You can't just turn that into dimensional lumber and build something. You'd need to have it milled to a rough size, and then find somewhere that will carefully kiln dry it for you. Afterwards it would need to be re-sawn and planed to get flat boards. Alternatively, you could have it milled and sticker it and let it air dry, but this would take several years before it stabilized and got to the right moisture content. It's a nice idea, but, for your near-term project, it will be more complex, time-consuming and expensive than you might expect, and, unfortunately, I think it is problematic and not really practical.

Well it is in no way ready for any use until it has been kiln dried so find out where it can be cut into slabs and kiln dried then go looking for someone to fabricate it. I do agree probablt not worth the time and money to do it.

Thanks for your input. I'm still undecided about whether I will use that tree for my project but it is beginning to sound like too much work. Maybe I'll just do the shelves. However, since I've posted this question, I've learned a few things and want to share in case another sentimental soul stumbles on this thread looking for guidance.

1. A good place to find a person to come to your location is woodmizer.com You can search your state for people with portable sawmills. The search feature allows you to see who will travel, who can handle large diameter wood, who has a kiln etc.

2. My cabinet maker said he could put a temporary, inexpensive countertop on the buffet if the remodel job was done before the buffet countertop was ready. Then they would install the one made from the tree later. An added cost, of course, but keep that in mind as an option if you really want to go this route.

3. One of the sawmills I talked to said they can use an express kiln to shorten the duration of the drying time required. I have no idea about the quality of express kilned wood, but it would be an option worth exploring.

4. Another good place to look for information is an extension program of a nearby university. Here is a link for Purdue University https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/area-of-interest/wood-products/ and Ohio State https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/F-73-12

Thanks again for your input.

Michelle-

Good info you provided for others. And good luck with your project regardless of what you choose to do.

Very late update but I thought I'd put the final product here for anyone who is interested in this process in the future. We love the shelves, table, and buffet top. It was even more beautiful than we expected.

Fabulous. So many trees go to waste. I'm one of the few people who collect them and saw them into boards so things can be made out of them.

That's very expensive wood to buy at a retail hardwood dealer, so enjoy the heck out of it!