prairie bench

Rustic Reclaimed Pine Coffee Table

by Prairie Bench0

We received a load of reclaimed pine planks last season. Now we are starting to look at some ways to use them.  After pulling nails and compressing the boards to straighten them, we planed and sanded the stock to discover some unique dark tones and grain. For the first batch, pine patio tables with a trick hood—the top is split and opens up to reveal a storage box, or cubby, for entertaining supplies, favorite reading material or games.

Size: 20x20x20 and 24x24x20 (shown). Finished in natural color and rosewood oil.

Series numbers: 82-BL-05-12 and 83-BL-05-12 (shown)

Twin Birch and Maple Bench Set

by Prairie Bench0

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 Bench0

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.

 

 

Medieval Style Saddle Horse

by Prairie Bench0

A friend asked us for a version of our clothes horse for use to hold saddles. The construction is almost identical with a slightly different finish, using more wood tones and emphasis on a worn grain. Care is easy, just use saddle oil.

 

Prairie Bench Saddle Horse 64-BL-02-12

Dragon Shield 2

by Prairie Bench2

The designing and carving the first dragon shield was so much fun, that we tried another version. This increases the arch by 2 degrees with each stave. The result is a more aerodynamic shield with excellent dragon defense qualities. The woodcut design follows the original sketch, however each carving is unique and no two give off the same tone or sense of foreboding. Ideal mounted above a fireplace or in a place of honor above your dragon memorabilia.

63-BL-02-12 Fashioned in reclaimed spruce and fir with rosewood and linseed oils.