the grain.

New Site Coming Soon!

2012-11-13T14:19:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone,

We've got a new site under construction right now, but it will be up very soon! We're excited about what's in store for the grain. There's going to be many more posts coming with tons of projects lined up and we're going to begin selling furniture, decor, and accessories on our site as well.

We'll be posting here again as soon as the site is up to let you know where we've moved to.

Thanks and take care,

Collin and Mindy

Reclaimed Console Table

2012-10-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

This is a reclaimed pine console/sofa table that was stained using a walnut base, and finished with several clear coats of lacquer. Using lacquer presents a more matte and natural looking finish that isn't plasticy like polyurethane, yet still protects against a variety of your typical spills: water, juice, and alcohol. The wood used for this table was taken out of an old home in the prominent Highland Park (TX) area. It's cool to think that these boards were used on a daily basis of some sort in the home before being transformed into a table. As nice and easy as it is to work with S4S lumber, using boards with imperfections, dings, and dents allows for the unique characteristics of each board to produce a distinctive and memorable piece.

Thanks to Erin Meltzer for the pictures.

Reclaimed Console Table $450
48" L x 16.5" W x 29" H

Pine Entryway Table

2012-08-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

Getting to distress wood that isn't already distressed or full of character is loads of fun. This pine entryway table didn't receive any man made worm holes, but rather just the possible every day wear and tear the table could accumulate over time. Using an electric planer is great and efficient, but to get a unique look, I chose to use a simple block plane instead. It gave the table that hand scraped look and allowed the stain to absorb differently where it was planed to create the darker areas.

I do have to say though that Mindy saved the day because I had originally left off an entire row, which would have left the table with only four planks rather than five. It pays to have an awesome wife. One thing I've learned through getting to build is that, "Mommy knows... (this is what our kids hear from us when mommy is right)." Mindy knows best and she's always right. End of story. Isn't that right, guys with wives? Anyways, she's helped me figure out so much with many of the projects and always knows when I'll regret buying a certain tool over some other tool. I'm still working on this part! But I must say, having a great helper is a huge blessing!

As usual, Minwax was the choice of stain with this project. In my opinion, it's tried and true. They've got great colors and it works wonderfully, but I do have to say one thing... do NOT ever use the polyshades! It's just a mix of stain and polyurethane to "save time," when all it really does is make you waste more time because it never colors the way you were expecting or wanting it to. Instead, just stain it then use some good, old Vermont Natural Coatings Polywhey!

Pine Entryway Table

65" L x 17.5" W x 29" H

Team V

The Letter V

2012-08-22T00:37:00.000-07:00

So far, in the short time this blog has existed, we've only posted furniture. We wanted to share just a small and simple piece of wall art (more will be posted in time). This is a V that we have hanging in our home, but we can create other letters and symbols too if you have any ideas for something you'd like. For now we just wanted to share that we're up for doing more of these. They're good decoration and can take up space on any empty walls, and can be made to fit any color scheme you've got. This specific piece is 26" L x 22" H, but they can be made in any size desired.

We apologize for the grainy and lower quality pictures on some of the posts... but that should be changing in the near future. So all you extremely detail oriented people like us will be happy!

Team V

Simple Oak Table

2012-08-20T13:40:00.001-07:00

So now that I've finally taken the MCAT and I don't have to spend hours a day studying... I get to build! This past weekend had solid oak table written all over it. We went to a place in Dallas called Wood World, our first time there actually, to pick up the materials. It's safe to say that we'll definitely be going back there again, great place and people.

It was a long night working on the table, but just getting the chance to build again after a long layoff is great. The table was finished with Vermont Natural Coatings Polywhey which is created from recycled whey protein (excess from dairy production). It's so much better than using a toxic and strong smelling polyurethane. Score one for a green product!

Simple Oak Dining Table
40" L x 40" W x 30" H - price may vary depending on size

Team V

Serving Table

2012-08-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

The amazing thing about a tall serving table is that you can use it in various ways, from hosting parties to having it as a beautiful decorative storage unit. With this piece being more narrow, you have the advantage of placing it in most rooms no matter the size. This pine, serving table in particular, we put a UV protection coat on so our customer could keep outside when throwing pool parties! We can do this on any given piece if advised to do so. Enjoy... Anita is!!!

Serving Table

price may vary depending on wood selection

Team V

Restoration Hardware Inspired Table

2012-08-17T12:06:00.001-07:00

This table was inspired by what we've all seen and loved... something from Restoration Hardware. Who wants a table similar to what they offer, without spending the thousands they ask? I'd say anyone who doesn't have thousands to blow on one! Getting something similar for only 1/4 the SALE PRICE is a steal! We have the ability create models that are similar to what you will find in stores, but can also add any custom ideas you may have in mind, so the possibilities are endless. This table was built to specific dimensions, but can be reproduced in any size desired. It can comfortably seat 6, while allowing up to 8 people.

Dining Table

72"L x 36"W x 30"H - price may vary depending on size

Team V

Reclaimed Herringbone Coffee Table Set

2012-08-16T21:52:00.001-07:00

One of our favorite pieces we've done... this herringbone coffee table set is made from reclaimed oak flooring and a piece of reclaimed mahogany wood. Yes, every individual plank was cut and pieced together to form the herringbone pattern! Both pieces were finished with one of my favorite things to use... 100% pure tung oil, a natural oil produced from the nut of the tung tree. It can really make the wood grain pop without much sheen and creates a great protective layer. Reclaimed wood and a completely natural finish, can it get any better?

photography by Samuel C. Solomon

Herringbone Coffee Table Set

(includes both tabletops only, metal legs existed from customer)

Team V

Welcome to the grain.

2012-08-14T23:03:00.002-07:00

We are so excited to finally get this adventure going! A few short years ago, we never would have thought we would be doing any type of furniture and art design. Estate sales and a tractor pull is what got us started and we have been enjoying the ride since. This coming year especially, we are looking to add many new designs and pieces to the collection we want to present as the grain. We hope you will join us and follow along as we share with you what we are passionate about.

Team V