Live edge décor, which celebrates the natural, rustic charm of wood, is still very much on trend and doesn’t seem to be going out of style anytime soon. Despite the rising popularity of sleek modern design, many people continue to fall in love with the beauty and unique character of live edge furniture and accessories.
These days, live edge décor is showing up in all sorts of spaces, no matter the aesthetic, and the trend has become far less limited and more malleable. We’re seeing live edge pieces work in contemporary, minimalist, and even glamorous settings.
Meanwhile, woodworkers are managing to make more modern pieces with live edge detailing, like dining tables with glass tops and floating nightstands.
Since trends come and go, it’s hard to predict the future of live edge décor. However, given the breadth of interpretations of the style and its staying power, it’s reasonable to assume that many design aficionados will continue to favor live edge for years to come.
Is a live edge table Modern?
Live edge tables can be modern, depending on the design and style of the table. Live edge tables are typically made with a slab of wood with a natural edge, providing a unique and rustic look in a contemporary setting.
To give a live edge table a more modern feel, use an organic shape, lighter or darker shades of wood, and pair with complementary furniture pieces. Adding metal furniture legs or steel accents can also help provide an updated look.
Depending on how you choose to decorate with your live edge table, it can fit seamlessly in a modern aesthetic.
Are river tables still popular?
Yes, river tables are still popular and have only grown in popularity over the last few years. River tables usually have a wood slab tabletop combined with a glass or epoxy river element that runs through it.
The effect of the natural edges and texture of the wood, combined with the flow of the epoxy element, gives the table a unique, contemporary look. However, due to their nontraditional design, river tables can often be quite expensive, but their stunning look and one-of-a-kind appeal are worth the price.
Despite their cost, many people are fans of the unique look that these tables offer and their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. Additionally, an increasing number of DIYers are creating their own river tables, allowing for more creativity and unique crafting of these amazing pieces of furniture.
Why is live edge so popular?
Live edge is a very popular style of woodworking and furniture making due to its unique and natural aesthetic. Live edge furniture has a distinct look as the natural shape of the wood is left intact, often featuring bark and wood grain that follows along the edges and contour of the material.
This gives each piece a truly one of a kind look and feel. Live edge furniture also perfectly blends the outside world with the indoors and often evokes a sense of nature, wildness, and connection to the natural world.
Using the edge of the wood in its natural state also helps to highlight and celebrate the beauty of its imperfections, knots, and other natural characteristics. Additionally, the use of live edge wood adds personality, character, and warmth to any room without detracting from other design elements.
Finally, live edge furniture is often seen as more sustainable as it requires no additional material processing than what nature has already done.
What design style is a live edge table?
A live edge table is a type of furniture design characterized by its natural, unfinished edges. It uses the natural shape and texture of the wood, utilizing the natural edge of a tree trunk or its branches.
This style of table oozes with character and texture, gathering up a unique beauty that only nature can provide. With their raw, natural forms, they can easily become the center of attention in any room.
Live edge tables used to be crafted mainly from rustic timber found in nature, but today artists and designers often use exotic woods. Live edge tables are typically finished with multiple coats of protective sealers and wax treatments, giving it a natural look without compromising the wood’s longevity.
Some select pieces are even finished with an epoxy resin for an eye-catching, modern look with a glass-like finish. No matter what type of wood it is crafted from, the result of a live edge table is something truly remarkable.
Can you leave bark on a live edge table?
Yes, you can leave bark on a live edge table. Unlike finished pieces of furniture, live edge tables feature a rustic aesthetic that allows natural elements – like the bark – to be showcased. If you want to add even more of a character to your table, then leaving the bark on is a great choice.
By leaving the bark on, you will be able to see and appreciate the unique beauty of its texture and color. Plus, bark provides an interesting contrast between the natural wood grain of the table. It’s important to note that in order to keep the bark attached and healthy, you should ensure that your table is receiving the appropriate moisture and humidity levels.
It’s also a great idea to give it a light sanding to help remove the dust and dirt, and to use a sealant to help protect the table from any messes that could damage the bark.
