Giving Dead Wood New Life

by Tracy McCoy

Craig Decker has been a wood craftsman most of his life. The majority of his career was spent owning and operating wine shops and restaurants. A chef who only cooks at home these days and spends his workday creating incredible tables from live edge boards. “We go out of our way to find unusual and not often used species and shapes of wood. Many of our slabs come from the central US. With over 250 tables made in just the last 4 years, we have come to specialize in epoxy river inlay and solid hardwood tables” Craig said. So how did a restaurateur and wine officinato end up in a small woodshop and showroom in Hollywood, Georgia? Craig’s father died some years back leaving a wood shop modestly outfitted with wood working tools, this reminder that life is short led this craftsman to pursue his passion full time. Since then he moved from Ohio to Georgia and opened his newest business Dead Wood Tables. His showroom and shop is located at 107 Hollywood Church Road just off Old Hwy 441 (Across from Blue Creek Farm). You will be wowed by his talent and impressed by his humble demeanor. “I wake up everyday loving what I do, not many people can say that,” he remarked. “If someone can tell me or show me what they want I can make it.” I wanted everything on the floor but my favorite piece was a desk that worked electronically to go from a seated height to a standing desk with the push of a button. Custom woodwork is an artform and the pieces become family heirlooms that last generations. The quality of Craig’s work is sublime. Find and follow Dead Wood Tables on Instagram and Facebook (@deadwoodtables) and stop in and just see for yourself! For additional info I recommend you visit the website www.deadwoodtables.com or email craigdecker@gmail.com