How to Make a Spectacular Floor Log Lamp

(February 2017, Update with comments tips)

How to make a spectacular log lamp? You may have wood logs available around you, or maybe a wood part too big to put in a fireplace… Make this amazing wood floor lamp as indoor or outdoor lighting!

This great tutorial will help you in all stages, however, some information, details may be missing, in this case, leave a comment or use your imagination to solve the problem ;) The guide is easier than it sounds, you just need some woodworking knowledge.

You can buy a similar log lamp, with modern design but also more expensive here: Sculptural California Cedar Wood Lamp or use best browser page to find others tutorials on DIY websites.

How to make a spectacular lamp with logs

Everything you need to make a custom log lamp:

This is the list of equipment needed to make the log lamp in the picture, for a wooden log about 40cm. If your piece of wood is larger or smaller, adjust the size of the tube.

1. Locate the materials you need for this craft.
2. Cut the wood log into slices (2 cm minimum) with a wood saw.

How to make a spectacular lamp with logs

Tips :

  • Use a cradle to hold the log so it can’t roll and get thrown (Ruth) or use a chainsaw (Matija).

3. Find the center of each log slice and make a hole with a drill, use the same diameter as the plexiglass tube.

How to Make a Spectacular Floor Lamp with Logs

4. Sand down the surface of each wood slice with sandpaper.

How to Make a Spectacular Floor Lamp with Logs

5. Put wood glue on the inside of each hole and let it dry for a day.

How to Make a Spectacular Floor Lamp with Logs

6. Put some wood sticks to get the desired space between wood slices.

How to Make a Spectacular Floor Log Lamp 1 - Floor Lamps - iD Lights

7. Varnish each wood slice and let them dry, repeat the operation 2 to 3 times.

How to Make a Spectacular Floor Lamp with Logs

8. Cut the plexiglass tube (40 cm) and install the LED light strip inside, you can fix it with scotch tape.

How to Make a Spectacular Floor Lamp with Logs

9. Install wood slices one by one on the plexiglass tube and fix with wood glue.

How to Make a Spectacular Floor Lamp with Logs

Tips :

  • To have a more structural lamp, cut a piece of plexiglass tube (with an inside diameter the same as the outside diameter of the main tube) to the length of the space between each wood block then cut a slit so you can place it around the main plexiglass tube. (VCW, Ken)

10. Cut a groove in the bottom block of wood deep enough to put the power cord through and then fill it with glue to hold it in place

Ready! We have finished making this spectacular lamp with logs. If you need more inspiration, look at this category: Wood Lamps.

And if you are not a crafter and simply want to buy a similar one, look at this cute wood log lamp:

Seaside Driftwood Log Lamp

Buy Now

Last update on 2022-05-30 / Images from Amazon API

54 thoughts on “How to Make a Spectacular Floor Log Lamp”

  1. Why do you show a round drilled, hole then use a rectangular piece of plexi for the upright ???
    From my point of view, this is causing confusion for me at least, if not for others.

    1. Would you not put the finish on, and allow drying time, before assembling the project ?

    2. Linda Schombert

      The rectangular stick was just to hold the slices while they dried, assembled LATER with the circular tube.

    3. I think that the picture with the rectangular piece (probably a 2X4 ) is showing the slabs after varnish, being dried.

  2. What is the best way to get the LEDs to provide even lighting out of the acrylic so the whole lamp is a light

  3. Hello all..
    It would appear that the most people are trying to figure out how to keep wood parts affixed on to plexiglass tube…. To be fair, I haven’t built this project, but why not choose a tube that has same inside diameter as the hole you drill in the wood, cut the tube (obviously several pieces), to length of the space you desire between wood, and use hot glue to affix the wood to the short tube pieces. Make sure that the inside diameter of the wood and inside diameter of the tube pieces are aligned…. obviously the wall thickness of the tube has to be sufficient to allow for good glue adherence… Just a thought… cheers all…

  4. Harvey Trussell

    I haven’t made any lamp yet I have got a lot of sticks cool ones and made walking sticks and got light materials but needed some ideals.i have just found this sit and it great. thanks so much!

  5. Renee-Claude Gratton - Mauve Interiors

    Spectacular! I always love the mix of natural elements and lights. Thanks for the tutorial :)

  6. me parecio genial esta idea, quiero felicitarlos por tan buena explicacion ademas de verse muy bonito, gracias

  7. Lisa, I would cut the log in the winter, and leave it for a year, depending on the diameter, maybe longer. This gives the wood time to season, and the rounds should not crack. But when working with wood one never knows. I do this with basswood for people who paint and do wood burning, pyrography. Seems to work well. I agree with using the chain saw to cut the rounds. Much safer than the bandsaw. I would also use a scroll saw to cut the centre, as a forstener bit is very aggressive and will move the wood piece unless held down tightly using clamps.

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