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Sweetgum

1K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  Bill_Steele 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey all,

I've heard all the horror stories about working Sweetgum. But I've also heard the success stories and how nice it looks for some furniture. So of course I had to try it out for myself.

I got 2 slabs that I worked and joined to make a 72" entertainment center/table. I'm using the Sweetgum for the top, and red oak for the sides and cabinet doors.

My guy doesn't have anymore Sweetgum, so I need to use something else for the bottom. I planned on using Watco dark walnut for the oak, and maybe something darker for the Sweetgum, like an Ebony, to contrast.

My question is, what affordable wood would be good for the bottom that will stain similar to the Sweetgum? I was thinking maybe Poplar, since most of the bottom will be hidden by the cabinets. My main concern is that the top and bottom match as close as possible.
Wood Wood stain Rectangle Hardwood Flooring
 

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#6 ·
It's possible that you can match the color of the stain and/or the grain with another species of wood. If so-perfect-but….if the match is off it may be obvious or even distracting. You should definitely test the color of the stain with a test piece.

Another option may be to make the bottom a totally different color. Perhaps with paint or a dye (as therealSteveN suggested). Maybe the contrast will add some interest. This approach will make color matching unnecessary and may reduce grain matching needs.

A dye can add some interest and will not cover up the grain like paint. Here are some drawer fronts I dyed. Once I add a little oil and poly it darkens the color a little, but you can still see the grain. The dye goes into the wood rather than sitting on top of it.

Blue Azure Rectangle Violet Aqua


Cabinetry Table Wood Rectangle Wood stain
 

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