Steiner Ranch Sawdust

Steiner Ranch Sawdust Steiner Ranch Sawdust builds custom yard pieces and home accents in our local garage shop. Luci, our rescue shop supervisor, handles quality control.

We use cedar whenever possible and other suitable materials when needed. Built local. Built better.

Prototyping another decorative snowflake to add to our collection.This one has broader branches and plenty of natural ce...
10/22/2026

Prototyping another decorative snowflake to add to our collection.

This one has broader branches and plenty of natural cedar character. Still some cleanup and finishing to do, but we’re liking how it’s coming together.

Apparently, if we want snowflakes in Central Texas, we have to build them ourselves.

Apparently, not all Christmas trees grow straight.We've been spending some time in the shop experimenting with a new des...
10/19/2026

Apparently, not all Christmas trees grow straight.

We've been spending some time in the shop experimenting with a new design, and these slightly crooked little trees are the result.

Made from wood, with stained trunks, red bases, and three different shades of green, each has its own personality. From traditional evergreen to a bright green that looks like it might have had a little too much eggnog at the office Christmas party.

We started with an existing design, made a few changes, and put our own spin on it. That's usually how things go around Steiner Ranch Sawdust. Sometimes the smallest adjustments make the biggest difference.

These little trees are ready to bring some slightly unconventional holiday cheer to a mantel, shelf, or tabletop.

Interested in one, or have a color combination you'd like to see? Send us a message!

Sometimes the best way to improve a design is to build it according to the plans first.Today's shop experiment: a slight...
10/17/2026

Sometimes the best way to improve a design is to build it according to the plans first.

Today's shop experiment: a slightly crooked little wooden Christmas tree.

We came across the plans, thought they had potential, and decided to give them a try. We used some scrap lumber for the trunk and base, and repurposed wood from Fred's old coffin for the branches. Apparently, even coffins can have an afterlife.

This one's just a prototype. We're already considering a few changes to the base, experimenting with different stains and shades of green, and possibly adding a little red heart.

That's generally how things work around Steiner Ranch Sawdust. Build it, see what works, figure out what could be better, and then build it again.

Have a suggestion for a color or finish? We'd love to hear it. And if you're interested in one when we've finalized the design, send us a message.

A little experimenting in the shop today.We've been exploring designs for small wooden keepsake and jewelry boxes, and t...
10/15/2026

A little experimenting in the shop today.

We've been exploring designs for small wooden keepsake and jewelry boxes, and today we put together this sliding-lid prototype.

Instead of traditional hinges, we went with a sliding lid. No screws, no nails, no metal hardware. Just wood, glue, and a little creative woodworking.

We also experimented with rounded edges to see how they changed the overall look.

Eventually, we'd like to make some of these using hardwoods like cherry, walnut, and maple. But hardwood isn't cheap, and when you're experimenting with new designs, softer woods make a lot more sense. Better to work out the kinks before cutting into the expensive stuff.

As with most prototypes, we've already spotted a few things we'd like to improve. That's the whole point of experimenting.

Still a work in progress, but we're liking where this is headed.

Interested in something like this? Message Steiner Ranch Sawdust. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

**Crafted, not cranked out.**

Just another day around Steiner Ranch Sawdust.A little building, a little staining, some Halloween projects, and a new e...
10/14/2026

Just another day around Steiner Ranch Sawdust.

A little building, a little staining, some Halloween projects, and a new experiment with a cedar keepsake box.

Some things we're building for customers. Others we're building just to see if an idea works. Sometimes those experiments turn into something worth offering. Sometimes they turn into expensive firewood.

Either way, we're usually learning something.

Meanwhile, Luci continues to demonstrate her commitment to quality control by remaining as close to the floor as possible.

See something that catches your eye? Send us a message. We're always happy to talk about a build.

Luci’s compensation package now includes custom furniture.Built her a new toy box with rounded edges, cutout handles, an...
10/13/2026

Luci’s compensation package now includes custom furniture.

Built her a new toy box with rounded edges, cutout handles, and room for her ever-growing collection. Every time she walks past the tennis courts, she seems to acquire another ball. Apparently, procurement is also one of her duties.

The gingerbread man was a gift from a neighbor. He looks understandably concerned about his new roommates.

Now we just need to teach her to put everything back.

Need a toy box for your own shop supervisor? Message Steiner Ranch Sawdust.

We're getting a little ahead of ourselves with the seasons, but that's what happens when you start playing around with n...
10/12/2026

We're getting a little ahead of ourselves with the seasons, but that's what happens when you start playing around with new ideas in the workshop.

Our latest build is a 34-inch wooden snowflake, handcrafted from cedar and finished in white.

A few carefully measured cuts, some creative assembly, and a little paint later, we've got ourselves a snowflake that won't melt in the Texas heat.

Perfect for porches, patios, fences, or anywhere that could use a little winter decoration.

Interested in one of your own? Send Steiner Ranch Sawdust a message for more information.

10/10/2026

Introducing our new series: Unnecessary Tool Reviews. Episode 1: The Hammer. You're welcome.

We were playing around with stain combinations today: Golden Pecan on the body and Red Chestnut on the roof shingles.And...
10/08/2026

We were playing around with stain combinations today: Golden Pecan on the body and Red Chestnut on the roof shingles.

And yes, it looks surprised. That was intentional.

We cut and joined two cedar boards to put those knots right where we wanted them. Apparently, even our birdhouses have to have a little personality.

A hinged cleanout door around back makes housekeeping easier. Stain stays on the exterior; the interior is left unfinished.

Built one at a time—with an expression all its own.

Interested in this wide-eyed little place? Message Steiner Ranch Sawdust for more information.

Another birdhouse out of the shop, but this one got a little extra attention overhead.We gave it a layered, scalloped ce...
10/08/2026

Another birdhouse out of the shop, but this one got a little extra attention overhead.

We gave it a layered, scalloped cedar shingle roof, finished in Gunstock stain, with Early American on the body. The different tones give the roof some contrast while keeping the whole thing rustic.

And while we stain the exterior, the inside is intentionally left completely unfinished. No stain, paint, or sealer where the birds will actually live. Sometimes the part you don't finish matters just as much as the part you do.

A cleanout door on the back makes end-of-season housekeeping a little easier, and the metal entrance guard adds a bit of protection where it's needed.

Built for birds. Apparently with better roofing than some apartments we've lived in.

Interested in this one or something similar? Send Steiner Ranch Sawdust a message.

Address

Austin, TX
78732

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Steiner Ranch Sawdust posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Steiner Ranch Sawdust:

Shortcuts

Share

Category