| The natural look of log furniture is one of the | | | | finish when in reality it might not be polyurethane at |
| reasons it is becoming a more popular home | | | | all. Polyurethane in its purest state is a very hard |
| décor not only for the log home market, but | | | | durable finish but doesn't adhere well to products. For |
| other home styles as well. We are frequently asked | | | | this reason most "Poly" finishes are usually a |
| this question. I want to keep my log furniture looking | | | | combination of Polyurethane and Acrylic. Other types |
| as natural as possible, should I have it finished? The | | | | of finishes consist of Varnishes, Lacquers, etc. Some |
| answer to this is in our opinion is yes. Finishing can | | | | finishes are hazardous to your health not to mention |
| change the appearance somewhat depending on the | | | | bad for the environment. This is the reason we use a |
| type of wood or finish, but the rewards are well | | | | non-toxic water base Acrylic on our furniture. It is |
| worth it in the long run. | | | | very durable, will not yellow with time, and even |
| The oils in our hands are easily absorbed by | | | | fingernail polish remover doesn't touch it! |
| unfinished wood. Of course our hands are never | | | | Some types of wood used in log furniture |
| perfectly clean and the dirt is also absorbed right into | | | | construction such as Pine or Aspen will darken only |
| the wood with the oil leaving soiled areas where your | | | | slightly with the application of a finish. The exception |
| hands frequently touch the furniture. On a bed this is | | | | to this is White Cedar. The finish on White Cedar will |
| usually either the headboard or the footboard. On | | | | actually change this wood from a very light uniform |
| dressers, of course the drawer pulls and the edge | | | | color, to a very beautiful distinctive color variation |
| around the top gets the most handling. If an item is | | | | between the sapwood and the heartwood. The |
| finished, washing is easy. It's another story on bare | | | | heartwood will become somewhat darker giving it a |
| wood. Some folks have taken the furniture out to | | | | very unique character. |
| the shop to sand it down again, but most people | | | | Red Cedar is a different kind of animal. An oil base |
| don't have the proper tools or just don't want to | | | | finish will darken the wood to a deep red or purple |
| mess with it. It's easier to just have it finished to | | | | color, however a water base acrylic finish will leave it |
| begin with. Finished log furniture will pass the test of | | | | more of a pinkish color. You often have the option |
| time in keeping your furniture looking good for many | | | | when ordering to purchase it unfinished and finish |
| years. | | | | yourself or have the company finish it for you. |
| To keep log furniture looking as natural as possible, | | | | So, should you finish your log furniture? We strongly |
| most manufactures use a clear finish. There are | | | | recommend it. We think you will be happier in the |
| many types of finishes available on the market. Many | | | | end. |
| retail stores use the term "poly" to describe their | | | | |