What do you call this?

[Waznme]

G'Day

This couch thingo was my Grandparents-in-law and we inherited it some years ago.

My wife wants to know what to do with it. (I'm not game to tell her)
Is it difficult to restore? Would that lessen its value?


I will try to attach photo's

Waz

[Pheonix]

I think they might have been called "day beds" might be ok for sticking on your back verandah for emergency accomodation.

[echnidna]

Its a Chaise Lounge aka Miner's Couch

[Waznme]

G'Day again

So any suggestions on how to pretty it up a bit??

Waz

[hap97]

A real find. Could be referred to as a "chaise lounge". Maybe a "miner's lounge" if it is lower quality.
I saw a similar one to this (but worse condition) at a town auction and it had spirited bidding to a couple of hundred dollars.
Looks as though it may have been painted in the past. Either clean it up and maybe lightly distress it along the edges or go all the way and strip it back to the bare wood and finish with a wax. I find this a pleasurable activity and the results are very satisfying.

[endgrain]

aye waznme,
is that paint or some type of wash on colour (like white wash)? water based or spirit?
most of these come up well with a light strip, sand and polish, (dependent on wood species)
note: turnings, joints and carved work is laborious.
a few repairs maybe (slat base looks like a ring in)
if you don't know anything about restoration, don't touch it (will devalue considerably)
e.g. red cedar goes purple in caustic baths, leaving paint in open joints/ turnings, glue joints, sanding edges etc
make a great dog/cat perch
cheers

[hap97]

G'Day again

So any suggestions on how to pretty it up a bit??

Waz

The wire frame is removed before the timber frame is restored and then place a MDF base onto which a newly upholstered foam mattress is placed, with a matching cushion. Will be very comfortable.
Hide the MDF edge with a frill or upholster edge with matching material.

[hap97]

By the look of the photo, it will fit perfectly under that window.
In the short term, get piece of foam to the right size and a pillow, cover with an attractive sheet and see how it looks and feels. Then be inspired to restore it.
If the paint is to be removed, use a commercial methyl chloride stripper, finish with steel wool and metho, the turned pieces may be tedious, but with care all paint can be removed.

[endgrain]

MDF ???????? surely you jest good sir.

[hap97]

MDF ???????? surely you jest good sir.

MDF = Medium-density fibreboard

Refer to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium-density_fibreboard

[echnidna]

Personally I'd restore it as an original.
I wouldn't degrade a nice period couch by doing an elcheapo reno with mdf or slats etc

[Waznme]

G'Day again

I reckon the blue is paint and by its age, would be lead based for sure.

I will not be using MDF!!!!!

Can you still get that spring wire base stuff?

You can probably tell I have not done this before

To do this properly, should it be dismantled completly, cleaned up, sanded and then reassembled?

Waz

[echnidna]

If it's tight and not rickety don't pull it apart.

If the wire is sound you can adjust the tension by tightening the bolts at the left hand end.

[JJK]

Personally I'd restore it as an original.
I wouldn't degrade a nice period couch by doing an elcheapo reno with mdf or slats etc

Yes i agree with the others, it's a miners couch, possibly late 1890's, Australian, (i've see a few made in Aust red cedar) and it looks in very good original condition.
PLEASE dont pull it apart, use MDF, attack it with just any paint stripper until you see someone who is a expert in restoration.
This a piece of your family history as well as Australian history, so dont destroy its originality.

[endgrain]

[quote=Waznme;774248]G'Day again

I reckon the blue is paint and by its age, would be lead based for sure.
Take it down (if your polite AND honest they'll come and check it out for you) to your local restorer, someone reputable/ recommended. NOT a dealer.
Get a price for partial or full resto. Get several quotes. You might learn something.
Maybe they'll offer some useful advice. They may even assist with wood species, accurate dating etc.
Very difficult to date "sticks" by photos ... appears to be edwardian or later.
I will not be using MDF!!!!!
Repeat after waznme .......altogether now: I will not use mdf ))) (especially on period peices)
Can you still get that spring wire base stuff?
Early originals came with slats only. May be a dating clue if the wire base is a ring in. (i.e. added later) Do some research, find some pics on the net, ask around, email a few news groups etc
You can probably tell I have not done this before
Which should point you in one direction?
To do this properly, should it be dismantled completly, cleaned up, sanded and then reassembled?
Down the library with you me lad You seem hell bent on it. There is some practical novice stuff on the net.
Are you aware of the dangers of using a good stripper like callington haven for example? Do you have the protective clothing (inc mask), workspace, and experience to do this SAFELY? It's TOXIC.
Remove the sprung base only. Legs could be knocked down, they usually come off in pairs. It's easier to "handle" this way. The rest should stay put unless there is loose joints or repair necessary.
OPTION A:
Perhaps you could make this an online project with the help of forum members (it's a big ask so don't look at me) if you are adamant AND determined AND prepared to eventually take it to a restorer after botching it up big time

cheers