Logs And Dogs - Steve Gray Designs

Steve had several more tests yesterday and Thursday. Looks like all is going well. Perhaps a prayer for cooler temps in Houston would be helpful. I know the heat is wearing on them both. From what Steve wrote earlier I think the pain is wearing on him too.

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Click here to support Steve Gray's Medical Expenses organized by Deena McKeown Richardson {as a way to show your appreciation it would be great to drop a line in comments about a memory you have with Steve and Terry. It will give them reading material over the next few weeks in the stifling heat of Houston!} In May of this year, Steve Gray had some tests done on his back, assuming hi...

This is a behind the couch table for my wife Terry. I made the mesquite fireplace mantle years ago..with the removal of our fireplace, the mantle no longer had a function. I cut a 22" section out of a red cedar log the slit it down the middle to form a base for the mantle to rest on. The cedar grain side was sanded and the outside left natural and all coated in polyurethane. The mantle just rests on top and the two woods together make for a unique table. I can custom design and construct similar furniture pieces for your house! Just message or call me!

I had some great help with making some rustic log planters this weekend! Thanks to Seth Trevino and Garret Richardson. We took some old elm stumps and made rose planters for my wife..I should have a couple better ones for sale at the Funtastic 4th celebration the end of this month...prices for planters similar to these will start at $40.00. We will also have planter stands there for $25.00 and up!

Today I finished and delivered a heart shaped ring holder and a bubble holder for a wedding. Thank you Heather for your business! I can do custom design work on wood. These will be one of a kind free hand pieces that will appeal to any rustic decor! Prices start at $75.00 and up.

The curved mesquite bench is finally done. The following pics show the transformation from a dead tree to the piece it is today. It is entirely made from the trunk that my left arm was resting on in the first photo. This piece is very unique in that the center of the log was deteriorating. It was very time consuming to reinforce and preserve the remaining integrity in the wood. This was done by adding wood preservative, then sealing the grain and finally applying a natural uv protectant finish of teak oil. There are metal supports both hidden and visible to help this bench last for many years to come. It can either sit in a foyer inside or be just as beautiful and lasting sitting outside on the porch. The teak oil finish is uv and water resistant and scratches cover with just a quick wipe with a cloth with teak on on it.

Have got the curved bench bottom sanded, squared off and a couple coats of teak oil on today. It's really to cold to apply finishes but the first coats will all soak in the wood. Also pictures is the finished bench seat. I didn't like the first go around so I sanded it all off and applied 6 more coats of teak oil a couple days ago and it has cured, looking really nice. Tomorrow morning I will continue sanding the bench back and the legs...

Want a rustic planter stand? Have me cut some like these for you! These are Siberian Elm. I would be happy to cut custom height and size for any idea you have. Prices start at $25.

Curved bench going together. All pieces from one mesquite log, including the uprights..there is some bad wood in boards but i left in for character. Because of its uv protection and easy reapplication later on Teak Oil is being used for this outdoor project. Hope to have final trimming and assembly done by Wednesday afternoon. I try to use all parts of the trees i harvest. Because they are rarely straight most pieces of mesquite are not suitable for a large mill operation, but those same curved pieces can make the most beautiful furniture!

The fireplace mantle is finished. The original customer backed out so it's still for sale. I may mount on a metal stand as either a couch table or a breakfast table. Could also be used as a bar.