| Can anyone explain what makes a simple log table | | | | human genius and resourcefulness. Unlike conventional |
| more appealing to many of us than a finely carved | | | | mass-produced furniture, log furniture is particularly |
| mahogany table? Is it merely a matter of style or | | | | distinctive in that no two pieces look the same. The |
| taste? To be certain, some log or rustic furniture | | | | uniqueness of the logs and slabs ensure that every |
| pieces do not blend well with every decorating theme, | | | | piece presents a singular appearance. Log furniture is |
| and few of us would place an Adirondack chair with a | | | | a form of natural, hand-made freeform art. |
| Chippendale kneehole desk, but in many settings log | | | | It is this author's opinion that it is the bold and unique |
| furniture has no equal. | | | | character of log furniture that speaks to us so |
| In the traditional sense, most furniture is made from | | | | intimately. Log furniture has a soul that whispers to us |
| wood (which is nothing more than logs that have been | | | | about our past when people produced furniture from |
| "tamed"). However, log furniture is the antithesis of | | | | the raw materials nature provided. Early pioneers built |
| most conventional furniture. Traditional furniture makers | | | | log furniture out of necessity, and it retains a romantic |
| favor pristine wood planks without knots or blemishes, | | | | charm that inspires thoughts as daring as that |
| while log furniture builders emphasize knots, diseased | | | | Westward expansion. Log furniture is bold and gutsy - |
| patches and even tree bark. | | | | yet warm and inviting. It can be massive, yet graceful |
| Oftentimes conventional furniture will feature graceful | | | | and it offers us a way to introduce nature into our |
| lines and delicate legs, while log designs boast thick, | | | | homes. |
| powerful verticals and cross members. Log furniture | | | | The numerous answers to "why log furniture is |
| makers often rely on hand tools more than machines. | | | | popular" are as varied as the craftsman who produce |
| The drawknife and spokeshave are essential tools | | | | these works. Simplicity, elegance, boldness, history, |
| used to peel logs and make tenons. Handsaws, chisels, | | | | natural beauty... there is a difference between style |
| hatchets and other hand tools are found in every log | | | | and character. And that's the reason log furniture is so |
| furniture crafter's workshop. | | | | popular. |
| Log furniture is practical and it stirs our appreciation of | | | | |