How to Make a Dining Table From a Fallen Tree

Cut four fairly equal sections of branch or trunk from the tree using the chainsaw. Make the four sections three inches in diameter with a length of three feet. Choose sections of the tree that are fairly straight and free from discoloration or branched forks. Cut off or remove any branches or twigs.

Cut a five-foot section from the largest-diameter portion of the tree trunk. Cut the trunk section into roughly two-inch thick, five-foot long boards. Repeat this as many times as necessary to create a roughly three-by-five foot tabletop when the boards are pressed against each other.

Cut a 32-inch section of the trunk, which has a diameter of about four inches. Cut the section into roughly one-inch think, 32-inch long support boards. Repeat as needed to make three support boards.

Allow all cut boards to dry for six months if convenient to prevent future size changes as the boards dry. Skip this step if desired but be prepared to adjust or re-caulk places as the boards separate during the drying process.

Stand up two of the leg sections and place a leg support board on top of them. Arrange the leg sections at the ends of the leg support board. Drill three holes down through the top of the legs support board and into each of the tree section legs. Fasten the pieces together using three-inch wood screws. Repeat for the other legs and leg support board.

Arrange the tabletop boards so that they form a three-by-five foot tabletop, making sure that the boards are pressed together to leave the fewest gaps between them. Set the leg support assemblies upside down and centered on the tabletop, with each assembly about one foot from each end of the tabletop. Predrill two holes down through each leg assembly and into each tabletop board it connects with. Attach the boards together with three-inch wood screws.

Set the table right side up and fill any spaces between tabletop boards with clear-drying caulking. Allow the caulking to dry for six hours. Apply a thin layer of sealant with a brush, using smooth, even strokes. Allow four hours for the sealant to dry and add another coat in the same manner. Repeat for four total coats.