How to Make a Canoe With Everyday Materials

Throughout history, canoes have been popular vessels for travel, fishing, hunting and recreational purposes. With one large log and a few simple tools, anyone can create her own canoe to paddle on any lake or river. Check out books on Native American history to learn what shapes were best for canoes before you start.

Things You'll Need

  • Log (pine, cedar or redwood)
  • Chalk
  • Axe
  • Adze
  • Saw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide what shape you want your canoe to be, and make a sketch.

    • 2

      Cut down a tree, or buy a log that is several inches larger in diameter than you want your finished canoe to be. It should have as few defects as possible. Pine, cedar or redwood work best.

    • 3

      Remove any branches, and cut the log to the desired length. De-bark the log with an axe or adze.

    • 4

      Draw an outline of your planned canoe on the log in chalk.

    • 5

      Cut into the wood every 6 inches, perpendicular to the length of the log. Use the axe to Split out cut sections with the axe to create a flat bottom. Turn the log over and do the same to create the canoe.

    • 6

      Cut away any wood that is not needed with the axe, adze or saw if necessary.

    • 7

      Shape the ends of the canoe with the saw according to the chalk outline to form the bow and stern.

    • 8

      Make shallow cuts across the grain in the center of the top where you will sit. Split out the wood with the axe. Finish and smooth the area with the adze after most of the wood has been removed.