Selecting Logs For Chair

Selection of a suitable Walnut or White Oak log is truely the start of heirloom quality rocking chairs. Tree selection often comes from majestic trees downed during a storm. The logs are usually locally harvested from the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. This harvesting method is in balance with a sustainable ecosystem.

Appropriate size and characteristics of the log are studied to select a suitable log which can render matched pieces from each quadrant. Matched pieces which are called rivings are then rendered by splitting the log to reveal the essential strength of the wood. This old-time method of lumber selection produces the strongest chair possible.

Rivings are then matched and oriented according to the specific design requirements of each chair. You can often find matching growth rings in each of the four chair legs in a chair which has been crafted by Rory.