Sometimes, doing high-end custom woodworking connects me with really cool projects and even cooler clients. As a fan of both the Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies, I was especially excited for this particular project because it was the chance to build a custom live edge table and shelves for former Colorado Rockies left fielder Matthew Kemp.
I was introduced to Matt through a general contractor I work with. Needless to say, as a fan, I was both excited and overwhelmed at the chance to build pieces that would be displayed in his home for years to come.
Here’s how we designed and built a live edge table and shelves suitable for an All-Star client.
Finding the Perfect Slab
Dining tables are such a focal point in the home because anyone that visits you will probably sit at it. That’s a lot of pressure to build something eye-catching, functional, and durable. Designing a dining table that an All-Star’s family and friends would sit at added a whole other layer of pressure to make something Matt would be proud to show off.
My friend made a point to ask me to find something unique. And that’s exactly what we did. Back in 2010, we had to take down a walnut tree in Kinton, Ore., due to an apple grove expanding and moving in. Ever since, we’d been saving a few unique slabs from the middle and widest cuts for a special project.
I think the opportunity to build a one-of-a-kind live edge table for an All-Star was as good a time as any to put those slabs to use.
Working out the Details
Even with the perfect, unique slabs, I wanted every detail to exceed this two-time Golden Glove winner’s expectations. I made sure the live edge table had as much figure as I could possibly find, and I filled the holes along the slab with a jet black epoxy.
The table has what’s called cathedral or flame figure, where large branches meet and grow together, creating the appearance of the top of a cathedral mixed with the reflective appearance of a flame when it’s moving.
We also custom designed the legs so they would be original and complement the herringbone-patterned floors in Matt’s new home.
Finally, no matter the project or client, we always use the best finish on the market and supply each client with the cleaner and maintenance product to ensure so there are no questions on how to maintain it. We want our one-of-a-kind pieces to stand the test of time and be passed down through generations.
Revealing the Live Edge Table & Shelves
We sent Matt pictures all along the way as the piece progressed. He was especially excited to see the videos of the epoxy pour along with the application of the final finish to the live edge table.
The figure on this table is next to none. The cathedral figure runs almost the entire length of the nine-foot table. I was happy to install this table myself and to have the opportunity to see it in its final home. As an added touch, we even made some custom baseball bats. Not only was Matt kind enough to sign the bats, but he also gifted us a signed league ball.
He was so excited to get the table into his brand-new, still-not-finished home a couple days before Christmas.
You don’t have to be an All-Star to treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture. Contact me today to get a quote for the custom project you’ve been dreaming of.
