In today’s eco-conscious culture, the thought of turning a fallen or removed tree from your yard into furniture might cross your mind. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also offers the chance to take on a rewarding DIY project. The result is a unique, sentimental piece that preserves the memories tied to your property for years to come.
While the romantic idea of taking something that has naturally come to an end and giving it new life holds true, the reality of a project like this is rooted in the condition of the tree.
“What looks fine on the outside might not be fine on the inside due to rot, fall fractures, or pests,” says Chris Marshall, Customer Service Manager at Exotic Woods.
“If a tree is removed before it’s completely dead, there is usually something salvageable,” adds Rick Veenstra, Inside Sales at Exotic Woods.
Here’s what woodworking enthusiasts should keep in mind to balance the emotional value and practicality of repurposing a tree into home décor.
Endless possibilities
Tap into your creativity with these out-of-the-box ideas for reusing different parts of a tree: create natural wood wall art using the bark and branches, design a tree trunk vanity with the stump as the base, craft a wood slab headboard, or use branches to make original lighting that adds an earthy vibe to your home. Many traditional options will give your tree a functional purpose.
“A tree can be made into cabinet doorknobs, charcuterie boards, jewellery boxes, or larger items like chairs, dressers, and dining tables,” explains Steve Culumovic, Owner-Operator of Blue Skies Custom Woodwork. “What you can make is only limited by the size and quality of the tree.”
Trust the process
When someone contacts a professional to discuss a piece of wood they’d like transformed, aside from determining the condition, there are several other factors to consider. “The main thing to look for is how dry it appears,” says Umar Ahmed, Owner of Tabulo Furniture. “We always discuss the concept and determine how the piece will look and feel in the customer’s space. Everything else like stains, finishes, and details flows from there.”
“At Exotic Woods, we ask questions regarding plans, budget, and timeline,” explains Marshall. “Our concerns are finding any embedded foreign material like stones or metal that could potentially harm our staff or equipment, and we give an honest answer about what will and won’t work for our clients’ projects. We understand that many of these trees hold deep meaning for people for various reasons.”
When deciding if this is the route for you, “Remember there are always cost and time factors involved,” adds Veenstra. “When done properly, air drying is the most economical, but for every inch of thickness you’re looking at one to one and a half years of drying.”
“A tree can be made into cabinet doorknobs, charcuterie boards, jewellery boxes, or larger items like chairs, dressers, and dining tables.”
STEVE CULUMOVIC,
Blue Skies Custom Woodwork
What’s trending now
The aesthetic of rustic wood in home décor has remained popular throughout 2024, emphasizing the trend of bringing outdoor elements indoors and investing in sustainable craftsmanship.
“We’re increasingly seeing clients tired of live edge tables and wanting pieces that have more character, workmanship, and are like works of art,” says Ahmed. In addition to the well-known trends of using live edge and white oak for custom furniture, Culumovic explains, “I can say I’ve had a lot of furniture repair or repurposing inquiries, which I’m also happy to do!”
Local Links
Blue Skies Custom Woodwork
Burlington
blueskiescustomwoodwork.com
Exotic Woods
Burlington
exotic-woods.com
Tabulo Furniture
Oakville
tabulofurniture.com
Finished Grain Woodworks
Dundas
finishedgrainwoodworks.com
By Nicole Hilton
