It’s ok to change your mind, and then change it again, and then change it again 😉 I’m equal parts embarrassed by how long it took me to figure this out, and proud of the final product! If this project wasn’t something that I was going to be looking at for 8+ hours a day I probably would have been more chill, but I knew that if I didn’t like the finished product I would be less excited to come use the desk. Sooo that’s why I kept going, in somewhat of a chaotic fashion, until I really loved it! Here’s what I learned about staining on this project: 1) ALWAYS use pre-stain conditioner. It prepares the wood and helps you get a consistent finished look (aka, no streaks). 2) When applying your stain, GO SLOW. Apply it in one consistent direction and in straight lines with a small overlap. The foam brushes were my favorite to work with! 3) When staining a large surface, oil based stains were the easiest to work with. They dry slower and give you a little extra time to make sure you’ve applied it evenly. 4) Test your stain, and then come back to it later that day or the next! Don’t feel like you have to rush into something just to get the project done. 5) When in doubt, just use a clear coat 😂 I’m loving the way this office is turning out, and I’m pumped to get started working with my standing desk and walking pad! Hopefully I don’t get motion sickness from walking and typing 😵‍💫 Still in the market for a good office chair, let me know if you have any recs! Products used and more detailed DIY instructions are up on my blog! PS. don’t worry, I’ve got big plans for the other two butcher blocks in the garage! #diy #diystandingdesk #stainfail #walkingpad #officemakeover #officeinspo #homedesign #interiordesign #diyfail #customdesk #standingdesk