How much does log furniture typically cost?

The prices of log furniture vary greatly. (Image credit: Benjamin Sperandio)

When it comes to making a purchase, you should always take into account the price of what you plan to buy. This goes for buying log furniture as well. Because of how many log furniture companies and manufacturers are out there, you will find that there is some variation in the prices of different log furniture pieces.

Here is an overview of how much some of the more popular pieces of log furniture cost according to LogFurniturePlace.com, which sells lots of log furniture pieces:

Log beds – LogFurniturePlace.com has sells a variety of log beds made in different sizes with different kinds of wood. The site lists prices on these beds anywhere from $300 up to about $3,000. Beds made of cedar and hickory tend to fall within the lower price range, while beds made with barn wood tend to be more expensive. Beds are perhaps the most varied type of log furniture, especially when it comes to the prices of them. If you shop around, you can get a beautiful log bed for a reasonable price.

Log dining tables – Dining room tables made with logs typically cost  several hundred dollars. You can find a nice dining table for less than a thousand dollars, but some run well over $1,000. If you buy a set with a table and chairs, you will usually be able to save money on a package deal. In addition, when compared to prices of dining tables that are made with other materials, the prices of log tables are very similar and offer a rustic addition to any log cabin or home in the woods.

Cabinets – Cabinets can be placed in the kitchen, in the bathroom, and in other rooms where storage is needed. Medicine cabinets for bathrooms run from $200 to about $600, although the prices may vary depending on how large the cabinets are and how many doors or drawers are included in them. Base cabinets for the kitchen may cost between $200 and $400. Upper cabinets, which are usually larger, are typically more expensive.

Rocking chairs – A log rocking chair is a terrific addition to any bedroom, living room, or patio. Rocking chairs are very reasonably priced, many of which are available for between $100 and $200.

Keep in mind that custom log furniture, as with custom-made furniture of all varieties, generally is more expensive than log furniture that has already been manufactured.

Be sure to visit LogFurniture.com for all of your log furniture information needs. Using this site as a resource for shopping around for log furniture will help you find the best prices on this furniture.

How to build a log bed: A step-by-step approach

A bed in a log cabin (Photo by William Warby)

Building a log bed is a relatively easy process compared to building other types of log furniture. Consider using the following steps when constructing your bed. This method is courtesy of Cedar-Log-Homes.com:

Start out by choosing the pieces of wood to use. Find two matching 48″ posts and two matching 36″ posts. Select wood for the head and footboard, and then choose four rails. The box spring will be placed on the top rail.

The first thing to start constructing are the headboard posts. Place them side-by-side and position them so that the cracks in them face toward the back of the bed. The next step is to mark the top of the posts to show the position of the headboard and the rails. Use a block and screw it to the bottom of the post. The block should be marked into quarters so that you can easily find the center of each side of it. Cut a thin groove on each side of the block. Attach the post to the center of the block so that the headboard side is up. Use chalk to mark the center of the post from one end to the other. Then drill holes in the post with the rail side facing upward. Do the same for the other post. Use the same process for the footboard.

The next step is to place a tenon on the headboard and footboard. Build a set of blocks to accept the tenons. Five spindles are usually appropriate for a queen-size bed. Once you finish constructing the top and bottom rails for the headboard, place them together with the posts and measure them for the spindles. if you make the center spindle tenon a little longer, you’ll have to forcefully squeeze the rail and post together. But doing so will keep the headboard together tightly. Do the same steps for the footboard.

One of the toughest parts of this process involves notching the top rail to allow the box spring to sit in it. Use a saw to do this. The notch should be cut at the center from the top downward toward the top of the tenon. The horizontal cut should go from the top of the tenon down to the center cut.

Use cables to hold the bed up and make sure it is sturdy when it is time to actually put it together. Put eyehooks on each post to the holes that were drilled for the headboard and side rails and at the center of the top rail. Attach a cable to one eyehook and the other cable to a turnbuckle. When the cables are attached diagonally from one post to the other and are tightened, the bed will be tightened and will be very secure and sturdy. If both cables are measured to be equal, the bed will be square. You can then enjoy sleeping in a wonderful rustic log bed.

For additional information on log beds and other methods of making them, use LogFurniture.com for all of your log furniture needs.

Finishing techniques of logs for furniture

A pile of logs (Photo by futureatlas.com)

There are several ways that logs can be finished before they are used to manufacture various pieces of log furniture, such as beds, tables, and chairs. LogFurnitureWyoming.com lists the following methods as some of the most prevalent ones used to finish logs in order to create durable furniture that will hold up for years to come:

Lathed and sanded method – Logs that undergo this process are centered and turned on a lathe. This makes each log the same general size, and then they are sanded to give them a very smooth texture finish. Log furniture that is manufactured with this process will be very smooth, but there will still be visible color streaks and knots to give off that great natural look.  This kind of furniture will have a similar appearance to the more traditional non-log furniture that is commonly found in homes.

Hand-drawn method – These logs are manually peeled by hand using a drawknife. Although most of the knots and pieces of bark are removed through this process, the logs will still maintain their overall shape and characteristics. Hand-drawn log furniture has more of a rustic appearance than furniture made with other methods.

Rough-peeling method with a machine – Logs that are rough-peeled have their bark and knots removed with a machine known as a peeler. This peeler essentially grinds off the outer part of the log, but this does not give the log a true dimension as it is not completely centered on a lathe. Most of the logs manufactured with this process are utilized on farms and ranches for railings and fence posts. However, the best logs are kept for manufacturing log furniture. Machine-drawn logs will appear to have a straight line that runs the length of the log.

The quality of log furniture depends greatly on these processes. In general, logs should be aged from 2-3 years before they are used to make furniture. This is to allow them to completely dry out and take their final form. Green wood should not be used for making furniture because it can warp and cause the piece of furniture to fall apart. Although all logs have some naturally occurring cracks and marks in them, most furniture that is created with the above methods should be in great shape and should last a long time.

Be sure to check out LogFurniture.com for all of your log furniture needs if you are considering purchasing some new furniture for your home or log cabin.

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.