I am building a rustic headboard featuring a 66″ long 6″ diameter paper birch log with bark intact.
Is there any proven way to prep/dry/preserve/finish the log before assembly?
Does anyone know how much a birch log contracts during drying? My frame has to allow some movement, but how much??
Replies
Anything I've read regarding drying birch with the bark on has had to do with it's use as firewood. The basic rule of thumb is that the wood will rot before it dries unless it is split first.
I have cut 1-2" long chunks of birch log for decorative purposes which have dried. the wood shrank away from the bark so there is an air gap between the wood and the bark at least 1/3 of the way around.
If you sawed a longitudinal slot to the center of the log from end to end the wood would probably dry, but the bark would probably peel back away from that kerf.
It sounds like an attractive design but you may be destined for disappointment.
Paul
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