Bryan Steinhardt
Rouse Hill, NSW

Coffee table with chess board inlay

‘The idea behind the project was to design and build a functional coffee table with chess board inlay that would showcase the pewter playing pieces. The table was also a personal challenge. It provided me with the opportunity to do my finest work in a number of aspects of cabinetry. There were no time limits and no accepting of anything less than perfect. In keeping with a traditional design, the drawer runners, guides and kickers are all able to be removed for restoration purposes.

‘I knew the materials needed to be as special as the sentiments of the piece. Hence, I chose to build the main construction out of Brazilian mahogany, a wood that is renowned for its stability and workability. The veneers were a combination of birds-eye maple, madrona burl and sapele mahogany. Boxwood stringing was used to frame the veneers and highlight the sections.

‘The design and construction was dictated by the size of the largest chess piece, and all the components were formed around these specifications. From these very early constraints right through to putting the finishing touches on the piece, each part of the table was made with painstaking precision. Every joint was hand cut, and each piece of veneer was hand laid individually. Setting the legs at 45° meant that the design of the drawer blade and construction rail proved to be quite technically challenging.

‘In the beginning I set out to test the skills I had learnt so far in my cabinetry career. Throughout the process I have well and truly done this. I have been able to push myself and adapt to the challenges that presented themselves. Out of this experience I have not only acquired a beautiful piece of furniture but have also learnt new skills and achieved an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.’