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Description
Nestled at the heart of a sophisticated, nature-infused living space, this extraordinary sinker cypress coffee table stands as a testament to timeless craftsmanship and Louisiana's rich natural heritage. Commissioned originally for LSU’s head coach, the dynamic head football coach of the Tigers, this one-of-a-kind piece embodies the unyielding spirit of the bayou—raw, resilient, and profoundly rooted in the South. Created by artisans, the table serves not just as functional furniture but as a symbolic anchor, paying homage to the enduring strength of legacy amid the high-stakes world of college football.
At its core, the table is hewn from premium sinker cypress, a legendary wood harvested from the sunken logs of bald cypress trees that have slumbered for centuries in the oxygen-deprived depths of Louisiana's rivers and swamps, such as the Atchafalaya Basin or the Mississippi Delta. These "sinker" logs, often dating back 100 to 1,000 years, were felled during the logging booms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries but lost to the waterways, where they were naturally preserved against rot and decay. The result is a material of unparalleled character: dense, rot-resistant, and infused with the subtle tannins that lend it a warm, honeyed patina.
This particular stump showcases the sinker cypress's signature palette—a symphony of sun-kissed honey golds, deep amber ambers, and rich chocolate browns, interspersed with dramatic streaks of ebony from mineral deposits and waterborne tannins. The wood's surface bears the scars of its aquatic history: subtle wormholes, pecky pockets (natural voids that add a textured, almost sculptural depth), and faint watermarks that whisper of long-submerged journeys. Unlike modern lumber, sinker cypress is sustainably sourced, ensuring each piece revives a fragment of Louisiana's lost old-growth forests while honoring environmental stewardship. It's a tactile connection to the "Geaux Tigers" ethos of resilience and revival.
The table's design philosophy is one of deliberate imperfection, celebrating the organic asymmetry of nature over imposed symmetry: organic form meets modern restraint. Fashioned as a live-edge stump table, it captures a single, massive cross-section of the cypress stump—ideal proportions for a coffee table that invites casual gatherings without overwhelming the room. With the natural edge preserved along the perimeter, curling gently inward like the roots of an ancient bayou guardian, this edge reveals the tree's original contours, complete with subtle fissures and undulations that create a topography of shadow and light. The overall form evokes a primordial altar—rugged yet refined—perfect for propping up game-day playbooks, family photo albums, or a spread of Cajun crawfish under the glow of LSU purple lamps.
Southern Wood's artisans approached this commission with meticulous care, transforming raw sinker log into heirloom art through a process that blends traditional milling with contemporary restraint. The slab was first dried slowly to prevent cracking, then hand-planed to reveal the intricate grain patterns—swirling cathedral arches, interlocking ripples from river currents, and bold figure lines that dance across the surface like the Mississippi's meanders. Subtle distressing enhances the pecky textures without artificial aging, while a light application of food-safe, clear matte finish amplifies its luster and provides water-resistant protection for everyday use.
The table commands center stage—a serene enclave blending coastal modernism with Louisiana opulence.
… for those inspired to claim their own slice of swampland splendor. A true fusion of history, artistry, and athletic grit, this table isn't just furniture—it's folklore you can rest your feet on. Pair it with gold accents for that full Tigers vibe. Claim your crown in the den—order now and let the reign begin!
Why Sinker Cypress?
In Louisiana and the Southeastern United States, cypress logs were axe-cut in the 1800’s from virgin cypress forests. 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.
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
Solid Wood: Crafted from solid reclaimed Louisiana Sinker Cypress wood
Unique Historical Value: Crafted from cypress logs submerged in Louisiana’s swamps for over a century, each desk carries a rich, storied past from the 1800s logging era.
Exceptional Durability: Naturally resistant to rot and insects due to cypressene oil, ensuring a long-lasting, heirloom-quality piece.
Live Edge: Natural wood contours retain the authenticity and history of each piece.
Eco-Friendly Choice: Made from reclaimed wood, salvaged without harming living trees, promoting sustainable craftsmanship.
Rarity and Exclusivity: Sourced from limited, hand-recovered logs, offering a rare and prestigious addition to any space.
Virgin Cypress Forest Origin: Sourced from ancient, untouched virgin cypress forests, offering unparalleled quality and tight wood grain for a refined, premium texture.
Natural colors: Showcases a rich blend of warm wood tones, with tight grain patterns (35-70 rings per inch).
Versatile Design: Perfect for custom desks, blending rustic charm with modern functionality, ideal for offices or boardrooms.
100% Handmade: From bayou to table, everything is handcrafted in the United States.
Natural Variation
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 natural factors. These differences mean that we may not accept a claim against natural markings.
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. Oak 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 8-10% 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 clear matte sheen, although additional sheens are available. The color of the wood in this image may vary due to lighting conditions, including natural and artificial light sources, which can alter its appearance. Actual colors may differ slightly from what is shown.
Production Time- Ready to Ship
Est. Shipping Time- 7 days
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.