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robhannon
Member since Nov-14-06
142 posts
Jun-11-08, 09:23 AM (EST)
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"Nursery Furniture"
 
  
I have the LOMLs ok to start getting the nursery ready (planning not expecting yet) and I want to surprise her with some furniture for it. # things I was considering was a cradle, a crib, and a changing table. Any of the moms or dads have and advice for what is a can't do without? I really like the style of David Briski's cradle and will probably borrow ideas from it and was thinking the crib would match the style closely. Also are there any woods that are particularly well suited for babies/toddlers or any that are particular no-nos? How about finished? I assumed regular poly or shellac would be safest, but I have concerns with shellac holding up to well.


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Sawduster
Member since Sep-2-04
13251 posts
Jun-11-08, 11:28 AM (EST)
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1. "RE: Nursery Furniture"
In response to message #0
 
Only domestic wood I might have issue with is walnut as it does have a bit of toxicity, but warnings about it are generally reserved to bedding for horses and not using it in compost or mulch (has chemicals that are detrimental to other plant life).

As to preferred woods, depends on what you and you LOYL like. I liked the stuff David B did also.

Jerry

A "Charter Member" before the crash of '04.

"No man's life, liberty, or property is safe," warned Mark Twain, "while Congress is in session."

Visit my woodworking website:
http://www.sawdustersplace.com



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matthewrust
Member since Jan-27-08
47 posts
Jun-11-08, 04:29 PM (EST)
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2. "RE: Nursery Furniture"
In response to message #0
 
I am 6 months deep into fatherhood and can tell you that we went overboard with our nursery. The only things we actually need are: crib, changing table, dresser, and closet. Of course, we went all out and got a poofy gliding recliner, bookshelves, and other items that Babies-R-Us told us we would need...

BUT preparing for that future bundle of joy was one of the best parts of my marriage. Even though our baby has the coolest nursery in town, I am in the process of making her ANOTHER piece of furniture--a little hope chest.

So enjoy it. As long as you have the essentials, you will be in decent shape.

--
Matthew Rust
Columbus, IN


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Sonny Edmonds
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16039 posts
Jun-11-08, 08:03 PM (EST)
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3. "RE: Nursery Furniture"
In response to message #0
 
Maple comes to mind here.
I just love Maple for fine furniture like a babies room!
But it really is a together sort of thing.... You know, plan it together.
I always figured I was labor, brains, and brawn. She was management, planning, and style (to some extent).
Of course at our age (and 9 Grandkids), we are both shooting blanks, but by God, we are still shooting.
Have fun "planning". (And never miss a chance to go shooting)

Oh, and I would recommend poly for the finish for longevity. Often one good turn leads to another. Happy Family.

Sonny Edmonds
Saugus, CA
"Precision Firewood Specialist"

"Lurkimus turdius orifus" (Limey-speak latin for a lurking A$$hole)
A handle bestowed on me by my Dear Friend, Robert "Limey" Bolton. 1947-2007

"A candle loses nothing lighting another."


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In God We Trust !
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robhannon
Member since Nov-14-06
142 posts
Jun-12-08, 09:35 AM (EST)
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4. "RE: Nursery Furniture"
In response to message #3
 
   LAST EDITED ON Jun-12-08 AT 09:36 AM (EST)
 
Sonny's post always put a smile on my face.

I was thinking Maple too, but I do want the first piece to be a surprise so getting her input directly is out. I would like to ad some sort of contrasting wood for a few accents. Probably Black Walnut, Wenge, or Ebony. I really like Rosewood as well but I have some sort of allergy to the dust and figure that is a poor choice on the chance that my children do too.

Another question for experience diaper changers. What height is best for a changing table? Should I go by the same rules as a workbench? My wife and I are very close to the same height.


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dbriski
Member since Jan-26-06
841 posts
Jun-12-08, 10:18 AM (EST)
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5. "RE: Nursery Furniture"
In response to message #4
 
   My son is now 4 weeks old. The wife loves the glider and uses it often to sooth the baby. We have a crib and I built a wardrobe for him. We have a very small place so everything was minimalist. Since he is still so young he sleeps in our room where we set up the Pack and Play. This also has a changing table that adds into the pack and play. The changing table part is very usefull and takes no more space, which was essential for us. I do have to complain that it is a bit low and it make the back of my legs sore from leaning over a bit the whole time. Workbench height would work well. The cradle I build was actually for my sister so we don't have one of those, but don't really have room for one either. If you would like the sketchup files just let me know or you can see most of it on my website (http://www.briskibusiness.com/woodworking/CradleSchematics.aspx).

Wood wise, I lean toward maple or Cherry. Maple being a bit cheaper so I would lean that way seeing the volume of furnature you will be making. Also Maple ply is much cheaper too if you need it for casework.

David

http://www.briskibusiness.com Custom Made Wooden Pens
http://www.briskibusiness.com/woodworking Custom Furniture and Cabinetry


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