How to Make a Pedestal Table From a Tree Trunk

Building a pedestal table from a tree trunk can not only be rewarding, but also be a way of bringing a part of the wilderness look indoors. Following the steps below will help you on your way to making a wonderful rustic addition to your interior dcor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Remove all the bark from the tree trunk piece you have selected to use. Be sure to wear your safety glasses any time you have material flying in the air, bark, nails, sawdust, among other debris. Removal can be accomplished any of two ways. A draw knife is useful for long strokes of bark removal for a smooth finish. This does take some skill and practice. Another method is to use a small hand ax and take short strokes to remove the bark. Be careful to keep fingers and legs out of the way.

2

Squaring the tree trunk will be the next task. Begin on the small end of the tree trunk using the chain saw and carefully free cut the end as close to square as possible. The square can be used as a great visual aid. Take small bites with the saw. Once the end is where you like it, measure from the square end to the other, at the appropriate length. You can measure heights of other tables in your home and deduct 11/2 inches from that measurement. Mark the large end in six to seven places with the pencil. Make large, dark marks so you can see them with the sawdust flying.

3

Attaching the 46 by 46 inch square top is an easy task by drawing a line from each corner and making a large X on the bottom of the plywood. From this large X measure out the diameter distance divided by two of the small end of the trunk. In other words if the trunk is 10 inches in diameter measure out 5 inches. Make a mark on every line from the center. Using the square mark a square box. This will be the outline for the 1 by 4 pine supports. Be sure to cut two smaller in length that fit the line and two longer by 11/2 inches in length. Screw the square box together using two screws per side.

4

Lay the square box on the lines and measure the inside dimensions. Cut two boards from the 1 by 4 pine for the interior attachment. Screw these boards to the inside of the square box at two opposite ends. Use four screws per board or two screws per side. Attach this three sided box to the bottom of the plywood tabletop. Use the glue for good adhesion. Three screws per board should do it fine for a total of six more. Lay this assembly on top of the tree trunk and attach with four screws or one screw per side. You may have to shim the top for a level table top if your chain saw cut was not that great.

5

Apply the trim by careful measure using the miter saw to cut the corners at a 45-degree angle. Attach the trim using the 6p finish nails and carefully set the nails. Sanding and finishing the tabletop is your choice as some folks like the natural finish of this type of table.