How to Debark Cedar

How to Debark Cedar
Written By
Justin Mikulka
Justin Mikulka
Published: Mar 21, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Peeling spud
  • Sawhorse
  • Bungee cord
  • Saw
  • Gloves

While it is possible to debark logs with any manner of woodworking tools, a peeling spud that has been designed specifically for this task is recommended.

  1. Place one end of the cedar log on the sawhorse and one end on the ground. Secure the log to the sawhorse by tightly wrapping the bungee cord around the log and the sawhorse.

  2. Use the saw to cut any remaining branches on the log as close to the surface of the log as possible.

  3. Stand over the log and grasp the spud handle with both hands. Use the edge of the spud to slice into a section of the bark. Insert the blade into the slice and work the blade underneath the cedar bark to the wood surface. Push forward along the length of the log in the direction of the sawhorse. Continue peeling until the bark tears free from the log. Insert the spud blade under the edge of the remaining bark and repeat this process until all of the bark has been removed from the cedar log.

References

Tips

It is much easier to debark log when they have just been harvested, ideally in the spring. Debarking a dry cedar log is much more difficult than debarking a log that was just cut and is still full of sap.

Photo Credits

Photos.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Photos.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Justin Mikulka

Justin Mikulka has been writing for marketing, public relations and online marketing companies since 2000. Prior to this experience he worked in marketing and engineering for a Fortune 500 company. He graduated from Cornell University with…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.