This project was built and designed by Tom from Alley Picked.
It’s a detailed restoration of a mahogany desk destined for a downtown lawyer’s office—refined, repaired, and refinished with a professional touch.
From chipped veneer to stubborn red undertones, this build highlights real-world restoration challenges and solutions.
Tom shares his methodical process and insights throughout the project, showing how thoughtful repair work leads to high-end results.
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Initial Inspection and Project Scope
At first glance, the desk appears to be a traditional antique piece. A closer look reveals that it’s veneered with genuine mahogany on exposed surfaces and built with plywood cores—honest construction, but not solid throughout.
The primary issues include chipped edge banding, loose dowels, and surface wear. On top of that, the client requested a darker, less-red appearance, which is no easy feat with naturally red mahogany.
Careful Disassembly and Assessment
Tom begins by taking apart everything that can safely be removed. Feet, drawers, and trim are set aside, but some parts—like the top—must remain in place to avoid damage.
Disassembly reveals several hidden problems: old glue, loose joints, and fragile veneer. Each one is logged and prepped for later repair.
Joints with visible dowels are carefully disassembled, cleaned, and re-glued using fresh adhesive and precision alignment.
Sanding Without Damage
One of the most critical parts of this restoration is sanding the veneer without sanding through it. Tom approaches this with a combination of tools and restraint.
On flat areas, a fine-grit orbital sander is used gently to remove finish while preserving the surface. For corners and carved details, a smaller “mouse” sander or hand-sanding is used, always with the grain.
Even with power tools, much of the project involves handwork. Drawer interiors, molding, and curved sections demand time and care.
Tom spreads the sanding process over two weeks to avoid rushing and risking irreversible damage.
Repairing and Replacing Edge Banding
The drop-leaf sections of the desk have chipped and burned edge veneer. Instead of searching for an exact pre-stained match, Tom focuses on finding edge banding with a compatible grain pattern.
Once installed, he trims and feathers the edges so they blend into the top seamlessly. Only after the banding is fully fitted does he begin color matching with stain—ensuring consistency across both old and new wood.
Tips from Tom’s approach:
- Match grain first, not just color.
- Use clean, adhesive-free surfaces before re-gluing.
- Sand gently along curves to blend repaired edges.
Neutralizing Mahogany’s Red Undertone
The client’s request was specific: darker and less red. Tom consulted a color expert who suggested mixing a green tint into a dark brown stain. The green cancels out the natural red of mahogany while allowing the wood grain to show through.
Tom blends oil-based stains from his existing supply and tests them on scrap pieces. Some combinations still show red, while others succeed in muting the hue.
Sample testing helps ensure the final color is accurate and balanced.
Key stain lessons from this process:
- Always test on scraps before applying.
- Mix only compatible base types—oil with oil.
- Build color gradually for better control.
Joinery and Glue-Up
Once color matching is complete, Tom shifts to structural repairs. Loose dowels and dry glue in joints are addressed before any stain or topcoat is applied. Holes are cleaned or re-drilled, and every joint is dry-fit before gluing.
He avoids the temptation to patch finish over loose components, knowing long-term performance depends on strong internal connections. When repairs are done right, the desk won’t just look better—it will function like new.
Don’t Overlook Drawers and Interiors
Tom doesn’t stop at visible surfaces. Drawer interiors and edges are cleaned, sanded, and prepped to match the refinished exterior. This adds polish to the final presentation and keeps the entire piece consistent.
Even small details like runners and stoppers are addressed. Tom removes buildup, checks fit, and ensures everything works as smoothly as it looks.
What’s Still Ahead
By the end of this phase, most of the sanding and structural repairs are complete. The edge banding is staged for final application, and the custom stain blend is ready. The next installment will show the desk being stained, topcoated, and fully reassembled for delivery.
Tom teases the final result and emphasizes the importance of prep work over shortcuts.
His patient approach proves that the best finishes begin long before the first brush of stain.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Tom’s channel: