Refinishing an antique

Question

I just bought an antique sideboard/cabinet thing that I would love to be able to restore myself. It's a fairly long piece, with two drawers on top, and three openings on the bottom where doors once hung. The catch - The doors are MIA. My question is this - How can I get (cheap) doors for this thing? I don't have a saw or any construction abilities. What are my options here? I've been considering placing a few shelves in the middle compartment, but would like to replace the doors on either side. Help!

Answer 1

I agree with Summers Over! That will be your very best solution. Also dust the piece very well then protect with bee's wax

Answer 2

I think your only option would to be having a cabinet maker make replacement doors, unless you can find suitable new replacement doors from like Home Depot or some such place. I discourage refinishing antiques usually, since it destroys any value to the piece, but seeing as your's has missing doors, it's better suited for refurbishing. Good luck in finding new doors.

Answer 3

cheap ? ok, perhaps you can measure the openings yourself, as accurately as possible to 1/16 th of an inch... then, take those dimensions to a wood worker and get some plywood doors that overlap 3/8 ths of an inch all around perhaps, with a rabbeted edge and bullnosed (rounded over)  then, go to a hardware store, not to name any of those big box stores, and pickout some hinges, k***s , and magnetic catches, AND, stain to match as close as possible.. viola... or, see what a cabinet shop or local wood worker might charge for the whole job. good luck...if you lived close to me, I could do it for you in the neighborhood of.....100 dollars labor, and materials.... to give you a ballpark price to think about...

Answer 4

If you do find doors to fit the openings, they probably wont look right with the piece.  I would make the shelves, stain them the same color and leave the bottom open and use baskets.  You could even leave the shelves out of the 2 sides and use larger baskets.  If you get the baskets in a contrasting color (if the piece is dark stain use white baskets) the will really pop!  

If you really want door, at one time Home Depot sold in stock doors.  Check then out maybe they will have something you'll like.