Log Furniture Blog

Log furniture for a dining room

A typical dining room (Photo by Brad Bowsher)

Remember learning about log cabins in your elementary history classes and seeing pictures in your textbooks of how cool they looked? You can bring some of this unique décor to your own home today by purchasing some log furniture. There are a number of places in your home that can be outfitted with this kind of furniture. But if you want your guests to really see it, consider adding some log furniture to your dining room.

According to TheLogFurnitureStore.com, the following pieces of log furniture are the most popular for a dining room in a home:

Dining table – Dining room tables are manufactured in a variety of styles and with various types of wood. These include cedar, pine, and hickory. Red cedar is a form of wood often used in the manufacturing of log dining tables. Cedar logs are very durable and will provide a beautiful makeup of any piece of furniture. Pine logs are similar as well.

Dining chairs – Chairs for log dining tables are created in a way that provokes both comfort and that neat rustic feel of nature and the outdoors. In order to go along with a table, the table’s chairs are typically manufactured using the same type of wood. This means a dining table made of pine logs would include chairs made of pine logs as well. Chairs come in various shapes and sizes, and some include a soft material on the inner-back and seat of the chair for added comfort.

Hutch – If you want something to use for storage or just a piece of furniture to complement the rustic look and feel of your dining room, consider investing in a log hutch. A hutch can be used to store tablecloths, silverware, or anything else that might be found in a kitchen or dining room. It can also be a beautiful addition to a room, even if it isn’t used for much at all. Hutches come in a variety of styles and may include a deep inside for added storage space, drawers, doors for small cabinet spaces, and more.

Dinnerware/flatware – Believe it or not, there are many types of rustic dinnerware and flatware that are made out of wood from logs. This includes cups, bowls, and plates along with utensils like forks, knives, and spoons made with hickory. Enjoying a delicious meal on a log dining table can’t get much better when you are using log dinnerware.

Bookmark LogFurniture.com to find all the info you need before purchasing a piece of log furniture to complement your home, office, or any other building you may want to outfit with some rustic furniture.

What kinds of wood are used for log furniture?

Closeup of a cedar tree in sunlight (Photo by veggiefrog)

We all know there are plenty of options on different types of log furniture for different rooms in a home. But have you ever thought about the various types of wood that are used to manufacture this furniture? It might surprise you about how many wood types are actually used – and where the logs come from.

LogFurnitureGuide.com lists the following types of wood as some of the most popular kinds that are used to make log furniture:

Aspen – Aspen is a softer kind of wood that is usually light-colored and even-grained. It is very durable and perfect for numerous types of furniture pieces. It contains natural knots and twists that will make any furniture look unique. This kind of wood comes from aspen trees that are found in very cold climates at high altitudes, such as the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Hickory – Hickory has been used to make log furniture since the colonial times. It is a very flexible wood, and the bark is usually left on the hickory logs when they are made into furniture. This gives it a very rustic and natural look and feel. It’s also usually finished with a clear lacquer. Hickory trees are native to North America and Asia.

Pine –Relatively soft and fine-grained, pine logs are used to make the more country-style kinds of log furniture. Varieties of pine include Northern White Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Sugar Pine, and Yellow Pine. It contains fewer knots and has less color variation than other types of wood. Pine is very similar to cedar in its appearance.

Red cedar – There are two different species of red cedar trees – the Western Red Cedar, found primarily in the northwestern U.S., and the Eastern Red Cedar, found in the eastern U.S. This kind of cedar can live in snowy climates as it is a very hardy type of wood. Red cedar contains natural preservatives that are resistant to decay and insects. It is fairly lightweight and is known for being scented and for having beautiful red coloration.

White cedar – White cedar has light coloration and a subtle grain. It’s perfect for outdoor furniture because it is naturally resistant to insects and decay. It is extremely durable and can handle most climates.

Walnut – Walnut is a very fine-grained type of wood. Perhaps the best kind of walnut is American Black Walnut. It doesn’t scratch, and any small surface damage to it is hardly noticeable. It is finely textured and can be used for a variety of furniture pieces.

Willow – If you’re looking for a durable wood that can be used for both indoor and outdoor furniture, willow is the way to go. In fact, willow is actually regenerative, which means it can be sustainably harvested.

