Hi Jeff,
First are foremost congrats on the new arrival!!
I did not make the front handle, it's the original that's been sanded back down. Replacing it was a consideration but I don't have a router and wanted to stick as close to the original as possible. The handle cut-outs would have proved very challenging plus the original is in really solid shape anyways. Still needs a little detail work before sealing but it's better than what I could produce
As for the wood, its oak. It's hard and durable and the color is the closest match to the handle that's readily available here. The original I believe is redwood(?)... Either way, I plan to stain all the wood with a cedar color to try and bring out more orange/amber tone.
I'm not sure I understand the question about the hose... do you mean the connection at your house, or at the manifold?
Edit: I wrote maple by accident! lol oak slats!
Matt, did you make the handle? And what is the wood you have sitting there for the slats?
Seeing this gives me motivation to get to working on mine, but with a 10 week old baby at the house, free time is limited!
I also see this one is natural gas. Do you know what the female connection would look like where the hose hooks up? I just got a manifold and hose and considering hooking it up that way.
Thanks.
Jeff