Appreciation post: Saw a 150 year old bar top in Savannah that changed how I think about patina

I was on a trip to Savannah last week and stopped in this old pub. The bartender pointed out the original mahogany bar top, which has been in use since the 1870s. The finish was completely gone in the high traffic areas, but the wood underneath had this deep, rich color from a century of hands and spills. It wasn't damaged, it was just... lived in. Made me rethink trying to get every piece to look factory fresh. Anyone else have a piece they left alone because the wear told a better story?

2 comments

2 Comments

gibson.mark2d ago

Wow, I used to sand everything down.

jason_wood1d ago

Was it really that bad though? I mean sanding is just part of the process for some projects. Feels like people make a bigger deal out of prep work than it needs to be. Sometimes you just gotta do it and move on.