Why is epoxy a big trend in wood working?
Epoxy is becoming increasingly popular in woodworking due to the range of benefits it provides to both amateur and professional woodworkers alike. Epoxy is often used to create strong bonding between two types of materials and can also be used to fill cracks and holes.
Moreover, it is used to create waterproof barriers and to protect wood from the elements. It is also extremely strong and impact resistant, making it an ideal choice for wood working projects that require durability.
With epoxy, you can dramatically improve the strength and longevity of any woodworking project. In addition, epoxy gives wood surfaces an additional protective layer, which can help protect against damage or staining.
Lastly, epoxy is widely available in a variety of colors, giving you endless possibilities as to how you can customize your woodworking projects.
What can I use instead of table legs?
Table legs are an important part of a table, as they provide support and stability for the table. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional table legs, consider using stilts, sawhorses, trestles, a tree trunk, or an old table with a sturdy top.
Stilts are a great option as they can be easily adjustable with a turn of a knob or screw. Sawhorses, too, are adjustable and easy to use. Trestles are a more decorative option that can help to give the table some interesting architectural appeal.
If you’re looking for a more creative alternative, a tree trunk can work as a great leg for a rustic table, while an old table with a sturdy top can easily be flipped over and used as the base for a new piece.
At the end of the day, the choice of table leg is a matter of personal preference. No matter what you choose, make sure that the leg is strong and stable enough to support your table.
How do you make a simple base for a table?
Making a simple base for a table involves assembling four pieces of wood to form a rectangle. The four pieces should be of equal length, width, and thickness, and their edges should be cut to match perfectly.
Start by making sure the pieces are secured together and that each corner is square and true. One way to do this is to place two of the pieces flat on the floor. Line up the pieces’ edges with a straightedge or chalk line, and apply wood glue between them.
Place the other two pieces at each end of the two horizontal pieces and secure them together with brads. Once the glue and brads have dried, the table base is finished. For additional support, some people add braces from the legs to the upper sides of the base.
With the base assembled, a tabletop can then be attached to complete the table.
How do you make cheap table legs?
Making cheap table legs is a relatively simple and inexpensive project. First, you will need to gather some basic supplies such as wood for the legs, screws, and screws. You can purchase wood from most home improvement stores, and screws from a local hardware store.
To begin, measure the desired length of the legs and cut the wood accordingly with a saw. Next, use the screws, preferably L-shaped screws that are designed to attach furniture to the wood, to attach the legs to the table.
When attaching the legs, make sure the screws are placed far enough away from the edges of the wood so that they will not be seen when the table is finished.
To finish the table legs, use a sealant such as a polyurethane sealant or a varnish to help protect the wood from weather damage. Additionally, you can also paint or stain the legs to give them a unique look.
Once you have the legs attached, you can get creative with the design and add a few special touches. You can use decorative hardware, such as knobs or handles, to spruce up the table legs. You can even paint the legs to give a more finished look.
By following these steps you can create budget-friendly table legs. Just keep in mind that it may take some trial and error to find the perfect size and type of screws, wood, and sealant to use for your project.
What do you put on live edges?
Live edges are a unique style of woodworking that involves leaving the natural, irregular edges of a piece of wood visible and incorporating them into the overall design. This gives the piece an organic and rustic look that can add interesting visual appeal to furniture and other decorative items.
For indoor pieces, a sealer can be used to bring out the grain of the wood while also providing a layer of protection. If a glossy look is desired, a lacquer or polyurethane can be used. For outdoor pieces, a stain or a weatherproof oil can be used to protect against moisture and preserve the natural look of the wood.
Additionally, metal accents can be added to give the piece a modern touch. Examples include metal inlays or large decorated screws or bolts on the edges of the wood.
How do you treat a live edge slab?
Treating a live edge slab is a process that involves various steps and can take quite a bit of time. The first step is to clean the slab. Use a wire brush to remove any dirt, debris, or other contaminants on the slab.
This should be done both before and after any sanding that is done on the slab.
