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7 Rustic DIY Projects for Leftover Logs (And How to Protect Them)
If you have recently finished a build or a major renovation, you are likely staring at a pile of leftover logs in your yard. It feels wasteful to burn them, but they are taking up valuable space.
Logs are one of nature's most versatile building materials. With a little creativity, that "scrap pile" can be transformed into stunning landscape features or interior accents that match the aesthetic of your home.
However, using logs outdoors comes with a warning: without protection, they will rot. Ground contact and moisture are the enemies of raw wood.
Here are seven professional-grade ways to repurpose your leftover logs, ranging from simple scrap-wood decor to heavy-duty landscaping features—along with the specific preservation steps to ensure they last.
1. The "Forever" Log Planter
One of the most popular uses for thick log rounds is creating natural planters. These look incredible on front porches or flanking a driveway.
How to do it:
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Select your log: Use a stump or cut a thick log section (at least 18 inches high).
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Hollow it out: Use a spade bit or chisel to hollow out the center, leaving at least 2 inches of wood around the rim for stability.
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Drill drainage: Drill two holes through the bottom or the side near the base to prevent water from pooling.
Weatherall Protection Tip: Never put soil directly against raw wood. The moisture will rot the planter from the inside out. First, treat the interior with a Wood Preservative. Once dry, line the hollowed area with heavy plastic or a potted plant liner before adding soil.
2. Rustic Garden Bench
A simple log bench provides the perfect spot to remove muddy boots. Unlike plastic furniture, a heavy log bench won't blow away in a storm and adds instant character to your patio.
How to do it:
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The Base: Cut two short, thick rounds to serve as the legs.
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The Seat: Take a longer log (4–6 feet) and use a chainsaw or bandsaw to slice it in half lengthwise, creating a flat seat surface.
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Assembly: Notch the rounded side of the seat logs to fit securely onto the base logs. Secure with heavy-duty timber screws.
Weatherall Protection Tip: The "flat" side of your bench will collect rain and snow. To prevent checking (cracking), sand the seat smooth and apply a high-quality Log Home Stain. Pro Tip: If your joinery isn't perfect, use a bead of Textured Caulk in the joints to keep water out and add a finished look.
3. Log Disc Pathway
If you have smaller logs or branches, slicing them into "cookies" (rounds) can create a whimsical pathway through your garden.
How to do it:
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Cut consistent rounds: Slice logs into 3-inch thick discs.
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Prepare the ground: Dig a shallow trench for your path and fill it with 2 inches of sand or crushed gravel for drainage.
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Set the stones: Place your log rounds firmly into the sand, leveling them as you go. Fill gaps with pea gravel.
Weatherall Protection Tip: Log rounds are 100% "end grain." Think of end grain like a bundle of straws—it sucks up moisture faster than any other part of the wood. You must seal the tops of these rounds. We recommend saturating them in a borate treatment first, then sealing heavily with Log End Seal to prevent splitting.
4. Log Slice Wall Art (Mosaic)
Have a lot of small, unusable scraps? This interior project turns "trash" into high-end rustic decor.
How to do it:
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Slice thin: Cut branches or small logs into thin "coasters" (1/2 inch to 1 inch thick).
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Arrange: Glue them onto a plywood backing in a geometric pattern or a free-form organic shape.
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Frame: Frame the plywood with rough-sawn lumber for a polished look.
Weatherall Protection Tip: Interior wood needs to be dust-resistant. Coat your finished art piece with Log Guard Interior Clear Coat. It creates a furniture-grade finish that makes the wood grain pop without looking like plastic.
5. Rustic Candle Holders & Centerpieces
This is the easiest project on the list and makes for a great gift.
How to do it:
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Drill: Take a clean log branch (Birch or Cedar works beautifully) and use a Forstner bit to drill shallow holes the exact diameter of a tea light candle.
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Level: Sand the bottom flat so it doesn't roll.
Weatherall Protection Tip: Safety First: Always use glass inserts or battery-operated LEDs to prevent the wood from scorching. Apply a clear coat to the bark to keep it from shedding or peeling over time.
6. Raised Garden Beds
For a cohesive look, skip the pressure-treated lumber and use your leftover house logs to build raised garden beds. This ties your landscaping directly to the architecture of your home.
How to do it:
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Stack and notch: Layout your logs in a square. Notch the corners (Lincoln-log style) for a tight fit.
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Fasten: Drive rebar through the corners to lock the structure together.
Weatherall Protection Tip: Any wood touching the ground is at risk for termites. Treat the bottom logs with a Borate Wood Preservative before installation. This eco-friendly mineral treatment makes the wood indigestible to fungi and insects.
7. The Floating Log Mantel
A "live edge" log mantel creates a stunning focal point in a living room.
How to do it:
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The Cut: Slice a log lengthwise to create a flat back and a flat top shelf, leaving the curved face natural.
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Mounting: Use heavy-duty lag bolts or floating shelf brackets specifically designed for heavy timber.
Weatherall Protection Tip: Before bringing any log inside, clean it thoroughly. Apply Log Guard Interior to seal in the wood's moisture content, preventing the "dusting" and checking that often happens when wood moves into a climate-controlled home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I let logs dry before using them?
It is best to let logs season for at least 6 months in a covered, ventilated area. Using "Green" (fresh) logs is risky because as they dry, they will shrink and twist, which can ruin furniture joinery.
How do I keep the bark on my log projects?
Bark naturally falls off as wood dries and shrinks. To keep it attached, harvest wood in the winter (when sap is dormant) and coat the bark heavily with Log Guard Interior Clear Coat to act as a glue and protective shell.
What is the best sealer for logs in contact with the ground?
Ground contact is the hardest environment for wood. You need a specialized Log End Seal or high-performance preservative. Standard varnish will peel because ground moisture pushes the finish off from the inside.
Ready to start your project?
Don't let your hard work go to waste. Weatherall offers professional-grade preservatives, stains, and chinking to ensure your DIY projects last as long as your home.
