Stools and table

[woodcrafts]

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I would love to make new bar stools and a new table out of wood. I am thinking about using trees for this. You know cutting down the branches and using these as the legs. I could cut a couple pieces out of the actual tree for the top of the stool too. Has anyone made stools or tables out of trees? What did you use to protect them? I almost think I would like to strip the bark off and then put a polyurethane on them. Any one have any tips! I really want to make these.

 

[contractor]

The only problem with this is that you need to let the wood age in a climate controlled area before you use it. Green wood, when subjected to heat, tends to twist and will dry crooked. So although your idea sounds creative, I'm not sure you'd get the results you are hoping for.

 

[woodcrafts]

I was thinking about this after I asked. I would only used "dead wood" - I wouldn't cut any live tree down to use. I am wondering if it would crack though and not be as sturdy as I once thought? Has anyone tried anything like this before? I think I'll look online to see if I see anything close to what I want to do.

 

[remodelme]

We did this a few years ago it they turned out wonderful. You have to be sure to put a protective coat over them every year though. I believe we used cherry trees. We did not take the bark off though, I think it adds character.

 

[busterswoodshop]

As long as the wood is dry before you build them you should be fine. I have made several tables out of slabs that I crosscut through a tree. I didn't use branches for the legs but I have seen tables and stools made the way you describe and they look fine. They came out good.
I used Teak Oil to finish mine.

 

[Calvin]

Be sure to inspect the wood carefully to make sure you don't have any little critters who have taken up residence. I once ended up with an antique oriental rug riddled with moth holes because I didn't realize the old wood I stored nearby had brought in a hungry family.