This particular build stemmed from a need for a better storage solution for my own office. It presented an opportunity to make what would be my largest furniture project, while also trying out some traditional cabinet construction techniques.
The design element central to this sideboard was in the use of waney edge slab wood as a sort of outer skin, partially concealing and revealing contrasting painted elements beneath. The same slab wood was also to be used for a matching cabinet surface.
By constructing a traditional cabinet framework with inset panels, I was able to combine different hardwood species to good effect and create a strong but relatively lighter weight cabinet.
The timber frame is constructed from some reclaimed cherry I spotted on one of my frequent visits to local wood recycling company, Glasgow Wood.
About a year after finding the cherry hardwood, this particular build idea began to form but I knew I'd need some more material. I had this idea of using a combination of painted panels and natural timber to create a stunning visual effect; elevating what is essentially a very functional piece of furniture into a bold statement piece. Live or waney edge slab-wood was going to be the key design element.
The slab wood was sourced from a local timber merchant & sawmilling service who had recently acquired a sizeable horse chestnut tree following some damage in a storm. This timber tends to be very pale in colour and can have interesting grain marbling effects so I was hopeful this would be a good match for the cherry. You never know until the log is cut but straight of the bandsaw mill and it looked very promising...
While waiting for the kiln to do its work and dry out my slabs, I got on with building the frame. By using a traditional cabinet construction method and joinery I was able to save significantly on both material and weight. Mortice and tenon joinery is used on the frames, with rebates cut to hold the loose fit 18mm plywood panels which were also reclaimed and salvaged from old built-in storage solution.
This was my first attempt at hand-cut lapped dovetails, so a steep learning curve! These mechanical joints are used to secure the middle two panels at the top and bottom of each rail; this creates a super strong fixing even without glue and prevents the frame from spreading apart across its length. The assembled framework is 1650mm x 500mm x 500mm, and a supremely more efficient way of cabinetry compared with using solid hardwood panels.
Following a successful test fit, it was all disassembled, the panels painted and then brought indoors where it was considerably warmer than my workshop, for the final assembly with glue and clamps.
Some more plywood panels (5.5mm) leftover from another project provided just enough to make three back panels and then the drawer rail supports from the remaining cherry were added internally. Drawer boxes were quickly knocked together from 12mm plywood and painted to match.
