Log Furniture Blog – Page 3

The Beauty of Log Furniture

Nature is a beautiful thing. There is nothing like spending some time outdoors when the weather is nice, taking in the trees, plants, animals, and other natural elements that surround us. When it comes to log furniture, you can bring the beauty of nature right into your home.

There are all sorts of furniture with which you can furnish your home or log cabin. But the uniqueness of log furniture makes it a type of furniture that is so different from the typical pieces of manufactured furniture that are commonly found in furniture stores. Handmade log furniture that comes from natural wood that is hand-selected right out of a forest evokes an incredibly natural and outdoor look and feel.

If you have ever been deep inside a forest, you probably know the feeling of being in a quiet, quaint environment that makes you feel like you are getting away from the stresses of life that we all experience from time to time. You can bring this rustic, natural, and colorful environment right into your home by getting log beds, tables, chairs, sofas, and so much more. It’s also nice to be able to show off some of your furniture to family and friends who come to visit. Their eyes will be gazing at these rustic pieces of furniture that literally take your world outdoors without actually being outside. From the naturally occurring knots and bark on the logs to the feeling of knowing that your furniture came from the nature, log furniture gives off so many senses that you can’t get from any other kind of furniture.

Not only is log furniture nice to look at, but also it is built to be sturdy so that it will hold up for decades to home. Cedar and pine are some of the most durable types of wood and are used to make all types of log furniture for both indoor and outdoor use. A chair is an example of a furniture piece that likely gets a lot of use. Having a log chair will last for a long time, whereas other materials used to make a chair do not have this long lifespan. Just by looking at log furniture, you can tell how durable it is – and how it will save you time and money that you’d otherwise have to spend for brand new items.

If you want furniture that looks beautiful and evokes a soothing, rustic atmosphere, you should definitely look into getting some log furniture. Use LogFurniture.com for lots of resources on different types and where to find this type of furniture.

Company Profile: Alpha Omega Western Furnishings

Items offered by the company (Photo by Terry Hertz)

Alpha Omega Western Furnishings is based in Grass Valley, California and has been in business since 1983. The company is known for using wagon wheels to produce various items such as chandeliers, benches, tables, and so much more. Many of the company’s products are featured at theme parks and lodges in the U.S. and Canada. For more information about the company, call 1-800-959-7320.
Q&A WITH COMPANY OWNER TERRY HERTZ:

What kinds of items does your company manufacture and/or sell?

We make benches, dining tables, coffee tables, chandeliers, just about everything. Our items are great for both indoor and outdoor use. We also rebuild a lot of old wheels.

How much do your pieces of furniture cost?

There are not too many people making things in America any more. Our competitors import things from Brazil, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and other countries. We make everything here. Our price points start at $400 for a small chandelier and up to $4,000 for table. In this economy, people can’t afford a lot of things, but we think our prices are very fair.

What are the most popular kinds of items you sell?

Wagon wheel chandeliers

Briefly describe how you make an item you sell.

It’s a bit of a long process. It can take up to 8 to 10 weeks to make something like a chandelier. We generally like to get things done within 4 to 6 weeks, but we’ll knock something out in a week or two if the immediate need is there. When working with wagon wheels, we try to pick out quality materials. Then we may have to rebuild them a bit, sand them, and seal them. We offer lots of options on styles and colors because all of our items are custom-made.

What specific kinds of wood does your company use to make its items?

We make most of our products from 100% reclaimed hardwood. We occasionally use some reclaimed softwood and redwood.

How did you get into this business?

I’m one of those people who think they were born 150 years too late. I’ve always had an attraction to the western culture and wagon wheels. When I first got started at this, I built a bench and put it outside a retail store and it was a traffic stopper. One thing led to another, and now we’re making 100 different items.

What’s the craziest custom request you’ve had?

We’ve done lots of unique stuff. We’ve made pictures for a Disney lodge in Orlando, items for lodges in Canada, Six Flags, the Miami Zoo, and McDonald’s. We try to keep our product line pretty unique. We handcraft everything one at a time. We’ve made triple deer chandeliers, which are pretty different.

What kinds of items do you enjoy making most?

