The television reality show idea started when Deanna wrote a letter to Dorsey Pictures, the producers of Building off the Grid. At the time the show was off air. After The Magnolia Network purchased the show, its producers, 3 years after Deannas letter, took notice and contacted the May family to learn more. After a few phone calls, it was official but the Mays, who had never built a cabin needed to come up with a plan.

Once their plans were accepted, the hard work began. Building the foundation was no easy task. The first step was a big one. Hammering stakes to mark the place where the pillars would be poured for the foundation meant hammering into solid rock. Hard work was an understatement. Eventually, that plan was abandoned for a more practical trench method.

Logan was able to secure local suppliers for most of the building materials. Carl from Custom Bilt of Shreveport found reclaimed 18th-century heart pine beams (with nails) for the interior structure. He also planed and sanded a piece of red elm found in Mississippi by Clayton Shovan of Live Edge. This gorgeous piece of wood was perfect for Logan’s customized waterfalledge peninsula island, the centerpiece of the minimalist kitchen. For lighting, a block of bog wood, another Mississippi River find, estimated to have been submerged for over a thousand years, judging from the depth of pickling, was hung from a beam, and lit with a contemporary string of lights. Bobby, with Elite Insulation, based in the Fort Smith/Greenwood, Arkansas area, made short work of shielding the cabin from the elements. Dillon Syrock, owner of Syrock Renovations, did the same with the drywall and paint.

The staircase leading up to the loft bedroom was handcrafted by Logan with a similar waterfall pattern weaving through the center. He found the perfect tree from the surrounding forest that he cut to fit, forming a railing for the upstairs loft bedrooms. A privacy wall gives Lucas and Lily a space of their own when they are not out hiking or fishing. The main bedroom utilizes space quite well with plenty of storage, vaulted ceilings, and a welcome spot to rest after a busy day enjoying the outdoors.

The finishing touch was a portrait of the May family’s beloved bulldog, Maybelline. Lovingly painted by Byron May, who happens to be Logan’s father. The vivid colors brighten the room and remind the family of their pet’s contribution to the project.