DIYers have been transforming felled trees into furniture for years. But the process required both patience and brawn. After hauling home a heavy stump, you had to dry it for weeks and then strip its bark (hello, chisel) and patch holes to make a smooth surface.
Put down that chisel. Retailers have caught onto the trend. Here are ten favorite tree stump stools and tables to buy:
Above: Meant for indoor use, a one-of-a-kind Natural Tree Stump Side Table is made from fallen cypress trees. At 19 inches high, it's also a comfortable height to use as a stool; $199 from West Elm.
Above: A solid acacia Teton Accent Table has a secret. Hidden castors tucked beneath its base make it easy to slide from one spot to another, depending on whether you want to use it as a seat, footrest, or side table; $399 from Crate and Barrel.
Above: Handmade in New Mexico, a Tree Trunk Stool is made of reclaimed pine and has felt feet. It measures approximately 19 inches tall and is from 10 to 12 inches in diameter; $239 from Real Wood Works via Etsy.
Above: Weighing in at 115 pounds, a Buckley Forest Stump Stool understandably ships only by freight. With a hand-waxed finish, it measure 18 inches high; $677 from Kathy Kuo.
Above: French company Bleu Nature's Tupilak Low Tables are made of driftwood collected from shores and beaches. For information and prices, see Bleu Nature.
Above: A Small Log Side Table, made in Italy from beechwood, is finished in a glossy black lacquer. It is 13 inches high and from 7 to 9 inches in diameter; $395 from ABC Home.
Above: Furniture maker Greg Hatton carves fallen trees by hand and applies natural finishes to create stools and side tables. For more information and prices, see Greg Hatton.
Above: A set of two 17-inch-high Hardwood Stump Tables is $150 from Mount Hood Wood Works via Etsy.
Above: From Portland, Oregon-based designer Matthew Bietz, a Hatchet Stool made of alder wood has two steel handles embedded to make it easy to carry; $400 from Quartertwenty via Etsy.
Above: Hand carved from sustainably harvested acacia wood, a Plus Side Table is 18 inches high; $299 from CB2.
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