Rustic Wood Project Ideas

Use weathered wood for rustic ambiance.

Use weathered wood for rustic ambiance.

Wood is everywhere, and it doesn't' have to be flat, sanded or without defects to be used. Utilize cracks, spits, warps, knots and weathered gray texture to create works of art that just can't be beat. Sift through enough driftwood, scrap piles or lumberyards and you'll find a treasure trove of building materials for rustic projects that can't be copied or produced in a factory.

Drifting Along

Rustic driftwood sculptures are like snowflakes: Every one is different. Create your own sculpture by imagining an object or animal. It might be a horse, cat, giraffe or deer. Go abstract and imagine a large spider or insect. If you treasure the Old West, think of a cowboy or a saloon. The subject matter is not important. When you've decided what to build, scour through driftwood piles along the river or beach. Look for arms, legs, heads or individual parts that work for the assembly of the project. You'll be amazed that some of the parts already are formed exactly the way you need them. Trim the parts as needed and drill holes through strategic parts; attach them together with wood glue and dowels. Once your project begins to take shape, look for more parts that fit. These types of rustic driftwood sculptures may sell for big bucks, but they might be worth more as a testament to your creativity.

Rough and Ready

If you've ever visited a lodge or cabin, you've probably seen rustic mantels. Most of them are full of large cracks, splits and knots. Find the rough material for this type of mantel at a sawmill or lumberyard. They routinely reject this type of lumber and will part with it for a minimal cost. Choose planks that are at least 2 inches thick, and if they taper slightly, still have bark on them or they're full of defects, it's all the better. Cut them down to size with a chain saw, or if you're ambitious, use a handsaw. The cut isn't important; rustic mantels should look as if they were just gleaned from a forest and placed on the wall.

Weather the Storm

Use weathered, gray lumber to make rustic picture frames. Nothing looks more original than a Western print or photograph in one of these old-fashioned frames. Select weathered planks from razed buildings, downed fences or scrap piles -- but be sure to get permission. You also might pick up weathered trim or lumber at a recycled-building-products stores. Rip the wood into 2-inch-wide strips and make picture frames with it. It's best to remove any rusty nails before cutting it, but save them and tap them back into the frame later if desired for an authentic look. If the nails are bent, all the better. Leave the frames as is to keep the weathered look intact, or add linseed oil to the frame for a finished look while maintaining the rustic appearance.

Little Pink Houses

Birds don't always have to inhabit birdhouses. Use some old shingles or planks to create simple houses that go on a shelf in your home. Get creative and add windows, overhangs or porches with small scraps of wood. Use a hot-glue gun to attach all the small parts. If some of the parts are broken or cracked, that's fine. If the walls aren't perfectly straight or tilt to one side, it only adds to the charm. Attach some small figures to the house, such as birds, animals or people. You also may make the house something other than a birdhouse, such as a dollhouse. The rustic nature of the material lends itself well to small buildings.

Bend and Weave

Get some bendable willow branches and try your hand at furniture. Start out small by bending them into chair parts. Connect them together with rope, glue and dowels, or screws. Weave a smaller pattern for the seat and back. This type of furniture also may sell for big bucks. If you're not comfortable tackling something that size, try something smaller such as a child-sized chair or table. If you're not sure about building something functional with bent willows, try crafting some artwork such as wreaths, or weave them around a headboard for a rustic look in the bedroom.

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