Bookmark LogFurniture.com to find all of the info you need about log furniture, including different types of wood and furniture pieces.

What is the mortise and tenon method?

A woodworking frame and box joints (Photo by Jordanhill Schools)

There are a number of ways in which log furniture is manufactured. One of the more common methods is called the mortise and tenon method. In basic terms, this involves joining multiple pieces of wood to construct some sort of structure or furniture piece. This method of woodworking has been in use for thousands of years in various parts of the world. It is generally considered the most effective way of manufacturing log furniture that is sturdy and durable over a long period of time.

According to WoodWorkDetails.com, this method is primarily used when the adjoining pieces of wood are connected at 90-degree angle. The basic formula for mortise and tenon manufacturing involves two different elements. The “mortise” is a square or rectangular hole that is cut on the side of a log or other piece of wood. The “tenon” is found at the end of a log and is cut and formed to protrude out from the log so that it fits precisely into the mortise cavity. The tenon is then inserted into the mortise hole. The tenon typically has “shoulders” that form around the mortise hole when the logs are completely joined together. Glue, a pin, or a separate wedge may be used on the joint area to ensure that the pieces will be as tightly connected as possible.

As described by Rockler.com, here is an example of how a log chair is made using this method: The ends of a chair’s legs are cut into a circular shape. These legs are considered the tenon. They are then fitted into a round hole, which is the mortise, in the bottom of the chair’s seat. In the past, chair leg tenons were made by whittling down the end of a wood log by hand until it was about the same size and shape of a mortise hole. But with advances in modern technology, it is much easier to do this. Manufacturing equipment can be used to get an exact shape for the mortise and tenon to make a perfect joint.

LogFurniture.com is your source for information about log furniture and the various methods used to manufacture it. It’s always a good idea to find out how pieces of log furniture were made before going ahead and purchasing them because some methods are better than others, especially when it comes to how long the furniture will hold up.

What tools are used to make log furniture?

A drill cutting through a piece of wood (Photo by Charles Knowles)

There are many mechanical tools that are used to make a piece of log furniture. BosworthTools.com is a website that sells tools used to make log furniture. According to the site, the following tools are some of the most important ones needed to facilitate this woodworking process. In other words, they will make this experience much easier and more enjoyable:

Drills – Perhaps the most important tool needed for manipulating logs and joining them together to create a piece of log furniture is a powerful drill. There are a ton of drill types that offer various speeds (rpm’s), and these speeds are usually between 100 and 500 rpm for the most effective results. Drills that have longer handles tend to be easier to use when drilling into logs. You can buy a quality drill that will work well for woodworking for a very reasonable price. Just make sure that it’s designed for drilling into logs and thicker forms of wood.

Tenon cutters – These cutters are typically made of aluminum and contain several steel blades. In most cases, the blades can be removed for sharpening. The cutter attaches to a drill and is used to create a tenon on a piece of wood, which is a protrusion at the end of the wood that will fit into a mortise hole when utilizing the mortise and tenon joint method of making log furniture.

Bits and countersinks – Drill bits and countersinks make using a drill so much easier when you use the right ones. These tools are designed to create a mortise hole in a log and will result in a smooth cut that will easily allow the tenon to slide right in. While a bit is used to create the actual hole, a countersink is another type of drill bit that will drill a funnel-shaped enlargement around a hole to allow for more manipulation of the log.

Drawknives – A drawknife is a knife that is used to peel logs and make tenons. Although a drawknife is a very effective way of peeling a log, using them requires a lot of physical effort due to how they are designed.

Clamps – A log clamp will allow you to hold a piece of wood in place so that you can easily and securely cut a log so that it is precisely shaped the way you intend it to be. Clamps are generally made out of steel and are both sturdy and portable. A clamp is an essential tool when creating log furniture, especially for creating the tenon protrusion at the end of a log.

Use LogFurniture.com as your #1 resource for getting information about how log furniture is made, the tools required to make it on your own, and what kinds of log furniture are most popular.

