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Wave Desk Design by Robert Brou

Designer descriptions:
The “Wave” desk is the first of hopefully many works which utilize this “Slice” technique. This desk was built for valued clients residing in Dallas, GA. Their requirements were for the desk towers to each have file folder storage with a drawer above. One tower has a smaller drawer with a pullout work surface above. This was designed so their young daughter could have a work area next to Mom and Dad’s.
What I created exceeded all of their expectations. The two towers are clad in 2 ½” thick Poplar lumber that is carved into a random “Wave” pattern. Between each layer there is a ¾” tall reveal, just large enough to fit adult sized fingers. This eliminates any need for drawer pulls as you simply grab an individual section and pull. Poplar is naturally light in color with prominent green streaks so I stained the wood a Van Dyke Brown color to match the rest of their decor. I then came back with a spindle mounted wire brush to abrade the exposed vertical edge while keeping the top work surface perfectly sanded. The wire brush exposes the grain in a very interesting way that creates a wonderful tactile quality. To my way of thinking this also mimics bark that is present on live edge slabs.
This “Slice” technique is perfect for any cabinetry that uses drawers or pull out units. The innovation of having a way to create cabinetry that lies outside the ‘box’ as it were, is a very liberating feeling. I cannot wait to get back into the shop and explore these ideas more.