I'm contemplating building an "entertainment center" which will
basically consist of a pair of tall bookshelf units (with lower doors,
adjustable shelves), a rolling TV stand (with glass doors/adjustable
shelves), and a "bridge" unit which will connect the two bbokshelves.

The room this is going into has planked natural walnut walls (diagonal
tongue & groove), and I'm probably going to use birch for the system
and attempt to stain/finish it to resemble walnut. Walnut is a little
too pricey for this project, so the birch seemed to be a good
alternative... something I can get readily at HD or Lowes in both
plywood or solids. I also thought about cherry or maybe mahogany, but
it was just a thought.

So the real question is what my finishing options might be, and I
don't have a spray booth so everything has to be hand-applied whether
it's wiped on or brushed on. Anyone want to offer some advice on
readily available products that might fit the bill?

Thanks in advance.

Mike

wrote in message . ..

so the birch seemed to be a good
alternative... something I can get readily at HD or Lowes in both
plywood or solids. I also thought about cherry or maybe mahogany, but
it was just a thought.
..

Mike

Might want to think twice about using HD birch ply. The stuf we get
here in MI is not cabinet grade (obviously, from Hopeless Depot). The
paint grade (it's probably B) has repairs, imperfections, and some
knots that will show through your finish. If you want a nice finished
product, find at least "A" or even better "N" grade which is
furniture/cabinet grade.

Where did you find a Hopeless Depot or Lowes that carries solid birch?
In MI they only carry poplar, oak, and minimal maple.

I actually didn't check on the solids... but figured they would have
them. Probably have to look around some more.

Any advice on the finishing products?




On 15 Aug 2004 11:29:42 -0700, (RemodGuy) wrote:

wrote in message . ..

so the birch seemed to be a good
alternative... something I can get readily at HD or Lowes in both
plywood or solids. I also thought about cherry or maybe mahogany, but
it was just a thought.
.

Mike

Might want to think twice about using HD birch ply. The stuf we get
here in MI is not cabinet grade (obviously, from Hopeless Depot). The
paint grade (it's probably B) has repairs, imperfections, and some
knots that will show through your finish. If you want a nice finished
product, find at least "A" or even better "N" grade which is
furniture/cabinet grade.

Where did you find a Hopeless Depot or Lowes that carries solid birch?
In MI they only carry poplar, oak, and minimal maple.