This piece was commissioned by a woman in NW Montana who was looking to create a focal point for her great room. She wanted the look of log trim and bold wood patterns, and she also needed substantial storage.

This hutch stands more than six feet tall and the server top is approximately five feet in length while cabinet depth is almost 20 inches.  The bottom can hold the largest of appliances such as bread makers, roaster ovens, etc.  The four glass doors on the top permit displaying of fine china or collectables. 

The door pulls (shown here on the unfinished doors) are deer antler reproductions (resin) that add the finishing touch to a piece that just exudes rustic elegance.

Cabinet Base

The base carcass was assembled with the log legs and trim.  The inside was stained and finished to make final assembly easier.  Also, staining and finishing the interior wood helps seal the wood and will help to prevent splitting and checking.

Base Cabinet Side View

The sides were created from glued-up (and doweled) planks.  Using multiple boards increases strength and the dramatic effect of the grain.  The split log base trim is applied with glue, wood dowels and hidden screws. 

Preparing The Base Top

One huge slab of Ponderosa Blue Pine is used for the base's top.  The underside is rough cut and needed to be planed.  This will ensure that the top is flush and fits snugly on the base.