The railroad bench is my favorite item to make. It’s a heavy, old, and thick bench with railroad ties. I use parts of old bridges and beams to make it. It’s very dense hardwood with incredible character. It has a clean look. It weighs about 500 pounds.

Book Review: Simple Rustic Furniture: A Weekend Workshop With Dan Mack

Simple Rustic Furniture: A Weekend Workshop With Dan Mack by Daniel Mack is an excellent resource for rustic furniture enthusiasts. Even if you’ve never laid your hands on a natural piece of wood or picked up a woodworking tool, this book will get you motivated to do just that. It will help you create your own rustic furniture for your home or log cabin.

This book explains each and every type of wood, material, and tool that one would need to create a piece of rustic furniture. It also looks at the various methods involved in working with natural types of wood and material, drilling methods that are most effective for woodworking and furniture making, and the most basic types of joinery, such as the mortise and tenon method along with others that are even easier to do.

There are several basic projects discussed and explained throughout the text. These include how to make the following rustic items: a trellis panel, a seven-foot ladder, a small bookcase, a four-panel room screen, outdoor chairs and benches, a rocking chair, and a table. The great thing about this book is that practically no knowledge and experience of woodworking or rustic furniture creation is necessary in order to read it and successfully follow the directions in it. Each project is presented in an easy-to-read way with step-by-step instructions and photos of each step to make the process for the reader smooth and simple to understand. Buying pre-manufactured rustic furniture can get expensive in some cases, but if you can make it on your own by following some steps in a book, why not give it a try? It’s fun and will save you some money all at the same time.

This 112-page book was published by Lark Books in February 1999. Daniel Mack, the book’s author, is an artist from Warwick, New York who specializes in creating simple and natural furniture from materials that he picks directly out of the natural world. He has authored several books on this subject, including The Art of Rustic Furniture: Traditions, Techniques, Inspirations (2001) and The Adirondack Chair: A Celebration of a Summer Classic (2008).

Books are a terrific resource for information on how to make your own log and rustic furniture. In addition to using these resources, be sure to use LogFurniture.com to find a wealth of information on this process along with lots of info about what types of log furniture are available, how much they cost, and where you can buy them.

Company Profile: AWL Western Wood

Wood dressers (Photo courtesy awlwesternwood.com)

AWL Western Wood is a rustic furniture company based in Snowflake, Arizona. It has been in business for about nine years and is run by David Barnes, who is not only a furniture aficionado but is also a traveling minister. For more information, visit www.awlwesternwood.com.

Q&A WITH DAVID BARNES:

What kinds of log furniture does your company manufacture and/or sell?

We make our furniture out of Alligator Juniper wood, which comes from a very large tree. We log it and mill it – we do the whole thing. We make dining room sets, couches, cabinets, staircases, doors, basically all types of furniture. We do all our own installation and deliver most of it to our customers.

How much do your pieces of furniture cost?

An 8-piece dining room set for a table and chairs runs about $5,000. A bedroom set with a dresser and nightstands is about $3,600. Cabinets go for about $600. Our furniture more artistic than plain log furniture, but it costs half the price or less of what others may charge in many cases.

What are the most popular kinds of log furniture?

Cabinets, staircases, rail systems, dining room sets, and beds are the most popular. But we work on whole houses as well.

Briefly describe how you make a piece of log furniture.

To make a table, we use two pieces. We use two pieces and put them together with biscuit joints. The leg systems are bolted and screwed together. We don’t use any nails. It’s all screws and lag bolts, which makes it very durable. A dining room set takes can take about 11 days to make. But it doesn’t include the time to log and mill the wood.

How did you get into making log furniture?

I had an outdoor cedar furniture company before. But I wanted to get into something that hardly anyone else was doing. Once I found the Alligator Juniper wood and took off with it. I’ve built furniture all my life.

What’s the craziest custom request you’ve had for furniture?

Some people want something that’s all twisted. They want character. One person wanted a burnt hole in the middle of a table, The wood we use is forest fire-burnt, so it’s got some burn marks on it and some people want them left on there.

What kinds of log furniture do you enjoy making most?

I like making staircases and cabinets the most. My second choice would probably be dining room sets.