A History of Log Furniture

Log cabins were the predecessor to modern-day log furniture. This log cabin is in Oquawka, Illinois. (Photo by Danny Higgins)

Nowadays, there are so many kinds of log furniture for every possible room in your home. But when exactly did log furniture become a popular addition to rustic homes, log cabins, and for anyone who has an affinity for the outdoors? And how did things lead up to where we are today? Log furniture has a long and interesting history in the United States.

According to LogFurnitureWyoming.com, the log furniture industry has its roots in the 18th century when European settlers began making their way to the U.S., even prior to the American Revolution. During this time, oak was essentially the only kind of wood used to manufacture furniture. Because there were very few plastics and other materials to make furniture, wood was a primary material. By the 19th century, a number of furniture manufacturing companies began producing more forms of log furniture, particularly in the western United States where many settlers began moving. As new industries developed and newer materials were created to make furniture, the log furniture industry slowed a bit, although most of us remember learning about Abraham Lincoln’s famous log cabin in our American history classes.

It wasn’t until the mid-1970s when the log furniture market grew in popularity and became more of a mainstream market for Americans. Most of the companies that started opening their doors at this time were based in the western U.S. In fact, many pieces of this furniture were only found in resort areas and were placed inside newly furnished condominiums and rustic hotels. This is why wealthy individuals had more access to log furniture. Since then, the market has expanded even more and continues to change as new manufacturing technologies become available.

Customers used to go to these companies and were able to see and feel the furniture for sale. But as evidenced by websites like LogFurniturePlace.com and RockyTopLogFurniture.com, people from all over the world are now able to shop online and have items either shipped to them or made available for pick-up in their local areas. There is also much more customization that goes into the process of manufacturing log furniture. A customer can choose a variety of sizes, shapes, styles, colors, and designs. There are more types of wood being used in this process than ever before. So if you’re in the market for log furniture, now is the best time to buy it because of how many choices you have.

Log furniture for the patio

A sun-trap patio (Photo by Secret Tenerife)

Do you have a large patio behind your house? Does it need to be spruced up a bit with some new furniture? Consider adding some rustic log furniture to turn your patio into an amazing natural wonder for your family, friends, and guests to enjoy. There are plenty of options on this type of furniture, regardless of where you live or what kinds of furniture you already have on your patio. This may include tables, chairs, gliders, and other unique items that will have everyone who sees your patio ooh-ing and ahh-ing over it.

According to TheLogFurnitureStore.com, the following pieces of log furniture are perfect for any patio:

Side table – Many of these side tables (or end tables) are made with cedar. They come in various sizes and colors. Enjoy a cold beverage or an afternoon snack using one of these small tables. Even if you don’t want to put much on them, they are perfect for complementing other pieces of log furniture.

Dining table – Get a beautiful log dining table for your patio. These dining tables can be manufactured in a wide array of shapes, styles, and colors. They are available as rectangular or square picnic tables with bench seating or as regular tables with chairs. Nothing is more fun than eating out on the patio when the weather is nice. You can do just that with a sturdy dining table made from cedar, pine, and other types of wood.

Seating – There are so many different options on chairs and seating items when it comes to log furniture for your patio. These include log benches, rocking chairs, settees, sofas, lounge chairs, and even folding chairs. You can find seating items for one person or for a group of people. Various types of fabric and material can be added to this furniture to make it as comfy as possible. You can also use some of these chairs for your log dining table or side tables.

Glider – Glide back and forth in style with a rustic log glider. These gliders are great stress-relievers and are very comfortable when outfitted with soft padding to sit on. Along with a glider, you can also find log swing sets for the kids to enjoy in your backyard.

Make sure to use LogFurniture.com to get all of the information you need to start outfitting your home with some of the best brands of log furniture. There are stores and dealers nationwide specializing in log furniture. All it takes is a little research to find out what you want and where to get it.

Log furniture for babies and kids

A kids’ room (Photo by Prasad Pillai)

If you are the parent of a baby or a young child, there are various types of log furniture that you can get for them. According to Log Furniture Place, the following pieces of log furniture are perfect for complementing kids’ rooms:

Table set – Do you ever have company over and want to have the kids sit at their own table so they can each other while you can enjoy the adults who are there? A log table set is an excellent option for this. This small log tables come in a variety of designs with how ever many chairs you need to go along with them. The legs of these tables are made with short sturdy logs, while the actual table is comprised of several pieces of wood molded together. Your kids will love eating every meal at one of these tables and will make them feel like they’re eating outside in the woods.

