zebrawood side table/bench with storage

This was a prototype I did for a client. My client wanted 2 benches for her dining table that had storage below. In the final version I did for my client she added an upholstered cushion to the wood top. (her tops were mahogany to match.) In the process of doing the prototype I switched from using a waterbased pigment stain to a water soluable dye stain (Transtint) for the clients final pieces. The Dye stain allowed the wood grain to show through even on a very dark stain. Dye stains have become my choice for when stain is desired.
I had some zebrawood veneer left over and made the contrasting top for this piece and kept it. I use mine as a side table vs. a bench but in a pinch it can be used as extra seating making it multi-funtional. I decided to use a diamond pattern lay up to add visual interest to the piece and to reinforce the base shape. Mahogany veneered plywood is used on the body with solid mahogany used on the legs. The box is mitered and reinforced with biscuits. Legs have lap joints and the stretcher between the legs is mortised and tenoned. For the zebrawood top I used tung oil to bring out the grain and then used lacquer as a top coat. pulls are leather. If I were to do this again I would use solid walnut for the base and box and add contrasting splines to the mitered corners. I would treat the walnut the same way with the tung oil/lacquer finish and avoid staining all together. 18”d x 18”w x 18”h.

-- bfd, Folsom, CA