All of our log fixtures are made from a variety of northern pine trees. There are properties that are unique to log fixtures and furniture that you should know about before purchasing. All of our logs are small diameter trees. Because we use the whole tree in our products, the logs may have cracks or checks. This is a natural phenomenon that is part of the drying process of the logs. As our logs dry the wood shrinks in length, width and radially around the heart of the tree. As tension develops in the wood due to shrinkage, the log splits to relieve tension. These splits or cracks are known as “checks” in the log and are visible in many of the posts of our fixtures. All logs that contain the heart of the tree will develop the lengthwise cracks or checks and the check will not go deeper than the heart. Consequently, the structural integrity of the log is compromised very little. The checks are natural and part of the beauty and character of our furniture and fixtures.