Introduction: HomeMade Modern DIY Log Lounger
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About: HomeMade Modern is an online design source that publishes easy-to-follow, DIY recipes for creating modern home furnishings. We provide creative ideas for making affordable alternatives to pricey designer home…
Our partner RYOBI asked us to do an Earth Day project that would demonstrate how eco-friendly tools like their 18 Volt ONE+ Cordless Chainsaw could be used to transform waste into usable home furnishings.
The log lounger is a great way to turn yard waste that would end up in landfills or a fireplace, into sturdy outdoor furniture.
We had a lot of fun trying out our new 18 Volt ONE+ Cordless Chainsaw and are proud to present an affordable, modern piece of furniture that was made sustainably with clean-running electric tools.
Step 1: Supplies + Tools
Logs 3" - 6" in diameter
Reclaimed landscaping waste
I got these birch logs from a landscaping company that had been hired to clear a piece of land. I recommend using logs between 3” and 6” in diameter. Larger diameter logs can be used but can be difficult to drill through and connect. They also can get pretty heavy.
Lag Screws 6” and 9”
Purchase at Home Depot
I used zinc-coated lag screws to connect the logs together. The lag screws are the most expensive part of this project. I used ¼” lag screws 6” long for most of the logs and a couple 9” long ones for the bigger logs. 3-4 screws per log will do the trick. If you are using smaller logs, you can get away with using cheaper deck screws.
Brackets and Deck Screws
Purchase at Home Depot
The brackets are used to strengthen the floppy parts of the . Just screw them on the underside of the with deck screws.
RYOBI 18 Volt Chainsaw
The RYOBI 18 Volt Chainsaw is my new favorite tool! It's lightweight, easy to handle and runs on the same battery packs as my other RYOBI tools. More importantly, it doesn’t produce toxic emissions like gas-powered chainsaws and runs much quieter than traditional chainsaws, which is great for working on projects indoors.
RYOBI 18 Volt Cordless Drill
The drill is used to drill both the 1 ¼” counter sunk holes as well as the ¼” pilot holes for the lag screws. You can also use a hex attachment to drive the lag screws.
1 ¼” Drill Bit
Long lag screws are expensive and difficult to drive into the wood. Partially Drilling into the logs with a large drill bit allows you to use shorter lag screws.
Extra long ¼” Bit
I used an extra long bit to drill pilot holes through the logs I attached. This isn’t completely necessary but it makes driving the lag screws easier and reduces the likelihood of them breaking.
RYOBI 18 Volt Impact Driver(Optional)
In addition to a drill, an impact driver makes this project go a lot faster. You can drill the holes and drive the screws without switching bits.
Reclaimed landscaping waste
I got these birch logs from a landscaping company that had been hired to clear a piece of land. I recommend using logs between 3” and 6” in diameter. Larger diameter logs can be used but can be difficult to drill through and connect. They also can get pretty heavy.
Lag Screws 6” and 9”
Purchase at Home Depot
I used zinc-coated lag screws to connect the logs together. The lag screws are the most expensive part of this project. I used ¼” lag screws 6” long for most of the logs and a couple 9” long ones for the bigger logs. 3-4 screws per log will do the trick. If you are using smaller logs, you can get away with using cheaper deck screws.
Brackets and Deck Screws
Purchase at Home Depot
The brackets are used to strengthen the floppy parts of the . Just screw them on the underside of the with deck screws.
RYOBI 18 Volt Chainsaw
The RYOBI 18 Volt Chainsaw is my new favorite tool! It's lightweight, easy to handle and runs on the same battery packs as my other RYOBI tools. More importantly, it doesn’t produce toxic emissions like gas-powered chainsaws and runs much quieter than traditional chainsaws, which is great for working on projects indoors.
RYOBI 18 Volt Cordless Drill
The drill is used to drill both the 1 ¼” counter sunk holes as well as the ¼” pilot holes for the lag screws. You can also use a hex attachment to drive the lag screws.
1 ¼” Drill Bit
Long lag screws are expensive and difficult to drive into the wood. Partially Drilling into the logs with a large drill bit allows you to use shorter lag screws.
Extra long ¼” Bit
I used an extra long bit to drill pilot holes through the logs I attached. This isn’t completely necessary but it makes driving the lag screws easier and reduces the likelihood of them breaking.
RYOBI 18 Volt Impact Driver(Optional)
In addition to a drill, an impact driver makes this project go a lot faster. You can drill the holes and drive the screws without switching bits.
Step 2: Cut Logs
I cut the logs into 18” long segments. Feel free to cut longer segments if you have enough material to work with.
Step 3: Layout the Design
I used blue painter's tape to mark an outline of the design on the floor. If you'd like a PDF of the template I used, feel free to email me. Do a test layout with your cut logs.
Step 4: Drill Holes
Use the 1 ¼” bit to drill large holes about 1-2 inches into the log. These holes allow you to use shorter lag screws. You'll want the holes to be deep enough to allow the screws to go into the second log at least 2.5 inches. Use the long ¼” bit to drill pilot holes through the first log only.
Step 5: Screw the Logs Together
Use a socket wrench or an impact driver to drive the lag screws and connect the logs. Use 3-4 lag screws for each log.
Step 6: Flip It Over and Test
Flip the lounge upright and see where it wobbles. You can also do a little bit of shaping at this point.
Step 7: Brace It With Brackets
Use steel brackets and deck screws on the back side of the lounge to strengthen and stiffen the weak and wobbly parts.
Step 8: Finished!
Happy Earth Day! Good luck making your own log lounger , and please email or tweet photos to @benuyeda or ben@homemade-modern.com. For more detailed instructions, dimensioned drawings and different variations of the project, check out our soon-to-be-released book.