Built-In Hall Tree

Reflections

This hall tree checked all the boxes for a great project.

Utility. Below you will see what this space used to be. A simple walnut bench and coat rack (both MRTC originals). Since that picture was taken, my family doubled in size and our shoes and jackets probably quadrupled. We needed this small entryway space to be as efficient as possible to support everthing! I can confidently say, there is less mess! No such thing as no mess with 2 kids.
Novel. Though I have done cabinetry and built-ins before (see Walk In Closet), this type of space was novel to me. I also wanted to try a number of new elements with this build such as: open cabinetry with a basket-based storage system and a shiplap backer. I also wanted to build the cabinets out of plywood for cost and ease, but enhance the quality with solid oak for the fronts.
Impassioned. Once I had settled on a design and got to work, it was easy to get to the finish line. Despite having no interior design sense, I was satisfied with the spacing and dimensions of each section. The color staining was perfect, the traditional craftsman style was confirmed and the woodworking flywheel was spinning fast. That is not always the case.

Oak Plywood Cabinets

Built from Red Oak ACX 3/4" plywood with solid wood supports

Finishing

I wanted to use Rubio Monocoat, but I could not get the color right on multiple attempts. I audibled and combined Minwax American Chestnut with Arm-R-Seal, which was a magnificent pairing. The color was perfect and the Arm-R-Seal added some oil based protection. Last came a coat of paste wax finish.

Solid Ash Bench

This is single slab of figured ash. After jointing, planing, and gluing the two boards, I filled the knots and imperfections with black CA glue. I had never used black before, but I definitely will be moving forward. I love the pops of black throughout and how it matches the black hooks above. I routered the top edge and bottom edge with two different router bits. There is a traditional roundover on top, while the edge/bottom is a slow easy taper. This was a trick I learned years ago to give simple furniture an easy, yet elegant touch. Again, I finished with that Minwax American Chestnut, Arm-R-Seal and paste wax finish. Prior to installing the bench I actually moved the outlet that you see pictured. Originally, the outlet stood one foot off the ground and would have been inaccessible after installing the shoe cabinets. The new powerport will be handy in the future.

Solid Ash Hook Header

I debated whether to do this board at all, but I am really glad I did. First, it give the hooks a very strong anchor. Secondly, the color and craftsmanship really draw the top and bottom cabinets together. I used a simple chamfer bit to route the sides and finished the board identical to the bench. The hooks are from Amerock. I actually bought more rustic hooks originally and decided against them. Very pleased with the quality, style and color on these new hooks.

Empty space, laying the foundational 2x4's

Vertical shiplap installation, no fronts on the upper cabinets

Solid red oak planks (unfinished) used for the fronts. These boards were actually harvested from preowned finished trim pieces. I had to remove the nails, rip the boards to size and then plane off the finish before I could start finishing these.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse