Prairie Sideboard
Handcrafted from century-old barnwood, the Prairie Sideboard combines rugged character with practical storage. Its bold angled legs create a distinctive profile, while two fitted drawers and reclaimed antique hardware add function without taking away from the natural beauty and history of the wood.
Project Design and Layout
The Prairie Sideboard was designed at 60 inches long and 36 inches high, giving it enough presence to serve as a dining-room sideboard, entry console, or living-room accent piece.
Two drawers are centered within the frame, while the long legs angle outward at 10 degrees to create a sturdy stance and give the sideboard its distinctive shape. The open base keeps the design visually balanced and allows the natural character of the barnwood to remain the focus.
The original SketchUp drawing established the sideboard’s 60-inch length, 36-inch height, two-drawer layout, and 10-degree leg angle.
Milling the Materials
The sideboard was handcrafted from century-old barnwood, preserving the natural patina and history that only time can create. Each board carries variations in grain, color, texture, knots, nail holes, saw marks, and naturally worn edges.
The reclaimed boards were prepared for construction while retaining as much of their original character as possible. Two wide planks were selected for the top, allowing the aged grain and weathered surface to remain an important part of the finished design.
Assembly Before Finishing
After the materials were prepared, the top, drawer housing, and angled legs were assembled to establish the sideboard’s final proportions. The completed form was checked for fit, alignment, and stability before the protective finish was applied.
Two drawers were fitted into the front of the sideboard, and reclaimed antique doorknobs were carefully reengineered to serve as distinctive and functional drawer pulls.
The fully assembled Prairie Sideboard before the protective finish was applied.
The Completed Sideboard
The completed sideboard was protected with a matte polyurethane finish. Its natural, low-sheen appearance preserves the grain, texture, and weathered patina of the century-old barnwood while giving the surface the look and feel of unfinished raw wood.
Two fitted drawers provide practical storage, while the reclaimed antique doorknobs complement the age and character of the lumber. The finished piece has a strong but uncomplicated presence, making it well suited for a dining room, entryway, or living space.
The completed Prairie Sideboard, protected with a low-sheen matte polyurethane that preserves the barnwood’s naturally weathered appearance.
The Prairie Sideboard found its home in a cottage in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Positioned beneath a wall-mounted television, it now serves as a distinctive media console—combining practical drawer storage with the warmth and character of century-old barnwood.
The Prairie Sideboard in its new home at a cottage in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
