I think by the time you add the heft of the slant top section, that base will certainly not be to heavy. I'm thinking an apron similar in size to the top apron for the rear stretcher and then a shelf between the center stretcher and that wider rear lower apron. The rear lower apron would keep items from spilling out of the back of the shelf and would prove functionally useful and also prevent the "footrest" concern that Jake pointed out. I know, flat surfaces always collect "stuff", but that may be a handy storage area for items you'd want quickly available. That would also add to the structural sturdiness you've been concerned about. The shelf would also address the concern about the long center stretcher meeting the short side stretchers, Flush on the bottoms and shelf on top. I would also not object to raising the lower stretchers and shelf a few inches higher if including a shelf.

Consider just using the center stretcher and not having a rear stretcher I thing it would look better and remove the problem of people resting their feet on rear stretcher. 

Anonymous wrote:

I think by the time you add the heft of the slant top section, that base will certainly not be to heavy. I'm thinking an apron similar in size to the top apron for the rear stretcher and then a shelf between the center stretcher and that wider rear lower apron. The rear lower apron would keep items from spilling out of the back of the shelf and would prove functionally useful and also prevent the "footrest" concern that Jake pointed out. I know, flat surfaces always collect "stuff", but that may be a handy storage area for items you'd want quickly available. That would also add to the structural sturdiness you've been concerned about. The shelf would also address the concern about the long center stretcher meeting the short side stretchers, Flush on the bottoms and shelf on top. I would also not object to raising the lower stretchers and shelf a few inches higher if including a shelf

Interesting ideas.  I dont think I want to add any shelf to the bottom, good idea in terms of storage but I want to keep it less cluttered and more single purpose, stand for a desk.  We did move that rear stretcher up higher, check out the next episode.  cheers

Rob

Anonymous wrote:

Consider just using the center stretcher and not having a rear stretcher I thing it would look better and remove the problem of people resting their feet on rear stretcher. 

We did move it up so it was too high to be a foot rest.  Check out the position in the new episode.

Rob

ROB COSMAN wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I think by the time you add the heft of the slant top section, that base will certainly not be to heavy. I'm thinking an apron similar in size to the top apron for the rear stretcher and then a shelf between the center stretcher and that wider rear lower apron. The rear lower apron would keep items from spilling out of the back of the shelf and would prove functionally useful and also prevent the "footrest" concern that Jake pointed out. I know, flat surfaces always collect "stuff", but that may be a handy storage area for items you'd want quickly available. That would also add to the structural sturdiness you've been concerned about. The shelf would also address the concern about the long center stretcher meeting the short side stretchers, Flush on the bottoms and shelf on top. I would also not object to raising the lower stretchers and shelf a few inches higher if including a shelf

Interesting ideas.  I dont think I want to add any shelf to the bottom, good idea in terms of storage but I want to keep it less cluttered and more single purpose, stand for a desk.  We did move that rear stretcher up higher, check out the next episode.  cheers

Rob

I tend to agree the shelf "could" encourage clutter, I was thinking more in terms of intended purpose items to keep handy on a lower shelf. If, as you indicated, this will be in the showroom, some of the vendor catalogs etc. you may need to help look up non stocking inventory someone may want to order through your outlet. So far, regardless of where you are moving the stretchers, it tends to look just a bit "sparse" down there, and I'm guessing that will most likely be amplified once the slant top gets added on. I may be wrong, just trying to add into the design discussion as it goes along. Like you, I really enjoy this part of the process, and trying different looks now is way easier than while cutting nice wood. This part is very instructive for me and I'm sure for others.

Jim