Log Furniture checks and splits

A common misconception by folks who are not familiar with rust log furniture is that it is cracking and breaking. However, this is a natural characteristic of log furniture. When the log dries and the water decreases, the log splits. This does not usually affect the structural integrity of the furniture, but if the builder is not familiar with this process then you might just have a problem on your hands. This is why I stress the importance of asking questions of your manufacturer. Different companies have different ideas on what is an acceptable level. On log furniture I think that an 8% moisture content is good. Variables in your own regional and controlled home environment can also affect the "movement" of your piece of log furniture. The bottom line is that the consumer needs to do the research. The industry is filled with great products and shabby ones alike, do the leg work and find a company with a service record and longevity to back their claims. Frontier Log Furniture http://www.frontierlogfurniture.com an industry leader since 1973 has there policy stated in the form of a disclaimer http://www.frontierlogfurniture.com/faq.aspx#disclaimer. Ask questions, a good company will have the answers that you need to base your decision on.

Rustic Furniture?!

One thing I have noticed is that there are a lot of duds out there. Rustic living and thus, furnishings are what we are all about. Hunting, fishing, hiking, basically outdoor sports and the nature that surrounds us inspire our decorating ideas. Buyer beware! There are many "craftsman" that are moving into the area that are fantastic artists and quality people. However there are also a lot of crooked folks out there just trying to cash in on the rustic furnishing market. I would recommend that you get some references on the folks building your goods. There is a good variety of local craftsman that have been around for 15 or more years. I would start with them. There is a reason that they have been around this long. Many newer builders are here and gone, leaving you unsupported and alone when you need them to follow up, down the road. It also helps to check the local BBB or Chamber of Commerce in the area, where you can get some additional information on the company. There is a lot of foreign product invading the market because the Chinese and SE Asian workforce can really crank out the Rustic Furniture for a fraction of the price, so if it matters to you ask where it was made and what type of warranty you will be getting. Also, if you are buying site unseen. Choose a rustic furnishing company that actually has some customer service on hand. Many Web sites are just a face with no substance backing them (and no, or poor customer service). My company LodgeCraft http://www.lodgecraft.com has furnished lodges and homes Coast -to- Coast and throughout North America, Since 1988. We have been an industry leader in that time and have nearly 30 folks working with us, many with 10-15 years of service experience. What I am saying is shop around, the lowest prices are not always the best criteria for purchasing. This is my first blog so hopefully I can improve and provide you with some valuable input in the rustic furniture department. Look, Compare, Ask Questions and then go with your findings. There are a lot of lemons out there in the Rustic Furnishing business, and you don't want to get squeezed.