Expert: maura macaluso - 12/25/2008

Question
Are there any secrets to drying wood with the bark left on to make furniture? I'm looking at using hickory, and would like to keep the bark attached.

Answer
Hi Preston, Rustic style furniture is popular with alot of people. As the woodworker there are a few things to be concerned about.  Keeping the bark on lengthens the drying time.  It also hides areas of possible insect infestation. Look your pieces over carefully before bringing them into your shop. The last thing you want is to get bugs in your wood stock.  There are no real secrets to drying the pieces, they should be dried as regular wood should be, stacked and stickered. Basically that means layered with air pockets around the layers so the air can circulate freely.  The stack should be kept away from direct sunlight and if dying outside, the tops and sides should be covered with a plastic tarp leaving enough space on the bottom for air to enter freely. You should also seal up the ends of each piece using either wax or an oil based paint, this will also help to slow the drying time. Slowing the drying time will place less stress on each piece and hopefully minimize the warping and checking. Standard drying time is usually 1 year to one inch of thickness but for your purposes you do not need it fully dried just mostly dried. Always dry more at least 50% more than you think  you will want because there is bound to be some distortion of the pieces. If you are making furniture which will involve the bending of the hickory, you may want to consider working with the wood relatively green as it will bend easier. There are many good books and videos available to guide you in the construction aspects of your furniture.  Good Luck with your project and Thanks for the question.