One of the coolest Idea Houses I worked on is now toast. Lightning started a massive fire that burnt the River Dunes, NC home to the ground earlier this month. It is a such a waste of a gorgeous home.
Saddest thing to me is that the 4′ x 7′ red oak dining table that was custom built from old barn timbers was presumably also destroyed by the fire. It was a beautiful piece—pardon my prejudice—that I really enjoyed building. You can see more pictures of the table here and there is a shot of it in the news video above.
In a small bathroom space is at a premium. Recently I replaced a vanity and counter-top that ran the length of a bath with a European-style, shallow-profile vanity. At that time, a new light fixture and a re-framed medicine chest were added.
While those improvements were needed, the reduction in counter and under-sink storage space were a problem. So, built-in shelves were next.
Finding the studs was the first step. A standard stud-finder worked like a charm and from there I could measure out the 16″ centers and start taking out the drywall within the selected space. (interior space between studs is normally 14.5″ unless you have an unpredictable old home or a nutty contractor built the wall)
Once the drywall was punched out using a flat-head screwdriver and a hammer (most efficient way I have found), a couple shelves of 3/4″ plywood were cut and inserted. Friction plus some wood glue made for a good tight and permanent fit.
Built-in shelves, close-up
I used some left-over 4 x4 stone tile ($5/sq ft) for the main part of the shelf tops and some smaller squared sheets ($10/sq ft) for shelf accents and the back of the shelves. After tan grout is worked into the cracks the shelf under sides and frame will be completed with poplar stained to match the mirror frame.
If you are looking for a project plan for a chair, bench, wall organizer, bed, or cabinet, check out Southern Living project plans. The archive includes plans for indoor and outdoor furniture. Each plan contains a materials list, cutting list, measured drawing, and build instructions. The plans are rated for degree of difficulty to help you decide if you are up to the task.
Bruce, at Redwood Bench and Table Co. in Mitchell, Oregon sent me the coolest picture of twisted western juniper. I had never seen wood like this. I guess it grows this way. Bruce says he removes the bark with a pressure washer. That method appeals to me as my normal method is very low-tech—a pocket knife and some elbow grease.
Western Juniper
If you are interested in purchasing some of this writhing wood, I bet Bruce can fix you up. You can contact him at 541.462.3232. Check out their web site to see some really cool beds, lamps, and tables.
Kelly sent me pictures of the ‘Coastal Oak’ (that is what I am calling that style/design) table in her home with the chairs and rug. I love it and she is pleased. Here is what she said:
The table looks absolutely wonderful. As you will see in my pictures my dogs love to be in front of the camera. It turned out perfect and just like I had hoped. Thank you very much! The “S” household is extremely pleased.
I had not see the legs on these chairs before. They have a cool rustic character that adds to the whole look. I think the rug and the seagrass chairs are a cool contrast to the various colors/features of the salvaged oak timbers. I am not sure where the rug came from but I think the chairs are from Pier 1.
Update from Kelly: BTW…the chairs are from Pier 1 and the rug came from West Elm. I really tried to put some thought to the look and it all came together as I had hoped.
Last week I bubble wrapped each piece of the table within an inch of its life and then loaded it all in my truck and carried it to the local mailing/shipping shop. The guys at Parcels Too in Trussville were great! They figured out a way to get it to Kelly S. within budget and further wrapped and boxed it up very professionally. The folks at Roadway got to Kelly’s on Tuesday (we had a tracking number so we could watch it travel from here to there) and she was successful in getting it into her house–even if they Roadway guy didn’t think they could do it themselves. I bet she has a pile of packing material–I really hope she can find a use for it rather than just throwing it away. Reuse, recycle, renew.
She is going to send me a picture with the chairs she chose (from Pier 1) and I will post that here when I get it. I think it is going to great with the chairs.
I put a coat of penetrating oil on the underside of the table top halves.
This is the underside and therefore not finished sanded and more rough than the top side but the color is beautiful. I can’t wait to see what the top looks like. Below is a picture of the legs with one coat of oil.
It is just gorgeous. I love the nail scars, the knots, the wormwood, and the grain. This thing is solid and should serve for years and years.
You will find here the musings of a self-taught woodworker, crafts-person, and occasional potter. Projects, plans, and products relative to rustic and salvage woodworking will be the norm. Randomness is possible too.
Enjoy!
