My June POTM: Finishing A Project Dad Started 15 Years Ago

16 years ago

This is a bit late, but I finished my June Project of the Month (POTM), completing a project my late father had started in 1992. Recently, I was helping my brother, who lives in my late parentsÂ home, sort through items that belonged to my parents. We came across a covered area behind the garage with piles of wood underneath. In the piles were 2 little benches and a table that my Dad had made to go with outdoor chairs he had built. (These were the ones I refinished and posted on GardenWeb Junk in May. See the link below. This summer, my family and I have spent countless hours in Dad's chairs, sitting outside in the evenings!) The benches and little table were wobbly and weathered. My brother helped me tighten all of the bolts. The table had been finished and used, but my brother told me the stools had not been completed. Dad had stained the tops the day before he died, planning on finishing the stools the next day. My brother didnÂt want to keep the table and stools, reminded of a project Dad couldnÂt complete. I understand. However, I wanted to complete the job for Dad. Here are the benches before I finished them. You can see the stain Dad had applied 15 years ago:

And here they are (with the chairs Dad had made) after I finished them, using the color of stain that matches the chairs I redid. The stain REALLY matches the original stain on top of the little benches! I think Dad would be happy with the finished results.

The other night, I sat in one chair with my feet up on the stool and imagined Dad in the otherÂ Thank you, Dad. Kirk

P.S. My brother visited us the other night and was so glad I took on this project! He also told me that Dad used all scrap wood from the throw-away scrap pile where he worked! That makes the chairs, table, and stools even more special!

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Chairs Built By My Dad

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Comments (21)

luna_llena_feliz
16 years ago
They are awesome! Your dad would be proud. :)
chris2u
16 years ago
Those look great. I do believe, as you said, you've inherited your Dad's resourcefulness. A very nice gift, indeed.

anotherchris
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User
16 years ago
The table and benches look great with the chairs. That is a great tribute to your dad. I'm sure he would be very proud of you.
scottymam
16 years ago
They look very nice, You and your Dad did a great job, even 15 years apart. I know they will bring you much joy in the future.

ellie
kudzukween
16 years ago
What a great way to remember your father:) Like everyone said,a great tribute and I know he'd be proud!
katladie
16 years ago
What a wonderful addition to your chairs, it makes them complete, and how much more special can a project be.

Sharon
cindee11461
16 years ago
That is wonderful you were able to complete the table and benches for your dad(-: The set looks beautiful all finished and setting there!!!I know your dad is smiling down on you(-: You can enjoy those for many years(-: I also love that little blue(enamelware?) pot next to your chairs(-:
foxygrandma9
16 years ago
Kirk those are just beautiful! I know your Dad is proud and smiling down on you. Great job and what a great project to pass down.
tasymo
16 years ago
wonderful, Kirk! I wondered where you've been the last few days! I love the design your Dad used. Those make for very comfy sitting. The whole set looks fantastic. I to noticed the enamelware pot! Very cute. Kathy
kirkus
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks everyone! After I posted this last night, I went outside and sat in a chair with my feet up on a cool summer night...so relaxing and comfortable. Kathy and Cindee, that blue enamel pot was given to me by my brother who does lawn care. A customer was throwing it away!!! The pot is rotted out in places in the bottom but makes for great drainage for plants!!! I too love the blue color! Thanks everyone for your encouragement!!!!!!!!! Kirk
littledog
16 years ago
They are beautiful, and yes, I believe your Dad would be pleased and proud that you finished them.
lindaohnowga
16 years ago
Your dad just has to be smiling down on you, seeing the wonderful job you have done with his chairs and stools. Just beautiful.
njtomboy
16 years ago
Just awesome!!!!!
luvstocraft
16 years ago
That is so great that you found the table and benches. That just makes the set so perfect. Your Dad had a wonderful idea there, and I am sure he would be so pleased that you finished them and are enjoying them now. Luvs
Purplemoon
16 years ago
Your Dad has to be beaming with pride, and probably grinning ear to ear at the beautiful furniture you BOTH created. This is too special really for words.

hugs, Karen
gardener64
16 years ago
Kirk,
That is so cool, your Dad would love to sit there with you and I am sure he was.
Great memory and great garden stuff( can't call it junk)
Sharon
Bright199
16 years ago
Ditto!!! Wondered where you've been.
grittymitts
16 years ago
Now that's REAL treasure & a wonderful way to spend your time. It is probably the most special project you've ever done... covered as it is with precious memories!

Suzi
craftyjanjan
16 years ago
Kirk,
They are awesome! I know your dad would be so proud that you finished a project he started. It's also something that can be passed down to your children and that makes it even more special. Great job!!
Janet
kirkus
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you everyone! I get teary eyed reading your kind words...I'm such a soft-hearted guy. (Drives people nuts...especially at a tear jerker movie or during Hallmark commercials!!!!) :o) I'm so glad I could share my special project with my GardenWeb Junking friends! You are ALL the BEST! Dad would have loved this forum. Thank you! Bear Hugs! Kirk
nanatink
16 years ago
Wow Kirk... as the old saying goes... "The nut couldn't have fallen far from the tree!"
It appears that you inherited a lot more from your Dad than unfinished projects. What a blessing!

My June POTM: Finishing A Project Dad Started 15 Years Ago

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My June POTM: Finishing A Project Dad Started 15 Years Ago

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