Shaker Inspired

This clean and simple bench, inspired by a classic Shaker design, was built to provide guests with a place to put on their boots in an entryway near the front door of a home. I wanted to make it utilitarian, with a functional, not-overly-fancy feel. I chose black locust because it has a rugged look and feel, and I used the natural characteristics of the wood, including checks and splits within the piece. The legs are through tenons that rise slightly above the top of the bench. The stretcher goes through the legs and is then pegged with a wedge. It is finished with a oil/varnish blend and finally with a wax based oil blend.