How to Make a Cypress Tree Table

Mark two lines 18 inches apart all the way around the trunk. It is important that these lines are parallel to each other and as perpendicular to the trunk as possible. Place the long arm of a metal carpenter's L against the trunk’s side with the short arm across the trunk. Use the short arm as a guide for drawing the first line. Measure 18 inches up from the first line all around the trunk, and then draw the second line.

Cut through the trunk with a bow saw following the line you drew. Repeat the process for the second line.

Peel the bark from the cypress trunk section using a wide putty knife. Because this is a small section, prop one end up and straddle the log. Start near the trunk’s top and push the putty knife’s blade down the trunk at a 30-degree angle. Roll the log over and continue working your way around the log. When you've worked your way around, flip the log over and remove any bark still clinging to the trunk’s bottom edge.

Sand off the sharp edge all around the top of the table with 100-grit sandpaper on an electric handsander. Use the handsander on the table’s top and bottom. Sand the table’s sides by hand. Start with 100-grit sandpaper rubbing up and down the trunk. Avoid sanding across the trunk. Finish sanding by hand with 200-grit sandpaper.

Apply a thin coat of polyurethane varnish with a brush, getting into all the nooks and crannies. Let the coat dry overnight. Lightly sand the piece going with the grain with 400-grit sandpaper. Apply a second, thin coat of polyurethane varnish. Let it dry overnight.