presence of the slab were carefully preserved while giving the table a fresh, clean appearance suitable for everyday use.

Rather than making the table look brand new, our goal was to preserve the character that only years of use can create.

5. Solid Wood Tables Can Last for Decades with Proper Care

A solid wood live-edge table is an investment that can last for decades with proper maintenance.

Instead of replacing a table simply because the finish has worn out, refinishing the surface can restore both its beauty and functionality.

Because every live-edge slab is unique, it is virtually impossible to replace it with another piece featuring exactly the same grain and natural shape.

That is why we encourage regular maintenance to help preserve these one-of-a-kind pieces for future generations.

Summary

This solid Japanese horse chestnut live-edge dining table had developed scratches, stains, and a deteriorated finish after many years of daily use. By carefully removing the old finish with a traditional hand plane and applying a 30% sheen polyurethane finish, we restored the wood’s natural beauty and rich grain while preserving its unique character.

Live-edge furniture becomes more meaningful over time, developing memories and character that cannot be replaced.

At OJIKI Workshop, we carefully evaluate the condition and characteristics of every piece before carrying out professional refinishing and maintenance tailored to the wood itself.

If you have a cherished table that you would like to continue using for many more years, we would be happy to help restore its beauty and preserve it for future generations.
At OJIKI Workshop, we handle not only custom-made furniture and architectural woodwork, but also a wide range of repair and maintenance services, including restoration of high-gloss painted finishes on well-used furniture and the revival of antique furniture.
For detailed consultations and estimates, please feel free to contact us via our official LINE account, by phone, or through our inquiry form.

Phone: 046-204-5592 (Weekdays 9:00–18:00)

LINE: OJIKI Workshop Official Account

Email: Contact Page

《About OJIKI Workshop》
OJIKI Workshop manufactures and sells furniture, doors, and architectural woodwork made from solid natural wood.

In addition to selling our original products, we also provide custom-made furniture, remodeling, repair, and maintenance services for unused furniture, aged doors, and built-in woodwork that no longer suits modern lifestyles.
For remodeling, repair, and maintenance projects, we listen carefully to our clients’ requests regarding design, functionality, and usability before beginning production. This approach has earned us many words of appreciation from our customers.
We hope to meet the needs of customers who wish to use their wooden furniture and wooden architectural elements with care for many years to come.

⚫︎You want to repair and maintain beloved furniture or doors so you can continue using them for a long time.
⚫︎You want to remodel furniture that your family has used for many years so it better suits your current lifestyle.
⚫︎You want to order custom-made furniture or doors made from natural materials, with careful attention to both design and usability.
⚫︎You want to live in a healthier environment, both physically and mentally, by using natural materials in the furniture and doors of your home.
⚫︎You want to incorporate a relaxing environment with natural materials into your office.
⚫︎You want to create a shop that uses plenty of natural materials.
And more.

For consultations about furniture and architectural woodwork made from natural materials, please leave it to us at OJIKI Workshop.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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OJIKI Co., Ltd.
Wooden Furniture and Wooden Architectural Woodwork [Custom-Made, Remodeling, Repair]
Zama, Yamato, Sagamihara
5-49-16 Hibarigaoka, Zama City, Kanagawa 252-0003, Japan
Phone: 046-204-5592 (Weekdays 9:00–18:00)
Representative Director: Kenichi Okawa
Profile
Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Tokai University
Graduated from Chippendale International School of Furniture in the United Kingdom
(Furniture making and antique furniture repair)
Trained for three years at Rengesou Motomachi Workshop
Based on the traditional production process of Yokohama furniture, which has continued for more than 100 years, he continues to explore new designs using materials such as iron, leather, and glass while engaging in woodworking every day.
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