Create A Coffee Table From An Old Tree Stump

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Create A Coffee Table From An Old Tree Stump

Create A Coffee Table From An Old Tree Stump

29 September 2016
 Categories:
, Blog


If you have to have a tree removed from your garden, you'll be left with the stump.  Instead of having the whole thing removed, why not ask your tree services company to cut you a slice from the stump and upcycle it into a stunning coffee table for use in your home?  If you enjoy DIY, you could make the table top yourself, and then commission a local cabinet maker to finish the project for you.

Here's a quick overview of how to do it.

Preparation

First of all, you'll need to put the slice of stump in a cool, dry place to dry out completely.  It's important to allow the wood to dry out gradually so that cracks don't form in its surface.  Keep the slice elevated away from the floor for better drying and to stop mould forming on the underside.

When the wood is dry, you'll need to get rid of the bark.  You can do this by separating the bark from the wood with a sharp chisel and removing a small piece at a time.  Once the bark is coming away, you can speed up the process by peeling it off in strips, using a pry bar and your chisel.

Make the table top

You will need the table top to be flat, without any high spots.  You can achieve this by using a hand planer and pausing to check your work with a spirit level or a straight edge.  To make the table top completely smooth, use a palm sander with a coarse grit paper.  Work back and forth across the wood so that you don't create low areas, and gradually change to finer grain sander discs, until the top is completely smooth.  Wipe down the table top with a damp cloth to get rid of any sanding dust.

Finally, you'll need to apply two coats of wood sealer to the top and sides of the prepared stump slice.  Allow the first coat to dry completely, and then sand it using fine grit sandpaper.  Apply the second coat of sealant and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Your upcycled tree stump table is now complete and ready for the cabinet maker to add the legs and finish the table for you.

In conclusion

If you have a tree felled in your garden, you could use a slice of the stump to create a beautiful coffee table for use in your home.  Follow the guidelines given above and have a chat with a local cabinet maker to discuss how the finished table could look.

About Me
Storage for books

I have a lot of books I have collected over the years. I like to have them on display as I think it's cool when people come over to be able to look at all of my books. Of course, I only have limited space so I have to be pretty smart with how I store all of them. I'm a bit obsessed with finding the best furniture to store and display my collection, and I know I'm not the only one out there with too many books! This blog is for book lovers who want to know more about furniture.