Not only was this my first furniture project from an Ana White plan, it was my first ever furniture project. I discovered this website and Ana's site through Pinterest and was inspired to build a table for my wife's craft room.
Leafing through "The Handbuilt Home," I found plans for a modern craft table, but decided I'd better get my feet wet first with a "smaller" project. Our front hall console table was a cheap, particle board piece from Target which seemed like the perfect candidate for replacement.
In retrospect, with drawer slides and hardware to contend with the craft table may in fact be an easier project than the console, but I found the plans straightforward and easy to read. Expecting to be intimidated by my own lack of experience, as the table came together I was, instead, continually inspired by my ability to actually build beautiful furniture for my home.
The most challenging part of building the console table was finding lumber, particularly straight lumber. Here in New Jersey, the local Home Depot and Lowes stores did not have a large selection of wood, virtually nothing beyond pine and most of that was visibly warped.
I eventually found boards that were relatively straight, though not perfect. As a result, getting the table perfectly square was an impossible task. For future builds I have already discovered some local lumber suppliers that offer a broader quality of materials than the big box stores.
The other part of this project that was really challenging was applying spray-on polycrylic. I never got a protective coat I was particularly happy with and decided to stop fussing because I feel like I was making things worse trying to correct my application mistakes.
In a few weeks I plan to add a layer of wax, which I hope will give the table a finish a more satisfying finish.
All things considered, especially as this was my first furniture project of any kind, I look at the beautiful console that now graces my front entry, dumbfounded that it's something I built from a small pile of wood. Many thanks to Ana White and her website and book for the inspiration!
Comments
dananryan
Wed, 03/06/2013 - 10:55
Just beautiful!
I love the modifications. The chair turned out great!
In reply to Just beautiful! by dananryan
Tea Granny
Wed, 03/06/2013 - 11:48
Thanks So Much! :)
Thanks So Much! :)
In reply to Thanks So Much! :) by Tea Granny
Tea Granny
Wed, 03/06/2013 - 11:50
Modifications
Thanks So Much! :)
Ana White
Fri, 03/08/2013 - 19:43
The chair looks beautiful!
The chair looks beautiful! You did a great job! I love the contrast of the outdoor table and this chair! Thanks for your post!
In reply to The chair looks beautiful! by Ana White
Tea Granny
Sun, 03/10/2013 - 14:48
Thank You, Ana!
Oh My Goodness!! Thank you, Ana!! I'm sure you're very busy and I'm honoured by the fact that you took the time to comment on my chair! You've made my day!
countrysideworkshop
Fri, 03/22/2013 - 14:41
Awesome
I love this, looks like another project now.
EdmonsonWilliam
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 00:48
Hey,Wow the chair structure
Hey,Wow the chair structure is so cool .Really good work done .
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In reply to Hey,Wow the chair structure by EdmonsonWilliam
Tea Granny
Mon, 05/20/2013 - 10:06
Thanks Very Much!
Ana has the greatest plans, doesn't she?