Custom Rustic Furniture and Rustic Decor are our specialty

Log cabins have a valuable place in history. When settlers came to America from Europe they immediately recognized the abundance of lumber. The very first permanent dwellings built by Europeans in America were log cabins and forts. The cabin décor consisted of log furnishings and rustic furniture. Each piece was made entirely by hand, providing custom furniture that was made to higher standards than the craftsmen of today, who rely on nails, screws and glue. These craftsmen relied on wooden tools, precise fits between wood pieces and strong joints. Modern craftsmen create custom rustic furniture with the same techniques and styles as those used two hundred years ago.

Rustic décor is often hand carved throughout. The detail of the carvings varies from craftsmen to craftsmen and many incorporate wood burning techniques into the carvings for added contrast. Wood is the most widely used material, and large tall old growth trees are often preferred, which are difficult to come by making them expensive. Wrought iron is another highly preferred material for rustic designs because of its strength, but mostly because of its old world appeal. It is not uncommon to have a wrought iron chandelier as rustic lighting centerpiece.

Leather and cowhide, sometimes with the cow’s hair still on it, make great coverings for chairs and excellent rugs. Animal skins are often stretched and painted with western themed scenes. Animal heads can be mounted on walls to display the owners hunting prowess, or to just add to the aesthetic appeal. Bear skin rugs can make any hand-hewn floor warm and comfy. Stools can be fashioned with swiveling tractor seats, or even horse saddles.

The interior and exterior design of many log cabins and rustic homes evokes a sense of the old west and the wildness that it embodies. Old ranching and farming supplies can make excellent decorations that add to the authenticity of the whole design, and could even be used if necessary. Rustic garden furniture is designed to take serious abuse from winter storms, rain and sun without losing its appeal. Wear and tear can actually make rustic furniture look more authentic and increase its appeal.

Some good tips for choosing log furniture are to find a craftsman that constructs every piece by hand to their customer’s specifications. A lot of rustic looking furniture is made with modern methods using screws, nails and glue and then given a rustic finish and a higher price tag. These are often mass produced and aren’t built to last like a handmade piece. A skilled craftsman creates a piece with tight fitting joints that are self supporting. Often the piece is entirely made from wood, although some craftsmen use wrought iron to secure some of the stress points. Each piece varies because of inconsistencies in the wood used, which gives each piece its own unique appeal.

Creating a rustic home can be fun and satisfying. They are comforting and easy to maintain. Repairs can be done at home by most handymen, but it is the comfort they instill in anyone inside that is the most desired attribute to rustic designs.