Rocking chair – Kids always like to rock back and forth in rocking chairs when they get the chance. So why not get them an actual rocking chair? Most people assume these kinds of chairs are for grandparents, but there are some cool log rocking chairs for kids available if you’re interested. Many rocking chairs are made from pine wood and provide a sturdy structure that eliminates the possibility of someone tipping the chair over. These handcrafted chairs will complement any home or log cabin getaway in the woods and are perfect for a living room or for your kid’s bedroom.

Baby crib – If you have a little one at home, investing in a log baby crib is a great idea. Although style and design are high priorities when it comes to selecting any piece of log furniture, you will have the peace of mind that safety is the #1 priority taken into account when woodworkers create these cribs. That’s because the safety of a baby is more important than ever. These cribs are made with high wooden logs on all four sides to keep your little one safe and secure. They can be easily outfitted with any kind of bedding or blankets that you like. Many cribs are made out of cedar wood.

High chair – Give your young child the opportunity to sit in style with the rest of the family by getting a log high chair. These high chairs are constructed in most cases using cedar and hickory. They are made with security in mind, and there is an option to get a seatbelt to strap your baby in for maximum safety. Some high chairs look boring and generic, so why not invest in a nice log high chair? Not only will your child love it, but also it will fit right in with other log furniture you may have.

Remember that LogFurniture.com is a great resource for all kinds of information about various pieces of log furniture for every room in your home or cabin in the woods.

Log furniture for a home office

A home office (Photo by Sean MacEntee)

These days, more and more people are finding work-at-home opportunities, especially when it comes to jobs that can be done on a computer over the Internet. Working from home is also a great way to save money on gas. Because of this, the home office has become an important area for individuals who work out of their houses. This means the furniture in people’s home offices is also important. If you are interested in giving your office a more rustic look and feel, you might want to consider adding some pieces of log furniture to it. LogFurniturePlace.com recommends the following types of log furniture for an office:

Desk – Get a log desk to store all of your office supplies, accessories, and technology items. Whether you are using a desktop or a laptop computer, a log desk can be the perfect place to put it. Desks are made in a variety of styles and generally include plenty of drawers in various sizes to store papers, folders, pens, pencils, and computer supplies. If you are looking for a desk with a small number of large drawers or one with several small drawers, your wish can be granted either way. Some of these desks are more like tables and do not contain any drawers if you’re looking for more space underneath the desk. Log desks are commonly made using aspen or pine logs.

Chairs – Add a log executive chair to your home office, and you will be sitting in comfort and style with a sleek professional flair to your chair. Office chairs are made with cedar, hickory, and a variety of other types of wood. They typically come with arms for added comfort and can be upholstered for a more relaxing sitting experience. The solid backings to these chairs will give you some extra support as well.

Cabinets – Stay organized with a log file cabinet. These cabinets come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. Some cabinets are available with the bark still on them for a cool outdoor feel. You can find them with up to four drawers in most cases, although some larger ones could include up to six drawers. The handles on these cabinets are also available in different styles and colors. Opening up a log file cabinet is much more interesting than opening up a regular file cabinet. Although you may store papers, files, faxes, and other items in it, you will love the unique look of it.

Bookcase – Some people like to have a bookcase in their bedroom. Others put them in their living room to allow guests to browse their large collections of various titles. But if you need lots of books for your job, or if you work in education, you likely will need a bookcase in your home or work office. Log bookcases offer a sturdy structure to hold as many books as you need to store in them. They come in a variety of heights with a variety of depths for each shelf. Whether you need just a small bookcase for a few reading materials or a large one for hundreds of books, customization is available.

Be sure to use LogFurniture.com to find out everything you need to know about log furniture.

Log furniture for the kitchen

A standard kitchen that could be spruced up with some log furniture (Photo by palindrome6996)

Your kitchen is where all the magic happens in your home. It’s where ingredients come together to form delicious appetizers, entrees, desserts, and snack foods. Because we all like to eat, a kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home.

