How to Build Rustic Log Furniture Yourself
Building your own rustic log furniture is an excellent way to save money and make your home look unique. Kiln-dried wood is less expensive and will likely last a long time. Fire-killed wood is more stable and structurally sound. However, it may not be possible for everyone to do this. Luckily, there are tools and tips available to help you achieve your rustic log furniture goals. Follow these tips to build rustic log furniture yourself.
A drawknife is a tool for working with logs
During the 19th century, a drawknife was an important tool in a carpenter’s tool chest. Known for its sharp blade and wood grip handle, the drawknife is useful in a wide range of renovation projects, from skinning the bark off of a pole to creating sculpted wooden spoons. Some people even used it to make cricket bats by hand, allowing them to produce a variety of curves along the edges. In addition to renovation projects, draw knives can be used in a variety of other applications, including trimming timber and peeling wood surfaces.
Kiln-dried wood is cheaper
If you want to build rustic log furniture, you should know that kiln-dried wood is much cheaper than green lumber. Green lumber has its disadvantages, though. Its water content is higher, and it would take more than five years to dry to 12%. This can result in gaps in your furniture, and it can compromise the structural integrity. Furthermore, green lumber is not as flexible as kiln-dried wood.
Fire-killed wood is more likely to be sound
Whenever possible, try to use fire-killed wood when building rustic log furniture. While it may seem like a lot of work, this type of wood is much more durable. Use a sharp tool to probe the inside of the log to check for decay. Using a sharp tool to probe the inside of the log is a quick and easy way to determine if the wood is sound or not.
Using a sander to build rustic log furniture
If you’re interested in building rustic log furniture, one of the most important tools to have is a sander. If you have a sander, you will be able to make the surface of the log furniture smooth. This is very important, as a smooth surface is more attractive than a rough one. To achieve this smooth surface, you need to use different grits of sandpaper. It’s important to start with a 60-grit paper and work your way up to 200-grit.
Cost of air-dried wood
The cost of air-dried wood for rustic log furniture is an essential part of the overall cost. It is not inexpensive and may be beyond your budget. However, if you are building rustic log furniture to last for generations, air-dried wood is a great investment. If you don’t want to risk the wood’s moisture content, you should consider kiln drying instead. Kiln-drying your wood ensures that it is free of insects, and the process is faster and more uniform.
