Building a Coffee Table Out of a Log
Coffee tables are essential pieces of furniture, but why buy a boring, run-of-the-mill table from a store when you can make one yourself? Making a coffee table from a log is a unique and original way to bring some rustic charm to your living room. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Select and Source the Log
Find a log that’s big enough, with a rough circumference of around 1.2 meters and a length of a meter or more, so it’s wide enough to provide ample space on the tabletop. Ensure it is free from rot or cracks. You can source a log from a number of places, depending on your local area:
- Forestry commission or forest
- Local sawmill or tree surgeon
- Arboricultural society
Step 2: Prepare the Log
- Measure and mark the center point on the end of the log with a pencil.
- Chop off the ends of the log, using a saw or chainsaw, to form a flat and even surface on the top and bottom.
- Cut out the center piece, where you marked the center point, with a saw or chainsaw. Cut deep enough to create an inset in the top of the log.
Step 3: Finishing Touches
- Sand the log down to remove any splinters and to make it smooth to the touch.
- Apply wood sealant to the log to protect it from future damage.
- Add paint or stain to the log to get the look you desire.
You now have an incredibly unique and eye-catching coffee table to grace your living room! Don’t forget to make sure you have any necessary safety equipment and follow safe procedures when handling the log.
