Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/14/2006

Question
I have just inherited my great grandmother's dining room set (buffet, china cabinet and table) and am interested in having it refinished or doing this myself.  I don't believe it's of serious value or anything, just a nice set with some emotional attachment.  I would just like it to look nicer.  How can I tell what type of wood this is?  I have not done a thing to it yet.  It's dark in colour... Mahogany?  Do I have to strip it first to tell?  Also, if it is Mahogany, how light could I get it?  my kitchen cupboards are medium oak.  Is this an impossibility?

Answer
Hi Krista
Nice to hear from you.
Of course I cannot tell you what kind of wood your dining set is made from and I cannot tell you how to tell yourself as I would have to see it first hand, but there must be someone around who would help you with that.
You do not need to strip the wood to tell what kind it is.
Having said that LOL..I will make 2 guesses.
Birch or mahogany.
And its often the case that dining sets are made from different woods.
Both of these woods refinish beautifully and certainly will be somewhat lighter when that almost black finish is removed. But you will never get either very light and definately not as light as your cabinets.
My advice is refinish and do not get too concerned about matching woods. This set will look good in any setting.
Good luck and thanks for a great question
Kindest Regards
Eileen