Handcrafted Wooden Chest

This wooden chest project combines the rich, warm tones of Cenizaro wood with the striking dark accents of Nazareno wood. The result is a piece that serves both as functional storage and a statement piece of furniture. The chest features traditional joinery techniques and carefully selected wood grain patterns for maximum visual impact.

The completed chest showcasing the beautiful wood combination and brass hardware

The Process

The construction process involved several stages, each requiring careful attention to detail:

1. Wood Selection and Preparation

   • Selected premium Cenizaro boards for the main structure
   • Chose Nazareno for decorative elements and trim
   • Milled all lumber to precise dimensions

2. Joinery and Assembly

   • Used traditional mortise and tenon joints for strength
   • Implemented dovetail joints for the drawer construction
   • Created precise dado cuts for the bottom panel
   • Assembled with hide glue for authenticity

Here are different views of the completed chest:

Profile view showing the clean lines and wood grain patterns

Close-up of the dovetailed drawers with Nazareno accents

Overhead view highlighting the craftsmanship and finish

Materials Used

• Cenizaro wood for main structure
• Nazareno wood for decorative elements
• Traditional hide glue
• Brass hardware
• Multiple grits of sandpaper
• Danish oil finish

Features

• Three spacious drawers
• Traditional mortise and tenon construction
• Hand-cut dovetail joints
• Brass drawer pulls
• Smooth drawer slides
• Protective finish

Build Details

1. Main Structure

   • Chest dimensions: 90cm wide × 45cm deep × 60cm tall
   • 2cm thick solid wood panels
   • Reinforced corners with traditional joinery
   • Solid wood bottom panel

2. Drawers

   • Full-extension drawer slides
   • 1.5cm thick drawer fronts
   • Nazareno wood drawer pulls
   • Dovetailed corners for strength

3. Finishing

   • Multiple coats of Danish oil
   • Hand-rubbed finish
   • Protective wax coating
   • Careful grain matching

This chest represents the perfect marriage of traditional woodworking techniques and beautiful wood selection. The combination of Cenizaro and Nazareno creates a striking contrast while maintaining a cohesive design. The piece serves as both functional storage and a testament to fine craftsmanship.