Synopsis: Using methods learned years ago from his mentor, Jennie Alexander, Peter Follansbee builds a post-and-rung stool with a hickory-bark seat that is designed to stand the test of time. Learn how he rives the parts from a log to get continuous, straight grain. Then see how wet/dry joinery ensures super-strong construction.

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Making furniture from green wood can be intimidating at first. Never mind riving out the parts from a log, people used to getting stock from the lumberyard often get spooked by the idea of their wood shrinking as it dries. Truth be told, though, you can use this shrinkage to your advantage by making joints that lock together tightly. I learned this building method from Jennie Alexander, my friend and mentor, who used it for her post-and-rung stools and chairs. If done right, this method lets you construct light, strong furniture that will easily stand the test…