Hey everyone! My parents recently had to cut down my dad's beloved 80-year-old Douglas Fir, and I want to create something meaningful from it. I have a few questions: 1) How do I prepare the wood for use? I understand it needs to dry out, but what's the best way to do this and how long should I wait? 2) There were mushrooms growing on the tree, so how can I ensure the wood is safe from decay before I start working with it? 3) What are some affordable ways to transform a round tree into usable pieces without investing in expensive equipment? The tree's in a tricky spot, so the pieces will be manageable for two people to lift. 4) Any suggestions on what I could make? I was thinking about crafting a table from a large circular slice, but I have a lot of wood to work with, and I don't want to just make one table.
3 Answers
When using a cross-section of the log for a table, keep in mind that wood shrinks as it dries along the growth rings, which can cause checks (cracks) in the wood as it dries. It's something to consider if you're planning to use a large slice! A protective finish will help, but it’s good to go in knowing it might change shape a bit.
It sounds like your project could take a while! Generally, freshly cut trees can take years to become usable lumber—I've heard slabs should dry about a year for every inch of thickness. But on the brighter side, Douglas fir is pretty inexpensive. If you're really eager to build something now, you could pick up some lumber for around $15, which might help get you started in the meantime.
If you didn't plan ahead, it might be a bit late for some parts since most tree services chop the trunk into smaller sections for easy removal. If you still have long, intact sections, I suggest finding someone nearby with a mill, or even a chainsaw, to slab the logs for you. Once you have the slabs, you'll need to dry them for a couple of years depending on thickness and climate. It’s a long process, but it’s worth it! If you're left only with short pieces, you can make smaller items, but drying time will still be a factor.