How to Build Willow Furniture
Bent willow furniture is a beautiful addition to a home, garden or patio. Since this type of furniture is handmade, it can be expensive to buy. You can make it yourself quite cheaply, especially if you already own some basic tools. The rustic style of willow furniture makes it an excellent project for even a novice furniture maker. The following instructions describe a table but the same techniques can be used for other types of furniture. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Willow branches of varying size Measuring tape Saw Garden clippers Level Screwdriver Galvanized wood screws Drill
Instructions
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1
Cut fresh willow branches of varying sizes with a hand saw and garden clippers. You need four branches that are sturdy enough to stand as the table legs and four more for the table top. If you can't get your own willow, you may be able to get fresh branches from a nursery or garden store. Using fresh, green limbs allows you to bend the smaller twigs into decorative shapes.
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2
Cut the small twigs and leaves off of the branches with garden clippers. You may leave nubs if desired for an even more rustic look.
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3
Use four straight, strong branches for the table legs and cut them to the desired height with a hand or table saw. Make sure they stand level. This will be easiest with a table saw because you can cut each end at a precise 90-degree angle.
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4
Cut four pieces to form the perimeter of the table-top and secure the corners together with screws, forming a square or rectangle. This creates a frame that you will connect to the legs.
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5
Drill holes into the legs and screw them onto the table-top frame.
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6
Screw branches and twigs across the top to fill in the table-top. You can create any pattern you like, or just use straight pieces laid side by side. Design it to your own taste.
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Use thin, green branches to decorate. Bend them and secure them with screws. Get creative--these green branches are very flexible.
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Tips & Warnings
Spray your finished furniture with a waterproof finish if desired.
Use safety gear and caution when working with power tools.