According to TheLogFurnitureStore.com, the following items are the most common pieces of log furniture that are available for your kitchen:

Kitchen cabinets – Every kitchen requires some kind of cabinetry to store the appliances, utensils, and cookware that go along with any kitchen. You can get a variety of kitchen cabinets made with cedar and pine wood. There are lots of options on how your log cabinets can be designed and implemented into the layout of your kitchen. This includes wall cabinets that are placed against a wall, base cabinets that are placed beneath the counter, and sink base cabinets that fit underneath the sink. Log cabinets will give your kitchen a rustic feel that will enhance your cooking experience and spruce up a room in your house that could otherwise be a bit boring, especially if you have guests over who go into your kitchen.

Kitchen island – A kitchen island is a structure that is not connected to the regular counter or bar in a kitchen. It typically sits alone in the center of the kitchen and includes a smooth top surface along with drawers or cabinets below for storage. Islands made of oak are commonly sold if you are looking for a log kitchen island. In addition to storage and for overflow purposes, these islands are handy to have in your kitchen to use as a buffet or serving area.

Kitchen bar – Gather your family and friends at your kitchen bar. Sit in sturdy chairs made of various types of wood and enjoy a drink, a snack, or even a meal sitting at the bar. You can accompany the bar with stools or chairs with backs. Many bars are also equipped with drawers and cabinets on the side opposite of where the chairs are placed to store your favorite beverages and goodies.

Paper towel holders – You may not even think of having a special paper towel holder to hold your paper towels on, but there are actually some sleek holders made of log available. These include ones made with cedar or hickory. They are a nice addition to any rustic kitchen.

Be sure to browse LogFurniture.com for all of the latest news and information on log furniture. Coming soon will be a complete database full of information on various log furniture stores and vendors around the country.

Log furniture for bathrooms

A bathroom vanity unit, which is available in a rustic log variety (Photo by Ken Doerr)

Bathrooms are designed with some of the most basic things – a toilet, a sink, and perhaps a shower or a bathtub. Bathrooms also tend to be viewed as the rooms in a home that just aren’t that important since people don’t spend too much time in them. But so much more can be added to your bathroom to make it more comfortable and to give it a rustic look that your guests will be sure to like.

According to LogFurnitureStore.com, the following log furniture items are made using rustic log wood materials:

Hamper – Store all of your used towels, clothing, and other items to toss in the laundry later on with a log hamper. These hampers are very durable and can be made to hold a large amount of items because of how wide and deep they are made. Of course you can also use a hamper to store clean towels and other items in a hamper.

Medicine cabinets – Cabinets are commonly found in the kitchen. But another great place for convenient storage with cabinets is in the bathroom. With log wood medicine cabinets, you can store your medications and other bathroom supplies right above your head in these rustic cabinets. Many come with various handles depending on how small or large you want them to be. Smaller handles will decrease the width of the cabinets so that you won’t be bumping into them.

Vanity linen cabinets – If your bathroom is too small to store a large hamper in it, you can always go with log vanity linen cabinets. These cabinets are generally made to stand up and come in a variety of sizes. You can also get one that has a stand-up set of cabinets with a hamper attached to either the left or the right that can fit right under your sink. These cabinets are great for utilizing the most amount of space so that you can fit everything you need in your bathroom without it being too cramped.

Mirror frames – You can really spruce up your bathroom by adding some cool log wood frames to your bathroom mirrors. By looking at a mirror with one of these frames around it, you can get a nice picturesque glance at yourself while you get ready in the morning or while you freshen up to get out on the town in the evening. Frames also provide an outline for your mirrors and will make them easier to clean since you’ll be able to easily spot anything on them with an enhanced frame.

Toilet tank topper – It might not sound like the most appealing or necessary item to get, but a toilet tank topper will cover up the tank on the back of your toilet to give your bathroom a much more pleasing and rustic look – and to hide the tank that is found in all bathrooms but doesn’t have to be seen when you use one of these toppers..

Use LogFurniture.com as your premier source for info on all types of log furniture and where to purchase it either online or locally in your area.