Vintage style, modern sound!
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Vintage style, modern sound!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Multiple Days
Intermediate
$600-700
This 1960s console stereo had so much potential, we weren’t going to let a little water damage and outdated electronics doom it to a landfill. Using simple woodworking techniques, we refurbished this console and added to its high style. Then we filled it with 21st-century audio goodies.
The best part? We’ll show you how to do the same.
 There are four phases to this furniture restoration project.
When I found this vintage console stereo, it was in rough shape. The legs had broken through the particleboard bottom. So first I had to attach a new plywood base, fill the chips and nicks, hide water damage and address other cosmetic work.
The center panel needed to be covered in place. I chose a four-way bookmatch pattern with sequence-matched leaves of figured sapele veneer.
The speaker cloth was faded, so I replaced it with classic black and designed new slats to lay over the top.
I chose sapele for the new legs because it was a good match for the veneer on the front panel. Sapele looks like mahogany and is similar to work with, but often has a pronounced ribbon figure, which I love. I found pre-milled 6/4 sapele at a local lumberyard.
I finished the console and update the audio components for modern functionality and high quality sound. Check out our guide to old furniture restoration.