Tree To Table

Have a dead, dying, or nuisance tree in your yard you want turned into furniture, or just lumber? Contact me and I can help facilite the entire process, or just a few of the steps. Here is an outline of what the flow looks like.

Step 1 - Tree Removal : You can use your preferred tree service or one of my recommendedations. I've worked with the professionals that I will recommend on many occasions and they know the optimal way to cut the tree to turn it into lumber. Alternatively, if you have a preferred service, I can give instruction on the best way to prepare the log.

Step 2 - Hauling : If you do not have the means to haul your log(s), I can handle that! I have a trailer specially outfitted to load and haul your logs. As long as there is a gate wide enough for the tree to get through, I can pull it out.

Step 3 - Milling : Just about whatever you can conceive, I can mill (within the limitations of the log). Live edge slabs, dimensioned lumber, mantles, beams, and cross-sectional cookies are all possible. If you want something specific, just ask, I can most likely make it happen. Prior to cutting your log I will work with you to make sure you get exactly what you want out of it. If you are having furniture made by someone else, there is usually a consult prior to milling to make sure the wood matches your vision for the project.

Step 4 - Drying : For most furniture projects, wood needs to be dried to a workable moisture content before it can be used. There are multiple options for this (air-drying, solar kiln, and dehumidification kiln) depending on budget and timeline. Some things, such as mantles, can be installed as 'living pieces' that dry in place.

Step 5 - Flattening : As wood dries there is a range of movement that will take place that necessitates flattening. See my page on flattening for more details.

Step 6 - Furniture Making And More : If you're a woodworker, this is where you take over. If not, I have a network of extremely talented craftsmen of all types that can work with you to make whatever you can imagine. Take a peek at some of them on my Friends page. Get further inspirations by looking through my Transformations page.

What is this going to cost?
There are so many variables that go into it that it's impossible to determine without hashing out the details. The best option is to contact me to open up a dialog.

How long does it take?
It, of course, depends on how many of the steps you are having done. Milling is typically done in a week or so. Air-drying takes 6-12 months depending on how the wood is cut. Solar-kiln drying is around 2 months on average(dependent on time of year). Vacuum kiln drying can be as fast as a week or two. Most furniture makers are a couple months out on order fulfillment.

Can you mill on site?
Yes. If you have multiple logs and loading equipment, I can mill on site.

How big of a log can you mill?
I can haul and milll logs up to 3' diameter and about 12' long. In some cases I can haul logs that are wider than 3' diameter, providing they are not more than about 6' long. If your log is over 3' wide and more than 6' long, I can mill it in place with a chainsaw mill.

How small of a long can you mill?
Nothing is too small to be possible to mill, but some stuff is too small to be practical mill. That said, I will give you the best information I can on what your end product will be and leave it to you to decide if it's worth it.

Do you buy logs?
I will pay for logs if they are brought to me. I calculate based on the Doyle scale and price depends on the wood type and log quality.

I have a tree being removed but don't want any lumber, do you want it?
Yes! The more trees I can save from the landfill the better. I do not do the removals, but can refer you to someone who can and will leave the trunk intact for me to pick up. Due to the level of work involved, I do not pay for logs that I have to pick up.

Wood can be somewhat unpredictable. Internal and unseen defects, stresses, and foreign objects can all be present and will effect the quality of the wood in both the cutting and the drying stages. During cutting and drying wood will crack and wood will warp. Nails from the birdhouse someone put up 40 years ago will dull a blade and result in a wavy cut. It is the nature of the beast. I will use my experience and expertise to mitigate the problems caused by those factors, but in the end there are things that cannot be controlled and thus there are no guarantees.