A Stained Table = A Lot of Work!

Well, my first-woodworking-project-ever is finally being finished!  It's been a long week of measuring, cutting, sanding, crying (in frustration when it didn't come out PERFECT), and staining.  I had to build the benches to match the table (of course) plus I peppered in a few other projects to keep me busy, hence the week total.

I went from this pile of wood and tools:

To this table in just one day (my first day to be exact!):

I finished staining the table this afternoon:

I'm here to tell you people: staining this table was a pain in the tush!!  I think it would have been better if I had stained the pieces before I assembled the table.  Lesson learned, thank you very much.

Anyhow, I have a tip for you all - be sure to shake up your can of stain before you apply.  I chose a red mahogany stain and was a little puzzled when it came out brownish.  I thought it was just soaking into the wood really good.  Nope.  By the time I got to the bottom of the can, the freshly stained boards were a beautiful red mahogany while the first boards I stained were ugly brown!  I had intended to do a second coat anyway, but I just thought I'd pass on that little gem for those of you wanting to embark on a wood-y journey of your own!

I also finished building the benches today and will stain these babies tomorrow:

My "helper" taking a nap!

What's that saying about idle hands?  Hmm...not sure, but I can safely say my hands are no longer idle!

I'll post more pics tomorrow of the benches.  Anyone know what I need to use to seal these for outdoor use?  Thompson's, or just lacquer?