LAVEAU LIVE EDGE RECLAIMED PECKY SINKER CYPRESS DINING TABLE

Description

Sculptural, industrial vibes are the focal point of this dining table. Contrasting materials stand out against one another for a complementary touch. It's made with a metal base and Pecky sinker cypress top, filled with black epoxy resin for some considerable mixed material flair. The base has an angular trestle design with flared legs, which complements the tight, vibrant grain colors of the tabletop to give this piece an industrial-meets-retro look. Pulled from the Louisiana bayous and built locally using sustainably sourced and reclaimed sinker cypress, each top features a stunning smooth, modern finish. With its practical and modern design, the Laveau Table is not only functional, but also a work of art with history rooted in Louisiana that is both modern and timeless. 

What is Pecky Cypress?

"Pecky" is a distinctive name for a unique variety of Sinker Cypress. When you cut across a Pecky Sinker Cypress log, you'll find something atypical in the wood slice – numerous irregularly shaped holes. These holes bestow a unique character, distinguishing it from other woods, including cypress. Pecky Cypress is actually bald cypress, also referred to as swamp cypress or red cypress, characterized by several open defects caused by a fungus in the heartwood of overly mature trees. Bald cypress is a deciduous conifer in the same family as Sequoia and Redwood trees.

Pecky Sinker Cypress is quite rare, which has led to its high demand. Ideally, if it were possible to search specifically for Pecky Sinker Cypress logs, we would, as it would mean consistently discovering a unique and attractive type of Sinker Cypress. However, this is not feasible. We only realize we have a rare Pecky Sinker Cypress when we cut into it, revealing the Pecky holes confined to the heartwood. Intriguingly, these holes result from a fungus that forms hollow tubes vertically within the tree, contributing to its distinctive appearance upon cutting. This fungus grows only while the tree is alive, and notably, it usually doesn't begin to germinate inside the Cypress until the tree reaches about 125 years of age. This rarity explains the scarcity of Pecky Cypress logs today. Yet, like all Cypress wood, Pecky Sinker Cypress is aesthetically pleasing, highly durable, and resistant to rot and insects, making it ideal for paneling, ceilings, beams, cabinets, and other types of furniture.

Why Pecky Sinker Cypress?

In Louisiana and the Southeastern United States, cypress logs were axe-cut in the 1800’s from virgin cypress forests. The wood was salvaged from the Tchefuncte River, where it sank during the Industrial Timber Harvest. The unique color variation and tight growth rings (18-35 growth rings per inch) can only be found in old growth cypress, reclaimed from the waters of the Southeastern United States. They were then transported to various destinations across the country. On their journey many were lost and submerged underwater, where they acquired vibrant colors from the surrounding environment. Hence the name “Sinker Cypress.” The ultimate color of each log varies depending on pH, silt content, water movement, salinity, length of time under water, and type of environment the tree originated. Their tight grain from slow growth is unlike any other lumber in today’s growing forests. 

What Does Live Edge Mean?

The primary distinction between live edge and non-live edge is that live edge wood retains its natural edges, whereas non-live edge wood has been trimmed or modified. The choice between live edge and non-live edge ultimately depends on individual taste.

Our Process

Once pulled from the bayous, milled, and kiln-dried locally to 10-12% moisture content, each slab is meticulously selected to be transformed into a functional work of art. By planing, sanding, and cutting the wood, our team of craftsmen are able to create exquisite tables, rich with a piece of Louisiana history. 

Features

• Made from kiln-dried Sinker Cypress, a sustainably sourced wood

• Eco-friendly EcoPoxy epoxy resin

• Crafted from solid slabs of Sinker Cypress 

• Live Edge Wood

• Rich, warm variation of tones and colors, including mauve, amber, caramel, chocolate, and blonde

• Tight, old growth wood grain

• Durable design

• Ultra-sturdy construction

• Reclaimed Lumber, used in many green projects

• 100% Handmade in the United States

Natural Variation

• Epoxy Resin- Highly resistant to water and impacts, ensuring a long-lasting lifespan. The final product of each pour varies based on the nature of resins. Highlights, shadows, and patterns will vary.

• Live Edge- Natural edge of the wood that's been incorporated into the design.

• Natural Wood Grain Color Variation- No item has the same grain color, finish, or wood knots due to the inherent nature of wood.

Minimal Assembly

Installing the Metal Legs is a hassle-free process. The legs are designed with pre-drilled holes, ensuring a hassle-free and swift assembly process. By using the provided screws, effortlessly attach the legs to your bench. Screws and/or mounting hardware are included in the package. 

Notes 

This is natural wood and finished with a clear, matte coating. It provides a protective layer that makes the table scratch resistant and easy to clean. Each piece is uniquely created and one of a kind. Cypress retains moisture in pockets, which can cause the wood to crack and split. Unlike other companies, Southern Wood uses a state-of-the-art vacuum kiln to dry wood and prevent this from happening. Every slab is kiln dried to 10-12% moisture content in our iDry vacuum kiln. As raw wood is used in its natural form, the table shown in the picture will slightly vary from the one purchased. Each table has its own distinct color variations and characteristics. Woods of the same species may vary in color, grain pattern, and texture. All wood slabs are typically cut at 2 ⅛” and finish out between 1 ½” to 1 ⅝”. Natural wood may display small splits, knots, or other organic features unique to each piece. This is a real wood table, and it will react to water, humidity, and heat as well. All pictured tables are finished with a matte sheen, although additional sheens are available.

Production Time- 4-6 weeks

Est. Shipping Time- 7 days

For involvement in the slab selection process or custom size or epoxy color requests, contact our sales and design team.

If you’re interested in acquiring a distinctive, heirloom-quality piece of American furniture, we stand ready to assist. Feel free to reach out if you're interested in commissioning a new creation. Call (985)888-9087 or email at SouthernWoodsofLA@yahoo.com for customization or something completely new.