Can anyone explain what makes a simple log table more appealing to many of us than a finely carved mahogany table? Is it merely a matter of style or taste? To be certain, some log or rustic furniture pieces do not blend well with every decorating theme, and few of us would place an Adirondack chair with a Chippendale kneehole desk, but in many settings log furniture has no equal.

In the traditional sense, most furniture is made from wood (which is nothing more than logs that have been "tamed"). However, log furniture is the antithesis of most conventional furniture. Traditional furniture makers favor pristine wood planks without knots or blemishes, while log furniture builders emphasize knots, diseased patches and even tree bark.

Oftentimes conventional furniture will feature graceful lines and delicate legs, while log designs boast thick, powerful verticals and cross members. Log furniture makers often rely on hand tools more than machines. The drawknife and spokeshave are essential tools used to peel logs and make tenons. Handsaws, chisels, hatchets and other hand tools are found in every log furniture crafter's workshop.

Log furniture is practical and it stirs our appreciation of human genius and resourcefulness. Unlike conventional mass-produced furniture, log furniture is particularly distinctive in that no two pieces look the same. The uniqueness of the logs and slabs ensure that every piece presents a singular appearance. Log furniture is a form of natural, hand-made freeform art.

It is this author's opinion that it is the bold and unique character

The numerous answers to "why log furniture is popular" are as varied as the craftsman who produce these works. Simplicity, elegance, boldness, history, natural beauty... there is a difference between style and character. And that's the reason log furniture is so popular.

Tom is the former President (co-founder) and COO of Opinioneering Corporation. He served as President of Netcom Interactive where he piloted it to become one of the largest Internet hosting companies in the world. Prior to Netcom, Tom co-founded PICnet, one of the first ISPs in the nation (acquired by Netcom in 1995). Heatherington is the author of "The Complete Small Business Internet Guide" (published by QUE) and was principal consultant and seminar speaker of The Webunet Group which he also co-founded. Tom worked 13 years for NEC America where he served the last five years as Vice President of Wireless Products Sales. He is also the founder and editor of the "Log Furniture Directory" and the "Log Cabin Directory".

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