birch – 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

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

Twin Birch and Maple Bench Set

by Prairie BenchMay 15, 2012November 29, 20150

A client saw our first birch and maple bench and asked for two in a set. Each uses a free fallen salvaged birch, which was milled into planks. Both are 17.5″ inches tall, slightly less than normal seat height. They are very sturdy with solid maple legs pruned last year from a tree that’s actively producing. They were aged outside and off the ground to give them a weathered patina. The entire surface is covered in butcher block oil, one of the nicest for indoor use that takes very little maintenance. We couldn’t bring ourselves to finish these in varnish, and shellac would have affected some natural tones.

All the surfaces are very smooth and touchable, and comfortable enough for two people to share seat. We think a matching bistro table might be coming soon.

Approximately 36″x14″x17.5″tall. Birch and maple, finished in butcher block oil. Pictured: 87-BL-05-12; 88-BL-05-12

Prairie Birch and Maple Bench

by Prairie BenchApril 16, 2012November 29, 20150

This is a long hall bench (40″ by 15″ wide and 19″ tall) finished in contact safe oils. No stain, nails or screws were used. Every component is pressure fit and glued. The legs and frame support are constructed from a single, aged, maple branch grown onsite. The birch top is from a log salvaged in the Fraser River by a local tug operator.

The grain in this birch specimen is unique with chocolate and caramel colors swirling on a backdrop of creme and ash tones. The rough cut plank still has the sanded and preserved texture of the mill saw on the underside. One edge still has a unique burl notch making it one of a kind. The top and sides are glassy smooth and oiled to a natural polish with some good depth and quilting (the natural shimmer). The maple legs are lightly sanded and left with their natural twists and turns. Everyone who’s seen the bench immediately reaches out and touches the surfaces. It feels solid and comfortable with the unique blend of these two complementary hardwoods. This bench is definitely one of our faves.

81-BL-04-12 Birch and maple, finished in FDA approved cutting board oil. Click the thumb nails to see the unique characteristics of this wood.