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 Driftwood  by Rex Rothing


SOLD OUT- until further notice

 

 

Driftwood floats in on many shorelines of the world in two different forms. One type of driftwood is wood that has been sawn into boards, the other is wood that is in its natural round shape. Driftwood boards are human trash. Driftwood trees, branches, and roots are natural occurences from storms, floods, and tidal erosions. In many areas where coastal shores are protected by marine sanctuaries and national parks it may be illegal to remove natural driftwood since it becomes part of the ecosystem. However, in most areas that receive driftwoods in the form of human trash, collecting these boards is encouraged to clean up the environment. Also, making driftwood picture frames from flat stock is by far easier than round stock.

 

How can I make a driftwood frame? Making a driftwood picture frame.

 

Where does this wood come from?  The driftwood boards that float to shore can come from several sources. Storms and floods can send houses out to sea from island and coastal shores. Boats that sink often break up and float around. And mostly, dunnage is often dumped off ships at sea. Wood that is used to stack and stabilize cargo is called dunnage and when the dunnage is no longer needed, off it goes!

 

How does it get the worm holes?  The wood may drift in the ocean currents for weeks or months and travel many miles around the world before it comes to land. During this time at sea the wood is attacked by Teredo worms, often called ship's worms. These worms attach themselves as small larvae and grow in size as they bore into the wood. Softer woods can be almost completely consumed in a matter of time while hardwoods and woods that reach land sooner are less wormy. The worms die when the wood dries out of the water. After too much time on land, carpenter ants and termites might be also making holes. It is important for the driftwood picture frame maker to be able to recognize the difference between teredo worms and termites. The ship's worms leave a calcium shell deposited in the wood and they bore into the wood getting bigger as they go, usually across the grain. The termites bore tunnels up and down the grain and leave small hard pellets behind. Carpenter ants usually excavate a small area and they will scare off when you shake the board.

 

How do you pick a good driftwood board?  The best boards will have a nice wormy look, a sun bleached gray color, grain or knots that are raised or weathered, few or no nails, tar, or seaweed muck, and have straight edges and flat areas. The board should not be cupped, bowed, warped, or twisted. Most boards will have some good areas so the trick is to be able to quickly judge whether the board is good for something or good for nothing. Good for nothing boards are better left on the beach since they would be a waste of time to collect and keep. Most boards will also have faults that can be cut out when used. Some boards might be too funky for a picture frame but might make a nice nautical looking sign. A good board is one that the beholder likes and can use. One piece that does not suit me might be the perfect find for you. 

 

How do you collect driftwood? I find that it is best to have a motorized canoe or skiff and to cruise the shorelines on a rising tide. If the boat can be close to shore you will spot the best wood, then as you turn around you pick the wood up returning home on the falling tide. Another way is to walk the beach at low tide and put boards in piles to return with a boat at high tide. It all depends on your location and type of environment. Another way is to paddle in a raft or dingy to collect, and then out to load on bigger boat waiting offshore. Some places you can just drive a truck to the beach and load it directly.

 

Can I buy Driftwood boards cut to order? Yes, At WoodShop 102 we sell driftwood cut to order. It can be made into picture frames, signs, gift ideas, and small projects. It should be noted that we do not always have a good selection of driftwoods. The wide and long boards always seem to sell first. No two boards are the same size, color, or texture. Sometimes the weather is not condusive to collecting wood for weeks at a time. Some collecting days are more productive than others. Generally the farther you go from populated areas the better chance of finding good wood that other collectors have not picked over, however, the farther you go, the longer the day, and the less you can carry back easily. So, we can always take your order, but we can not always promise a delivery date.

 

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Before you call or email about driftwood, please read at least the first paragraph of this article!

 

I am SOLD OUT of driftwood boards; I DO NOT have branches, roots, tree trunks, or logs.

 

The driftwood I have is suitable for picture framing.

 

If you are looking for rustic rough sawn weathered wood, I have some native hardwoods available. These woods are suitable for paintings and sign making.

 

 

Driftwoods of the Florida Keys comes in the shape of boards.

 

No two pieces are the same size, color, or texture.

 

We are SOLD OUT of Driftwood boards. We do not expect to get more anytime soon.

 

When the day comes with a rising morning tide,

and little or no easterly winds,

and I am not overloaded with work or chores,

and the mosquitoes are not bad

and it it not too cold, or broiling hot outside, or pouring down rain,

It will be the perfect day to travel by sea canoe 30 or so miles up and down the coast

and walk in the muck and climb thru the mangrove roots and trees

and I will fetch what driftwoods I can find,

and clean them of seaweed and mud

and let them dry in the Sun.

When that day comes, I will have more driftwood.

and the supply will usually meet the demand for a few months

and the day will come again when I go fetch driftwood.