How to Make a Driftwood Lamp Base

Position the driftwood under hot running water, and scrub the surface with the sponge to remove any dirt or mold. Immerse the driftwood in a bucket of hot, soapy water and allow it to soak overnight, weighing it down if necessary. Treat any persistent interior or exterior mold by soaking the driftwood overnight in a bucket of water with 1/2 cup of bleach added, but be aware that this may lighten the color of the driftwood.

Remove the driftwood from the bucket of water and rinse it under cold water to remove any lingering soap or bleach. Allow the driftwood to dry in a sunny area for 2 to 5 days as needed.

Stand the driftwood up in its desired lamp configuration. Mark the desired entry and exit holes in the driftwood at the top and bottom surfaces. Use the auger bit to drill into the top of the driftwood until the bit has passed further than halfway down. Drill into the bottom of the driftwood so that the new shaft strikes the original drill shaft. Adjust the path of the new shaft, as needed.

Pass the lamp wire through the driftwood base and attach it to the lamp kit bulb holder section. Secure the bulb holder to the top of the driftwood using the attached hardware, increasing the size of the drilled hole with a larger drill bit if necessary to accommodate the bulb holder.