How to make a DIY cracked log lamp
A decorative cracked log lamp makes an eye-catching stool or side table. Why not follow our DIY instructions to create your own?
11.02.2025
The plunge cutting technique
Before you start on your DIY cracked log lantern, read our tips on the plunge cutting technique to make sure everything goes smoothly and safely.
Use a sharpened saw chain
A sharpened saw chain makes plunge cutting easier.
Use a low-kickback chain
There is an increased risk of kickback when using the plunge cutting technique. Use a low-kickback chain to reduce this risk. Always follow the safety instructions in the operating manual, and only use this technique if you are familiar with it.
Use a sawhorse
The powerful forces when plunge cutting can cause lighter sawhorses to fall over. Fasten your log to a solid, heavy sawhorse.
DIY cracked log lamp: preparation
This rustic design is great in the garden and makes an eye-catching home accessory. The cracked wood log lamp DIY project takes approximately one day.
DIY cracked log lamp: What wood should I use?
- Coniferous wood is ideal for this DIY log lamp because it’s softer and easier to carve.
- Choose an older log that already has some cracks.
- The log you choose should be straight, without any branches or forks.
- Remove the bark before you begin your project.
Cracked wood makes a unique and charming lamp: Wood cracks naturally as it dries. These unique natural features create interesting patterns in your DIY wooden lamp, which you can exaggerate with your chainsaw. If your log doesn’t have any dry cracks, cut some light slits with your chainsaw after you remove the core of the log.
Protective equipment: designed to keep you safe
Using powerful tools in your DIY projects is fun and means you can extend your abilities, which is great as long as you are relying on effective and safe protective clothing while using them. Always wear personal protective equipment when working with your chainsaw. This includes a helmet, cut protection trousers, safety boots, and more. The owners manual for your product contains more details. Fully familiarise yourself with the tool before you use your chainsaw for the first time, and check it is in flawless condition before each use. On request, your STIHL dealer will be happy to prepare your tool for its first use, and will also advise you on models and sizes of protective clothing that you can try at your leisure. Please remember that personal protective equipment is no substitute for safe working techniques.
DIY cracked log lamp: materials
Wood
- A log of your chosen size, with bark removed
Tools
- STIHL chainsaw
- Metre ruler
- Chalk and pencil
- Angle grinder
- Sawhorse
Light source
- LED fairy lights suitable for outdoor use
Full DIY power
The right chainsaw for building your lamp
STIHL cordless chainsaws feature narrow chains and guide bars, making them ideal for this project. Cordless power tools are particularly quiet and emissions-free. Use low-kickback saw chains, included as standard with the chainsaws that we recommend here.
DIY cracked log lamp: step-by-step instructions
With the preparation complete, it’s time to start making your DIY wooden log lamp.
DIY log lamp overview
- Fix the log to a sturdy sawhorse using a chain or tensioning belt.
- Draw a square on the end face of the log. This will be removed, so leave enough wood around the edges to ensure that your DIY wooden lampshade will be stable.
- Mark a point on the chainsaw guide bar with your pencil, at approximately 25 cm, so you can plunge cut to the same depth every time.
- As you cut each side of the square, angle the tip of the guide bar into the log at approximately 45°, to remove a pyramid-shaped piece of wood.
- Take care not to damage the outer edges of the wood as you work.
- Remove your DIY cracked wooden lamp from the sawhorse.
- Measure the deepest point of the hollow space inside the log using your ruler.
- Add 3 to 5 cm to this length and mark it on the outside of the log.
- Cut your cracked log lamp to size using the chainsaw.
- Hold the saw straight and cut straight across the wood.
- Fix the lamp to the sawhorse with a chain or tensioning belt.
- Use the chainsaw to carefully deepen and widen the dry cracks, cutting through to the middle of the wooden lamp.
- Saw the cracks down to the tensioning belt. You can also add new cuts: a total of four to six cuts for the light to shine through are ideal, depending on the thickness of the tree trunk and your personal taste.
- You could add mitre cuts around the top of the lamp to round off the edges.
- Use an angle grinder to smooth the edges of the wood and the light slits. Using high-quality sandpaper is an alternative.
- Your lamp does not need treating if it is for outdoor use.
- Treat your lamp with hard wax oil if it is for indoor use.
- Place fairy lights inside the lamp to light it up. Use weather-resistant and water-resistant fairy lights for outdoors.
- Use a plug safety box to protect the plug socket for the power supply against the elements.
Making the lamp stable: To make your DIY wooden log lamp more stable, saw a small channel into the base for the cable to run through. This makes it safer and ensures your lamp can stand up straight.
Summary: make a DIY cracked log lamp
- Select a suitable log and remove the bark
- Prepare your chainsaw and tools
- Always wear personal protective equipment as specified in the owners manuals for your tool
- Fasten your log to a sawhorse with a chain or tensioning belt
- Mark a square in the end face of your log
- Remove a pyramid-shaped piece from the log using your chainsaw
- Deepen the cracks to form light slits and make mitre cuts
- You can cut a small recess for the power supply if necessary
- Smooth the edges of the wood with an angle grinder or sandpaper and treat the wood with wax
- Place fairy lights inside the lamp, and enjoy!