Book Review: Cabin Fever: Rustic Style Comes Home

This natural log cabin is a perfect contrast to the beautiful natural sky above it. (Photo by Katie Blench)

Have you ever dreamt about a life away from the stresses of a fast-paced metropolitan? Living in a log cabin or even surrounding yourself with rustic furniture can go from being a dream to a true reality. There is a book that explains how you can make this happen and where to turn for advice on rustic retreats and furnishings.

Cabin Fever: Rustic Style Comes Home is a terrific hardcover book that explains where the most popular rustic and log cabins are located throughout the United States. This includes various retreats from New York to the “wild, wild West” of Montana and Wyoming. The book also explores the different kinds of architecture that were popular years ago and are popular today and how this architecture speaks to us. If you’ve ever thought about renting a log cabin or actually moving into one permanently to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of urban life in a major city, this book is for you. This 208-page text, which was published by Simon & Schuster in September 1998, discusses the American dream of living in a log cabin and the simplicity of life that goes along with it.

One of the major themes throughout this book is that life can be much less stressful and much more enjoyable when living in a manmade log cabin or lodge. This includes having log furniture as well. There is nothing more relaxing than spending time in a small residence that has been made with naturally occurring materials, such as rustic logs. From dazzling photographs of outside views of cabins to the inside furnishings that make them true natural pieces of architecture, you can learn about the past and present types of log furniture manufacturing as well as where you can find these items for purchase or for rent in a lodge setting. An outdoor-style life is very affordable if you have the desire for it, and this is the main message of this text.

The book was written by Rachel Carley, who has authored several books on log cabins and nature. Her other titles include The Backyard Book: Ideas and Resources for Outdoor Living (1988), Wilderness A to Z: An Essential Guide to the Great Outdoors (Outdoor and Nature) (2001), and A History As Told by the New Milford Historical Society’s Portraits and Paintings (2000).

Books are a tremendous resource for information and inspiration about rustic furniture. But you should also use LogFurniture.com as a comprehensive online resource if you are exploring the possibility of adding log furniture to your home or moving into a log cabin to get away from it all.

Logging Methods and How They Are Used

Logging is a process that involves cutting down trees and collecting the logs. These logs are then transported by a vehicle, usually a large logging truck, to locations where the logs are used for a variety of purposes, including for the manufacturing of log cabins and log furniture.

According to GovGuru.com, the following methods of logging are the most common methods. These methods are used all over the world and vary depending on the terrain on which the trees live:

Tree-length logging – When this method is used, the trees are felled and their limbs are removed. They are then topped at the stump. The logs obtained from these trees are taken to a landing area and are then loaded onto a vehicle, usually a truck.

Full-tree logging – This method involves felling the trees and transporting them to an area with their tops and limbs completely intact. But they are then topped and de-limbed at the landing area. Full-tree harvesting is also done to harvest trees by using the entire with the branches and tops still on it.

Cut-to-length logging – is a process of de-limbing, felling, bucking, and sorting at the stump of a tree. This leaves the tree limbs and tops behind in the forest. The harvesters collect the logs and put them in a pile, and they are then transported by a skidder truck or a forwarder to a landing area for later use. This is a common method that is used on trees that have a diameter of up to 900 millimeters. This method of logging is commonly chosen when trees are logged and harvested in areas of terrain that are somewhat steep.

Springboard logging – Springboards are tools that are used for this method of logging. This process involves loggers cutting a springboard notch into which they place a springboard. The springboard essentially acts like a platform and allows a logger to stand above obstructions like ice or snow in cold climates. It is also used as a method of cutting up higher on a tree where the tree trunk is more narrow.

Use LogFurniture.com to learn more about logging methods and how logs are actually collected prior to them being used for log furniture manufacturing purposes. It’s interesting to learn about how a log goes from the forest into your home, and many people are unaware of the hard labor that is involved in these pre-manufacturing processes.

Company Profile: Rustixs

A peeled maple bed (Photo by Gayle Christopher)

Rustixs is a woodworking company located in Birmingham, Alabama. It is more of an “artisan commission-based company,” according to owner Gayle Christopher who is self-employed and works out of her home and garage. The company was established in the early 2000s. Christopher makes a variety of items from recycled wood and other items, such as beds, chests, birdhouses, and other unique crafts. For more information on Rustixs, visit www.rustixs.com.

Q&A with Gayle Christopher:

What kinds of items do you make?

Most of my items come from recycled or found wood. It starts with something that’s part of something else, such as timbers from an old barn. It really depends on what the client wants, so the wood I choose is based on the specific item I’m making. I get stuff from others, like twigs, branches, and logs that are collected from power companies that trim trees near their power lines. I use everything from pallet wood to peeled wood. I make chests, beds, chairs, just about everything.

How much do your pieces of furniture cost?

Most of the beds I make are about $1,500. I make 4 x 8 dining tables that go for similar prices. A chest can be about $300 to $400. I do it all by hand so it gives it a different look compared to the cookie-cutter type manufactured furniture that you can buy from a store. I know there’s cheaper stuff out here, but it looks cheaper. I even make heirloom furniture pieces that can be passed down from parents to kids. This is why it is much more unique.

What are the most popular kinds of furniture that you make?

Most response from clients is for beds made out of peeled wood. A lot of people also like chests made out of barn timbers.

Briefly describe how you make a piece of log furniture.

It really depends on the project. Chests can take about a month of working every day on them. It takes aabout a month to make bed with peeled wood, but peeled wood has to be dried for several months before you can use it. The tools I use include table saws, sanders, hand drills, and a pocket knife for peeled wood, I will use power tools when necessary as well.

What specific kinds of wood do you use?

I use pallet wood, and you never know what you’re going to get with this kind of wood. It could be Canadian pine, red oak, maple, or something else. I use some cedar and have used beech wood.

What’s the craziest custom request you’ve had for furniture?

Somebody wanted me to build them a rolling plant stand. After I gave them the price, I never heard from them again. I told them to look at Wal-Mart.

What kinds of furniture do you enjoy making most?

I like making cabinets and chests because there are a little easier to build. When you are working with peeled wood, it requires a lot more finesse.

How did you get into woodworking?

I started doing woodworking after graduating from college. I had no money but needed furniture. So I started finding stuff along the road that needed a rocker or seat replaced. I like the look of rustic furniture. I started building my own things, and then people started asking me to build things for them. Need was the mother of invention for me.

Antler furniture and decor make great additions to any rustic home

An antler chandelier (Photo by Brandon Baunach)

Log furniture is a wonderful addition to any log cabin or rustic home. But don’t forget about another type of furniture that fits in perfectly with log furniture – antler furniture.

Antler furniture and décor are made from antlers and horns that come directly from cattle, moose, and elk. They are collected when these animals shed their antlers. According to AntlerFurniture.net, the most common kinds of antlers used to manufacture antler items are red stag antlers, fallow deer antlers, and roe deer antlers.

The following pieces of furniture are the most popular kinds of antler furniture and décor:

Antler chairs – Enjoy some nice conversation with family and friends when you sit in a cool-looking rustic antler chair. These chairs are designed for durability and uniqueness. In most cases, bolts are used to hold the antlers together and in place. You can customize your chair for comfort and style as well. Chairs are available for tables or in larger styles as more of a sofa or loveseat.

Antler tables – Imagine how neat it would be to enjoy a feast with company on an antler table! These sturdy antler tables contain tabletops made of wood, usually oak or walnut. They come in every size imaginable based on the dimensions you desire. From dining tables to end tables or coffee tables, you can outfit your rustic residence with a sleek antler table for any room.

Antler Chandeliers – Light up your home with a beautiful deer antler chandelier. You will be in awe of these amazing light fixtures that can hang from any ceiling. The wires and inner-workings of these chandeliers are designed so that they aren’t visible. Many chandeliers are equipped with incredible glass etchings that can be handcrafted and made with any style you have in mind. They come in various sizes with different amounts of lights or spaces for candles. An antler chandelier will make you feel like you’re literally living among nature.

Antler cutlery – Eat your food in style by getting some antler cutlery! Forks, knives, spoons, and other utensils can be made with antler carvings that serve as handles. You can get a large or small amount of cutlery depending on the size of your family. Most of these utensils are also made with stainless steel and can easily cut any food items you plan to serve.

Be sure to use LogFurniture.com for all of your log and rustic furniture information. Antler furniture goes right along with all types of log furniture, so consider every option available to you before making a decision on a purchase.

Company Profile: Alaska Antler Works

“The Bone Throne” – a popular antler chair that the company sells (Image credit: www.alaskaantlerworks.com)

Alaska Antler Works is a company based in Anchorage, Alaska. The company is run by a husband and wife named Aaron and Jill Bork. The Borks create custom antler furniture and other related items from deer, elk, caribou, and moose shed antlers. They specialize in designing Alaska-Yukon moose antler furniture and lighting. Alaska Antler Works has been around for over 10 years and is a web-based company as the Borks work out of their home and ship their items to customers. Check out www.alaskaantlerworks.com for more information.

Q&A With Aaron Bork:

What kinds of items does your company manufacture and/or sell?

We make all kinds of items out of antlers. These include chandeliers, chairs, coffee tables, dining tables, and desks. We also build smaller items. We buy our antlers in bulk from different vendors, including some from companies in Alaska and Montana.

How much do your items cost?

The prices on items range from about $1,000 to about $10,000. Dining tables, desks, large chandeliers cost the most. The average price on items is between $2,000 and $3,000. Our prices tend to be cheaper because we don’t have an actual store to maintain.

What are the most popular kinds of items?

We sell a coffee table called the Keani that goes for $1,900. It’s probably our most popular item.

Briefly describe how you make one of your items.

There are three basic steps we take to make antler furniture – layout, construction, and touchup. We lay out the antlers and choose the ones that fit together the best. Selecting the right antlers is the most important step. Then we put them together and make sure they are sturdy. Having a sturdy item is more important than how it looks. The last step is to touch up the piece and add a finish to it. It takes about 30 to 40 hours of labor to make a large piece of antler furniture, such as a desk.

How did you get into making this furniture?

We started with a small company and one thing led to another. A friend of ours gave us business and got us a good start to keep building stuff.

What’s the craziest or most challenging request you’ve had for furniture?

The first dining table was kind of a challenge. There is a lot that goes into it. There are a lot of sharp points, and you have to be very careful when putting it together.

What kinds of furniture do you enjoy making most?

I enjoy making the “Bone throne,” a single seat manly antler chair. It’s a really cool piece of furniture. My second choice would be to make an antler chandelier.

Accessorize your fireplace with these items

An open-air fireplace (Photo by Kevin Wong)

Do you have a fireplace in your home or log cabin but just haven’t used it much or maintained it? You can upgrade your fireplace and mantel by investing in some inexpensive items to enjoy the warmth and country feel of your fireplace.

According to TheLogFurnitureStore.com, the following items are some of the most popular accessories to add to or upgrade your fireplace and make the experience of using it much more enjoyable:

Firewood baskets – These baskets come in all kinds of colors and sizes. Hold your logs and other smaller pieces of firewood in a sleek basket made of steel, pinecones, or even logs. Many baskets can hold up to 8 more logs depending on the size of them. These baskets can be placed right beside or on top of your fireplace for convenience. Not only do they hold logs securely, but also you can get certain kinds that add a cool rustic look to your mantel and fireplace.

Firewood racks – Add a sturdy log firewood rack to your living room. Many racks are made of cedar, which is an extremely durable wood. They can be designed to hold just a few or several logs, and many can be custom-made with the designs and colors of your choice. These racks can stand several feet tall and can be placed on the floor or up a bit higher on a shelf or table.

Fireplace screens – Protect yourself and your guests with a screen for your fireplace. These screens are made to withstand extreme heat and flames so that you can enjoy sitting by the fire with no worries in the world. Screens are manufactured with thick metal such as steel. You can get all kinds of designs on your screens to offer a more natural vibe, including animals like bears, elk, and moose.

Fireplace tools – There are a variety of tools that you can use to properly maintain your fireplace – and to keep the flames burning on those cold winter nights in the woods. The three most common tools are a poker to arrange the logs as they burn, a shovel, and a brush to clean the fireplace after you’ve had a fire in it. You can get lots of different types of specially designed tools. In fact, some tools are made with deer antlers as the handles for them. Tools are made of various types of metal for maximum durability.

Bookmark LogFurniture.com to find more information on log furniture accessories and fireplaces. If you already own pieces of log furniture, why not complement this furniture by making your fireplace a centerpiece of your home? The two are a perfect combination.