This project was built and designed by Caleb from YouCanMakeThisToo. It follows the full journey of turning a red oak tree—originally a construction obstacle—into a custom farmhouse table with matching benches.
From milling the tree on-site to finishing the final product, Caleb demonstrates how patience, planning, and the right tools can turn a downed log into functional and beautiful furniture.
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Milling the Red Oak Logs
The red oak logs were salvaged from a client’s property after a tree blocked their home construction. Caleb teamed up with a sawyer and used a Lucas mill with a swing blade to process the logs efficiently.
The initial goal was to get flat, usable faces from the irregular log shapes. Multiple passes with the mill were needed to reach the desired flatness and maximize material yield. Longer pieces were cut from cleaner sections, while shorter ones were planned around natural imperfections.
Drying and Prepping the Wood
Once milled, the lumber was moved to the shop to begin the drying and acclimation phase. Caleb used a vacuum kiln—an accessible, lower-cost option for small-scale operations—to speed up the drying process and reduce the risk of warping or cracking.
Acclimating the wood before building was key to ensuring stable, usable boards for the tabletop and bench components. Skipping this step could result in movement or failure later on.
Selecting and Bookmatching Slabs
For the tabletop, Caleb selected two large slabs from the center of the tree and bookmatched them for visual symmetry. Bookmatching adds a mirrored grain pattern, giving the final piece a striking and cohesive appearance.
After skip-planing the slabs to reveal grain and check for defects, Caleb found mild twisting in the boards that needed to be addressed before flattening.
Flattening with Precision
To deal with the twist, Caleb used a CNC machine to flatten one side of the slabs. Before taking them to the CNC, he straight-line ripped both edges, which helped minimize waste and ensured a clean fit for later glue-up.
Flattening with a CNC offers consistency and accuracy, especially for large pieces that a jointer or planer can’t handle due to their size or imperfections.
Dealing with Soft Spots and Voids
During surface prep, Caleb found punky wood in some areas of the slab—soft, unstable material that can compromise structure. He stabilized these spots with a penetrating epoxy that soaked in and hardened the fibers.
For deeper voids, he created a sealed cavity using a hardboard backer and silicone to prevent resin leaks. This step was essential to preserve as much of the natural character of the slabs as possible while ensuring long-term durability.
Joinery for Table and Bench Bases
With the slabs prepped, attention shifted to the base construction. Caleb used strong joinery methods, cutting tenons on the risers and matching mortises to lock the pieces in place. The result is a solid, rattle-free structure that complements the mass of the tabletop.
He accounted for potential racking—especially in the bench design—by adding discreet metal brackets. This extra reinforcement boosts the overall stability without taking away from the clean, minimal look.
Final Assembly and Finishing
After test-fitting all components, Caleb applied a finish that enhances the natural tones of the red oak. The product highlights the rich grain while protecting the surface from wear and moisture.
Once everything cured, the table and benches were assembled and secured using well-placed screws for added strength. The final result is a cohesive farmhouse dining set with loads of visual impact and structural integrity.
A Tree with New Purpose
This build is a great example of how obstacles can become opportunities in woodworking. What began as a tree blocking a home build turned into a full furniture set with history and meaning.
Caleb’s process also emphasizes the importance of careful planning—milling with purpose, drying effectively, using proper joinery, and treating imperfections with care. Each of these steps played a role in producing a lasting result.
Please support Caleb by visiting his website: https://www.ycmt2.com/.