How to Remove Tree Bark from a Log Cabin

A log cabin exudes an image of days gone by, even if it's filled with modern conveniences. When building a new log cabin, one of the first steps is to remove the bark from the logs. However, if you have acquired an older cabin, you may have logs with bark still intact. Although bark can be an attractive feature on a cabin, many choose to remove it due to bugs crawling between the bark and logs. Removing bark from an existing cabin involves a great deal of elbow grease and comes down to two basic activities: scraping and peeling.

Things You'll Need

• Masonry chisel
• Spud
• Draw knife

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Insert a masonry chisel with a blunt end into the log and slide it under the bark. Gently push and tap the chisel, scraping away the bark.

   • 2

     Remove bark with a spud. Sharpen the spud blade on the top of all three sides. Insert the spud blade between the bark and wood. Scrape in an outward motion away from your body. Do not allow anyone to stand in the direction the blade is being pushed.

   • 3

     Peel the bark with a draw knife. Grip both handles firmly and pull the draw knife blade toward you. Repeat, peeling the bark and smoothing the log.