Skip-Peeled Logs
Skip peeling strips aways some of a log's inner bark for rustic appeal
Whether a log home is truly a timber-frame construction or just accented with nonstructural log beams or posts, the rustic appeal can be increased by a method of removing the bark known as skip peeling. The shape and character of the tree remain intact whether the bark is removed by hand or by machine.
To avoid new growth being cut down, the logs can be found fallen or dead standing.
To avoid new growth being cut down, the logs can be found fallen or dead standing.
Skip-peeled logs have some but not all of the inner bark removed for a very rustic look. The inner bark, the fleshy tissue between the smooth tree trunk and the rough outer bark, is called cambium.
Rustic Log Pool Table
The tool used to strip the bark in the skip-peeling process is called a drawknife. It has a single blade with handles at both ends; the handles are pulled to draw the knife edge down the log and shave off the bark.
More intricate areas of the log need to be skip peeled by hand with a drawknife, but a machine can also remove the cambium in smoother planes of the log.
The cambium will eventually wear away or fall off without a sealer to coat and protect the finish.
When all of the inner bark is removed, the process is known as a clean peel. Top coats or waxes are then applied to give a satiny finish.