Interiors – Page 3 – PRAIRIE BENCH

Birch Fireplace Mantle

by Prairie BenchAugust 29, 2013November 29, 20150

At the request of a client, we found a local piece of parkland birch harvested by a certified cutter. The log was cut into two slabs, then one slab was cut again into posts. Next, ten months to dry.

Inside we found some luxurious dark chocolate heartwood. We decided to preserve the birch bark, sanding it lightly to apply an even poly finish.

The surface was ground, then sanded. The core of the heartwood had some deep crevices, which we filled with river gravel and applied a layer of 2 stage cold poly to create the look of water.

Installation was easy using a flat steel bar moored to the wall studs. The mantle was predrilled with 4″ lag bolts and the lock nuts aligned with the thickness of the drywall. The result is an eighty pound log floating on the wall securely. The pillars were fit to cedar shoes and pegged. The mantle was set on top, clicked into place, and then the lock nuts were tightened. This allowed us to install the mantle with minimal destruction to the drywall. We only had to cut a three inch strip to mount the flat bar.

The client now intends to fill the area inside the mantle with stained glass. We’ll post pics when it’s done. Wood source: hawleyscape.com

sizing up the mantle slab for the back cut

poly resin is poured into crevices containing river gravel

Steel flat bar is measured for drilling holes to bolt onto studs. This was the only worry, opening up the wall and confirming the studs were to code.The mantle was predrilled at the shop. It worked and the result is a solid, snug fit.

The pillars are set on cedar shoes with a 2×3 stud back. They sit out from the wall 2″ allowing the homeowner to paint matching trim lines and mount the stained glass. The mantle is set onto 1″ hemlock pegs on each pillar. The cedar shoes lock into a space between tiles. The pillars are 51″ tall.

finished mantle awaiting stain glass insert

birch has identifiable horizontal bark with white and red tones

birch post lightly sanded with layer of polyurethane

mantle is 4″ thick, six feet long and varies in width, about 9″ at the narrowest

Cookery Table and Benches

by Prairie BenchFebruary 19, 2013May 27, 20190

A client asked for a version of our Country Lunch Bar with some storybook flair. We designed it a little smaller and included some unique features to make the pieces more memorable. The set is sturdy for heavy chores and constructed with dowel plugs for added support.

#125 – 129 BL 01-13

For fun we carved the emblem of a legendary cookery.

Large knot hole filled with fine sand for translucent effect. The sand is special to the client.

Great for meal preparation, hobbies, and having lunch.

Table top ground and sanded to feel like its from a castle. It will darken naturally with time. 32″ surface height.

Each plank was chosen for its intriguing grain.

Retro Credenza

by Prairie BenchFebruary 18, 2013November 29, 20150

At the request of a client, we tried our version of a retro sixties credenza, complete with shelves, three sliding doors, and those skinny little six inch legs. The project went together quite well and all was designed and cut to fit, then assembled in the kitchen, because the outdoor shop was too cold for the glue to set. The finish is stained dark walnut per the client’s wishes and the interior was wiped in poly using the natural birch color of the interior. As we were working on it, some had flashbacks of parents’ furnishings. We sort of went by memory.

The dimensions were to fit: 5′ x 1′ x 32″. The credenza was designed in pine, birch ply, with a spruce top. #130-BL-01-13