The Amish are known as a hard-working and ethical people. They have communities scattered throughout the states with most of them being in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Our family lives in NW Montana and among a small community of Amish friends. They have their own country store, where delicious dinners are served every Friday night , during the summer, with homemade ice cream a specialty...
Some of their craftsmanship is also very evident in the line of rustic log cabin furniture they make. Using the lodgepole pine trees, that are abundant in this area, they make anything from rustic dining tables and log beds to solid pine dressers.
Located west of the Continental Divide and nestled among the foothills of the Rocky Mountains we are just a healthy hike away from the Canadian border. We are surrounded by beautiful forests, filled with the Lodgepole pine that is known for it's durability. Native Americans used to use lodgepole pine trees as the poles for their teepees!
In harmony with their responsibility to respect and maintain the environment, woodsmen harvest these dead standing trees from the forest , without the use of heavy equipment. Some 'blow-downs' from the wind can also be salvaged. As good stewards , the 'wildlife' trees are left untouched. (these are the larger dead trees that provide food and shelter for birds and small wildlife)
Dried by the forces of nature,there is no moisture in the logs. The rustic quality of cracks , or checking ,adds character and beauty to each piece of beautiful Montana Amish log furniture - the rustic log patio furniture is a relaxing way to spend a summer evening - or place around the campfire...
Draw knives are used to hand peel the bark from the logs. The 'skip-peel' procedure leaves just enough color from the inner bark to give the appearance of natural texture and color contrast.
One assembly technique used in making the log furniture is mortise and tenon joinery, known for it's strength in heirloom quality craftsmanship. Environmentally friendly!
On some pieces of furniture there is some assembly required , like the rustic log beds, for instance. You will get the headboard , footboard , and the log rails. There is a heavy metal angle iron bolted onto the log side rails for a very sturdy frame...The rails are fastened to the headposts using lag screws , which are included. Buy these beds and you will have sturdy log beds that can be handed down for many generations.
The rustic pine log dressers or chest of drawers are made of solid pine , with the backs made of plywood. The trim and drawer handles are hand-peeled logs..and the drawers are on heavy duty 100 pound sliders.
One of the most popular items they build are the unique rustic log barstools. You can get them with or without backs..or complete the set with the round pub table.
Whether you are thinking of furnishing your lodge with rustic log furniture or you simply need a few pieces to add to your western decor - Montana log furniture is the way to go.
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