D.I.Y. hardwood storage unit

[Shagen]

This attractive hardwood storage unit was made using repurposed Kwila decking timber.

• The project
• More furniture project inspiration

The project

This was my first project, and it took me almost two months. I didn’t realise how hard it would be to work with Kwila hardwood but by the time I did it was too late. 

I only had circular saw, a power drill and an orbital sander at the time. In hindsight I should have used Pine and stained it.

I bought the Kwila decking timber and got the circular saw to trim the edges. I wasted a few pieces as it didn't quite work out the way I wanted. I glued them together and clamped them. Then I used clear varnish, applying three coats. It was shining when it was drying but became matte when it dried.

It is not quite perfect but I love it.

I have since invested in a Ryobi table saw. Hopefully my next project is a lot easier.

More furniture project inspiration 

Bunnings Workshop member Kel built a striking custom storage cabinet using scrap timber.

Workshop member relliss built this terrific Spotted Gum buffet using Hevea timber and Spotted Gum project panels. 

Workshop member stackhat built this lowline Tasmanian Oak entertainment unit, which includes drawers, flip-down door cupboards and an open shelf.

There are more great ideas in our Top 10 most popular indoor furniture projects and Top 10 most popular outdoor furniture projects. 

Let us know if you need a hand with your own project. We're here to help.

[DIYScientist]

Hi @Shagen 

This is amazing work for your first project and it just shows that you do not need every single tool in existence to do the job. I think it looks quite nice with the grain patterns of the Kwila and dark cabinet hardware and bottle opener.

I am a big fan of a wood's natural look and grain pattern, so in my opinion this looks better than what stained pine would have looked like. Since you used Kwila hardwood decking, this piece will also be much more durable than pine in the long run. 

Where you going for a glossy finish? If so, and the gloss varnish does not turn out gloss enough, there is also French Polish you can use for a very high gloss finish.

I can see a lot of effort went into this project and I bet you learned a lot along the way. I bet you will still enjoy this piece in years to come.

Cheers,

Matt

[BoeingFan]

I'm so glad you used hardwood and not pine; hardwood is so much stronger and longer lasting. Your efforts will last for a long time. It's a gorgeous result, well done!