Hollowing Out An Old Tree Stump? Be Sure To Reach For These Tools

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Hollowing out an old tree stump may sound like a simple task, but it can be quite a big undertaking, especially if you don't have the right tools for the job. Many people would rather hide the eyesore of a tree stump without removing it, as it is often more affordable and makes for a unique yard feature. However, the project may not be as cost effective as you might think if you don't have the right tools on hand. To get the job done, you'll most likely need a mix of tools, including a drill with specific bits, a chainsaw, and chisels. While you can choose your tools based on what you have at your disposal, particularly if you want to make the project budget friendly, there are important safety considerations for each hollowing method.

Before you pick out your tools, you'll want to learn how to identify if the tree stumps in your yard can be hollowed out. Most commonly, people choose to hollow out tree stumps to turn them into planters or bird baths, but there are countless projects that could benefit from a hollow stump. Each project may require a different toolkit, and the exact tools you need depend on factors such as the softness of the wood and the depth you plan to hollow out.

Depending on how handy you are with a chainsaw, you may not need a significant number of tools, though you may still need something to sand down the inside of the stump. Working with a chainsaw can be dangerous without the proper protection and careful handling. If your project requires a flat top, you will need to use a chainsaw to level off the surface at the very least. You can use it after that to continue the hollowing process, which is ideal for hardwood projects, but be mindful of safety.

It's best to work with a wet stump to soften the wood, making it easier to work with. Starting the process with a chainsaw is the fastest and most effective method of hollowing out a tree stump, but it is also the most difficult to get right. Start in the middle of the stump and work your way toward the edge in small sections. As you move outward, you may want to change to chisels to finish the edges and avoid accidentally coming through.

If you don't want to use a chainsaw for the hollowing process, you can try using a drill. There are several DIYers who have tried to hollow out stumps with regular drill bits and had little success. So, you'll want to look at METOTY Auger Drill Bits, which are designed for tree stump boring. Drill holes at a 45-degree angle toward the center of the tree stump. Then, chip away the remaining wood with a chisel or a carving gouge from the ATOPLEE Wood Chisel Set. You will need a hammer to work effectively with the chisel.

While the average cost of tree stump removal is over $300, there is no way to determine the average cost of DIY tree hollowing. Determining your budget will depend on the project and the tools you already own. If you start with absolutely nothing, you can expect to pay at least $440 to get the minimum equipment necessary to complete the job, assuming you purchase all these tools and equipment.

Chainsaws can range from around $200 to several thousand dollars, but for occasional use, you are most likely fine with a $200 model. A drill that can handle an auger bit will range from $80 to over $1,000. An auger bit set costs about $35, but you can get a single auger bit for around $10. A chisel costs about $15, which is about the same cost as a basic carving gouge set. A hammer can cost under $10 if you're not picky about the brand.

In addition to tools, you will need safety equipment. At a minimum, you will need a hard hat, safety glasses, safety boots, gloves, and ear protection. A hard hat costs about $10 for a standard model or around $35 for a forestry service model. Safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection cost about $10 to $15 each. Safety boots can range in price from about $70 to over $500.

Keep in mind that there are other alternatives to hollowing out a stump that still allow you to turn it into a stunning yard feature. For example, if your goal is to make a planter, but you find out that your stump is rotted, you may be better off repurposing a tree stump into a beautiful succulent garden instead.