Maple Sideboard

I made this Stickley sideboard following the plans from the summer issue of Woodworking Magazine. I made it out of soft maple instead of the traditional white oak (though Schwartz made his out of cherry). A couple more firsts on this one for me:

First time making a piece with full mortise & tenon joinery, and first time following a set of complete plans.

It’s stained with Transtint “medium brown” (water based), followed by a coat of BLO, then a number of coats of wipe-on poly. I’m really happy with the color I got out of it.

Some people to go great lengths to keep maple from “blotching”... I like a bit of figure in my wood (same as my woman), so I tend to just treat it as a natural property of the wood and let it show through.

The cupped drawer pulls are also a bit non-traditional for the Arts & Crafts style, but I think they make a nice addition.

The final piece adds a nice warm, but not too dark, look to our entry-way. I’m very happy with it – hope you enjoyed looking.

-- -- Kevin in Mentor, Ohio