Wood – use these tree stumps for a table

varnishingwoodwoodworking

I took two tree stumps of approximately 35 cm in diameter and stuck them inside my living room.

I read that, if I seal the ends with a strong varnish, it will allow them to dry out through the sides more slowly and thus I can start using them.

Now I'm about to attach a table top, meaning that both top and bottom of the stumps will be covered as it dries.. And I'm thinking I should probably get some second opinions to make sure that I won't come across any unpleasant surprises.

There are bugs behind the bark, but I got the idea that the main part of them will stay inside the tree and peel off with the bark in a year or so.

Best Answer

I would not let the bugs remain either, If it is cold outside where you are now as it is here in MD USA, the warm inside temps will make the bugs quite active again. I had that happen with a cherry burl I was turning, luckily I put it in a large clear plastic bag solely for the purpose of slowing moisture loss to reduce checking. After a few days I checked the bag and there were hundreds of carpenter ants crawling around inside. The varnish, or any paint, even wax that seals the end grain will reduce the amount of rapid moisture loss, and there for reduce the amount of checking. Without the sealer, it will split more aggressively.