KATE CUNNINGHAM

Tree Stump Furniture: Geometric Forms



Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2009

by KATE CUNNINGHAM

Tree stump tables, when sculpted into geometric forms, are a stunning architectural accent to any modern or contemporary environment. Possessing a quiet, yet striking presence, these pieces are functional art that can be used in sundry ways: as side tables, either alone or in groupings of like or various sizes; as dramatic coffee tables; as grounding supports for glass, stone, granite or metal table tops to create unique dining tables, coffee tables, entry consoles or sofa tables; as pedestals to enhance fine art sculptures and artifacts. With their refined and minimal lines, these tables are quite popular with both architects and designers in the high-end interior design and hospitality market.

Fashioned from solid tree-rounds either by hand or by using various sophisticated wood saws and machines, a variety of interesting shapes can be achieved: squares, rectangles, hexagons, octagons, triangles, trapezoids, sloped cubes, obtuse and free-form shapes. Several wood sources are available. Using a cutting-edge, kiln-drying technology that is extremely energy efficient, sustainably harvested timbers can be dried to the core within days. This means that the wood is completely stabilized and will never check (crack), change or move any further once in place in the environment. To air-dry the same piece of solid, newly felled wood, a minimum of two to three years would be required. Long prized for its durability and strength, Douglas Fir is the most readily available wood species, using this process. Only sustainably harvested USA grown timbers are used.

Another equally satisfying wood source for these geometric tables is dry, salvaged timbers, found in a variety of woods. These timbers are reclaimed from nineteenth and twentieth century American homes, barns and commercial and industrial buildings. They are a testament to the enduring power of trees, still possessing their intrinsic strength and beauty when dismantled decades or centuries later. They can be used exactly as found as square or rectangular side tables, dressed in their own time-worn, patina, or they can be re-sawn and sculpted into new forms.

Depending on the piece, a variety of wood textures and finishes are available. More rustic surfaces such as wire brushed, "hit or miss" sanding, hand-hewn or as-is vintage are possible. A re-sawn, smooth-sanded surface can be indicated. Finishes run the gamut from a time-worn patina to natural, ebony, dark brown, bleached or any specific wood-stain in between. To insure the most environmentally friendly finished product, only eco-friendly and low v.o.c. stains, waxes and topcoats are used. Procured and hand crafted in the USA, each table is a lasting investment, guaranteed to endure for generations to come. Throughout the years, the inherent natural beauty and grace will continue to resonate as a healing presence from every piece that is crafted. Please visit our website: http://www.katecunninghamcompany.com

2009 Kate Cunningham

All Rights Reserved

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