Beds Made Out of Logs

History

• American settlers moving westward didn't pack much furniture. Lack of precious space in a covered wagon resulted in the early pioneers transporting very few furniture pieces -- a stool and a couple of chairs were typical. The prairie bunk bed was a common bed constructed of tree limbs or logs after reaching their destination. Quilts covered mattresses that had been made by filling large sacks with hay, corn husks or goose feathers.

Wood

• Lodgepole pine, aspen, hickory, cedar, birch and ponderosa pine trees were commonly used in crafting log beds. Natural variations in color, fire scars, knots, burrs and insect trails ensure originality of every log bed. Dead standing trees make excellent logs for beds because they are dry and have few branches. Log beds are created by leaving the inner bark intact on the logs or removing it through hand- or machine-peeling.

Types

• Assorted styles and types of log beds accommodate a variety of needs, personal tastes and bedroom sizes. Log bunk beds are ideal for the smaller cabin where children bed down for the night. Canopy log beds stand out a master bedroom, adding a rustic, romantic ambiance. Log headboards and footboards handcrafted in full, queen or king sizes come in multiple styles and are suited for any bedroom.

Make Your Own

• Just as early settlers embarked on the task of handcrafting log beds, those who enjoy creating furniture may welcome the opportunity to build a log bed. Construction of a log bed consists of gathering, cutting to size, drying and peeling the logs. Making solid joints to hold the pieces together is a key factor in creating well-built, attractive beds. Simple, round mortise-and-tenon joints are commonly used in log construction. A special tenon cutter is very useful for creating these traditional, precise joints.