After the slab is clean, you can start to sand it down. Start by using 180 grit sandpaper on a palm or belt sander to remove any rough or jagged edges. Once this is done, use a finer grit sandpaper such as 220 grit or higher to finish out the sanding process.
Make sure to go over the entire slab with the sandpaper, as this will help to make it as smooth and even as possible.
Once the slab is sanded and looks smooth, you can start to apply a finish to the wood. Generally, a water-based polyurethane or penetrating oil is used for live edge slabs. Both finishes are great options, but the polyurethane option tends to be more durable and last a bit longer.
When applying the finish, use a foam brush to get an even and consistent look over the entire slab.
After the finish is dry, you’ll want to further protect the slab. Adding a polycrylic or lacquer topcoat over the polyurethane is a great choice and will really bring out the natural beauty of the wood.
It will also add an extra level of protection to ensure that your slab lasts for years to come.
Finally, if you want to add a bit of extra character to the slab, you can stain the wood. Staining can help to improve the color, grain, and overall look of the slab. Make sure that you use a compatible stain for the type of finish on the slab, and apply it evenly across the entire surface.
These steps should help you to properly and successfully treat a live edge slab. It’s important to pay attention to all the small details during the process and to practice patience. Taking the time to do this will ensure that your live edge slab looks its best.
How do you keep Live Edge wood from splitting?
Keeping Live Edge wood from splitting can be achieved in several ways.
First, make sure to choose lumber that was properly handled and kiln-dried. This will reduce the chances of warping, cracking or splitting due to moisture issues. If you’re not sure whether the wood is kiln-dried or not, you can seal the surface with a water repellent sealant or wax before sanding it to further reduce the risk of splitting.
Second, regularly inspect the wood for any signs of warping or splitting, and address them as soon as possible. Living in a dry climate can cause wood to shrink and crack, so be sure to pay extra attention in this situation.
Finally, always use proper lumber with the right type and weight for the application. Make sure your screws, nails and other fasteners are suitable for the type of wood you’re using. Lighter woods, such as pine, tend to be more prone to splitting, so heavier screws and predrilled holes can be beneficial.
Whats the difference between shellac and polyurethane?
Shellac and polyurethane are both materials used to protect furniture surfaces and other wooden objects. However, they have some very important differences.
Shellac is a type of resin that is derived from the Lac bug, which is found in India and Thailand. It has been used to protect wood surfaces for many years and is still widely used today. Shellac creates a thin, hard film on surfaces, which provides protection from minor scratches, water and dirt.
It is known for its beauty, providing a warm amber tone and a deep, glossy finish. However, it is not particularly resistant to heat, solvents or chemicals, making it a poor choice for areas where these may come into contact with the surface.
Polyurethane is a plastic material made from synthetic materials. It provides more protection than shellac, due to its high resistance to heat, solvents and chemicals. It also provides a very tough, durable and water-resistant surface.
However, it does not have the same warm, amber tone that shellac does and tends to have a more matte finish.
In terms of application, shellac is applied with a cloth or brush, while polyurethane is sprayed on or brushed on. Additionally, shellac needs to be applied every 6 months to a year depending on the environment while polyurethane lasts up to 3 years and can be easily renewed with minimal labor.
Ultimately, the choice between shellac and polyurethane comes down to the intended use. If a surface isn’t going to be exposed to heat, solvents, and chemicals, shellac provides a beautiful finish, with less time and effort required for maintenance.
However, if protection from the elements is paramount, polyurethane is a better choice due its superior durability.
What does polyurethane do to stained wood?
Polyurethane is a type of protective sealant that can be applied to stained wood to help preserve the color and design of the wood. It acts as a barrier to protect the wood from wear and tear, water damage, and dirt.
Applying a polyurethane sealant on stained wood will help to seal the wood, while allowing the underlying wood to still be visible and the stain to be more pronounced. It will help to add extra strength and durability to the wood, so it is less prone to damages and discoloration.
Additionally, the added protection allows your furniture to last longer, and maintain its original color and design. Polyurethane sealants can also help to make stained wood more resistant to fading and other discoloration, so your stained wood furniture will stay looking newer, longer.
