How to Properly Treat Wood for Your Log Furniture Project

If you are attempting to create a rustic getaway on your property then consider making log furniture. This style of furniture is very rustic and beautiful. You can build virtually anything out of felled and stripped lumber. Log furniture can last for many years as long as they are properly maintained and treated correctly from the start. The following article will show you how to correctly treat the wood you use for your log furniture project.

Step 1 - Preparing the Wood

Raw pieces of logs are brilliant as they are but in order to properly treat them for log furniture they have to be properly prepared. Unfinished logs for log furniture usually will be very roughly cut with bark still remaining on the cut ends. Though there is nothing wrong with the wood it is not ready to be used as log furniture. The surface of the logs will have burrs, pits and numerous other imperfections that can cause the finished product to come out poorly. Use the sandpaper to sand the bare pieces of the logs. Wipe the log down with terrycloth then use a tack cloth to remove dust that is still present. Apply wood conditioner to the log and let it soak into the wood for at least 2 hours. The conditioner will bring out any burrs that still remain on the log. Sand the log down once again and wipe off with terrycloth followed by a tack cloth.

Step 2 - Staining the Wood

In order to get a great stain on the wood you will need to work methodically. Dip a foam brush into the stain and apply to the log in a smooth and even motion. As you apply the stain try to not overlap your previous application. Another way to apply stain is to apply it generously by rubbing it into the wood with a rag and then wiping it off. Whichever technique you choose will give a beautifully stained log. Allow the log to dry overnight then sand the log again. Clean the dust with the terrycloth followed by the tack cloth. Apply another coat of stain and allow it to dry overnight then apply a coat of spar varnish. Allow the log to set overnight once again.

Step 3 - Sealing the Log

At this point, the log is well treated for use in your log furniture project. It is, however, not very suited to spend long periods of time outside in the elements. In order to make your log furniture stand the test of time it not only has to be treated but sealed. In order to do this you'll need to apply a coat or two of polyurethane. Make sure you work in a well ventilated area. Apply a coat of the polyurethane to the log using a foam brush. Work quickly but be mindful of drips and streaks in the finish. Allow the polyurethane to dry a day or more.