My Version of LL Bean Mission Underwindow Bookshelf

Submitted by Jake on Tue, 01/22/2013 - 16:32

A good friend of mine came to me a week ago and said she needed a console table to fit under her apartment window. She then whipped out the LL Bean catalog and on page 34 was the Mission style Underwindow Bookshelf and that is what she wanted. I told her I would give it a try and a few days later you see the final result in the photos.

It came out larger than the LL Bean catalog version as mine is 44" long, 28" high and 14" wide. You can see the catalog offer at this link: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/13930?feat=504183-GN3&page=mission-under…

The center shelf is adjustable up and down about 4" and I added brass corner protectors.

I think it came out looking pretty good. Especially when you consider it cost at least $100 less than the catalog and it is not a kit.

Estimated Cost
$99
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded to 320 grit level on all visible surfaces and 150 grit on others. Rust-oleum Ultimate Wood Stain in Golden Mahogany with some Kona mixed in to darken it a bit. I used two coats of the Rust-oleum polyurethane on the top and the remainder of the piece was finished with two coats of Minwax Antique Oil Finish.

I did use pre-conditioner but it did not relieve the blotching. I was not happy with the finish and think pre-conditioner has a lot to do with the problem.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate