Drying logs for rough furniture
June 7, 2010 7:48 AM
I nabbed some short logs from the city brush collection site and want to use them as porch furniture. What should I do to dry and preserve them?
I'm not sure of the species, but it's some kind of hardwood. I've got four logs, the biggest of which is probably 10-12" across and 16" long. I'd like to dry them out and use them as small tables and stools on the front porch.
Is there anything I need to do before they start drying? How long can I expect it to take? Should I then cover them with polyurethane, or will they last for years uncoated?
I'm not sure of the species, but it's some kind of hardwood. I've got four logs, the biggest of which is probably 10-12" across and 16" long. I'd like to dry them out and use them as small tables and stools on the front porch.
Is there anything I need to do before they start drying? How long can I expect it to take? Should I then cover them with polyurethane, or will they last for years uncoated?
Put them up on something that will allow air to circulate beneath - like an old pallet. Keep them in a sunny location. Place a plywood board or tarp along the top of the logs over the winter and anytime it rains, but don't drape a tarp around the sides, as that just traps moisture. After about a year your hardwood would be considered "seasoned," meaning it won't be green enough to weep, peel, or shrink much any more.
posted by Miko at 8:58 AM on June 7, 2010
posted by Miko at 8:58 AM on June 7, 2010
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posted by jon1270 at 8:14 AM on June 7, 2010