Black ash equivalent

[Stevekir]

I have a black ash desk bought about 25 years ago from John Lewis. I want to make a matching computer desk (just a top surface with side panels).

I plan to make it from chipboard boards veneered in "mahogany" or oak etc. These are readily available from DIY stores like B & Q. As they are unfinished, I plan to stain (not paint) the surface. Stain will allow the grain to show through. I think it will make quite a good match. You could try that for your kitchen panel.

 

[ladylola]

The oak veneer will just about pass but the grain is completly different with the mahogany.
After the stain what do you prepose to finnish with, wax, varnish , laquure?

 

[Stevekir]

ladylola:

I plan to use wax, to give a semi-mat finish.

 

[Jasonb]

Why not use ash veneered board, at least you will be half way there with the grain pattern.

You can still buy the black ash effect chipboard, go to a decent panel supplier that can get hold of the main makes of MFC (melamine faced chipboard) such as Kronospan or Egger

this and the following 3 pages show whats available

Jason

 

[JohnD]

when black ash used to be fashionable I went to a local laminate supplier, who sold me a sheet of black, melamine-impregnated ash veneer, which I used to make fascias for the freezer and dishwasher.

As it is a genuine wooden veneer under the melamine, it curls up if unrestrained due to humidity changes.

I think it was a german brand, and more expensive than ordinary laminate. It was not chipboard, just the laminate rolled up, but quite easy to glue to the backing

 

[Stevekir]

Jasonb:

That's right, but I have been unable to find local unfinished ash boards. It must be unfinished (unpolished, unlacquered etc.) otherwise the stain would not sink in and reveal the grain. I have tried B & Q and Homecare with no luck. However, at:

http://www.slhardwoods.co.uk/SheetMaterialsOrder.aspx?ID=7

I have found an 8' by 4' Ash board at £39.97 which is definitely unfinished, and the carriage would be about £22 (including two other boards for something else), so I might go for that. (Unless anyone knows of a supplier within 25 miles of Ludlow).

JohnD:

Thanks. I will look out for that..

 

[Stevekir]

Jasonb:

Thanks. A huge useful selection, but no black ash. I will keep their address.