Metallic Tree Stump Tables

Finished  END TABLE

So, what do you do if you have a pine tree to cut down?  Maybe the tree was dying from that darn pine beetle that has moved across our forests...or it is right in your own back yard...well, I begged(and pleaded) with my husband and his friend to cut me a couple of logs, at least 25" tall and about 30"circumference.  Amazingly he did- and I got 2 huge logs with which to create an end table or two.

BEFORE the transformation...

Here are the steps I used to create the end tables.  One will be a silver metallic log of "awesome-ness"(I am sure that is a word)- the other will have its bark stripped off, then given a clear top coat. 



Log to left is silver, log to right is clear coated

First off, is the log level?  If not, you can have a wonderful bonding experience with your husband and a chainsaw...Let's just say the "leveling" process was a little rustic...we used a marker, tape measure and a chain saw for the first leveling.    The table with the clear coat was sanded a little on the sides as well. (We used a belt sander to be faster and more productive.)  Next up, use a brush, blow dryer, or leaf blower to get the "dust" off and you are ready to paint or seal.  I used spray paint as it is easier to get into the crevices..and there were lots of crevices when the bark is left on.  I did spray the bottom first and let it dry for several days, then sprayed the sides and let them set for several days as well.  (We had discussed putting a small piece of rubber/foam or wood disc on the bottom to protect floors further, but ended up spraying the bottoms to prevent any kind of mold or other odd growths...) 

Total cost of project was 3 cans of spray paint: silver table was $21.84, the clear table was $11.61, with an additional cost of a 2 pk of sanding paper for the belt sander@ $5.97

I have included a couple of other examples of tree stump tables and my finished product.  Easy project with a big reward...HAPPY LOG HUNTING! 

P.S.  Of course, you don't have to start with such a big specimen...you could group several together...we tried to think of a way to make them a little lighter, but couldn't come up with a way to do that easily or without the logs splitting.

Photo credit to flickr.com

Photo credit to mydesignsecrets.com