A countertop live edge is a popular style of countertop that incorporates the natural edge and shape of a tree trunk or log. These countertops are usually made by planing and cutting off the exterior surface of the log to reveal the interior grain and texture of the wood underneath.
The live edge is left intact to lend an organic and rustic feel to the countertop. Live edge countertops are especially popular in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas due to their beauty, natural flexibility, and limited quantity.
The unique characteristics of each piece strongly contrasts with a traditional countertop style, creating a very distinctive look that is sure to stand out.
How thick should a live edge countertop be?
Depending on the desired look, the thickness of a live edge countertop should range from 1.5″ to 4”, with an average of around 2.5”. The size of the tree will determine the width and length of the countertop, but the thickness can be adjusted depending on the desired look and function.
In some instances, the thickness can be as thick as 6”. For a live edge countertop, the variation in thickness around the edge should never be more than 1”. A slab with a thicker edge will look more natural and rustic, while a thinner edge will create a sleeker, modern look.
When making a live edge countertop, safety is also an important consideration, so countertops should be kept at a minimum thickness of 1.5” to ensure they are structurally sound and safe to use in the kitchen.
How do you keep Live Edge wood from splitting?
To help prevent the live edge wood from splitting, it is important to properly season and store the wood in a dry and airy space. Make sure to seal the edges of the wood with a finish to help protect it from moisture.
You can also use a sealant along the cracks and seams to help prevent cracking and splitting of the wood, as well as adding wax to the surface to help preserve the wood and give it extra protection. If the wood is still being worked on, it is important to keep it out of direct sunlight and keep it from excessively drying out.
You may also want to consider steaming the wood for a few minutes to make it easier to work with. Additionally, you can use wooden dowels to help control any cracking and splitting that sometimes occurs.
Lastly, use sandpaper along the edges if splitting occurs to help smooth out any splitting and make sure to be gentle with the wood during the entire process.
Should I remove bark from live edge?
Removing bark from a live edge is largely a matter of personal preference and depends on the look you are trying to achieve. If you are looking for a rustic, natural look, then removing the bark may be the way to go.
If you want to retain the natural beauty of the tree, however, then you may choose to leave the bark on the live edge.
In either case, it is important to consider the type of wood used. Wood like Oak and Ash tend to be tough with bark that’s difficult to remove. Other woods, like Cherry and Maple, tend to have bark that’s much easier to separate from the wood.
If you opt to remove the bark, there are a few methods that can help. For example, you can put the wood in a skip and cover it for several days. This will cause the bark to loosen and eventually come off.
You can also use special tools or chemicals, such as a palm sander or paint stripper, to help you remove the bark from the wood.
Ultimately, removing bark from a live edge is a matter of preference. Consider the type of wood, the look you’re going for, and decide which method works best for you.
What can I do with live edge slabs?
Live edge slabs can be used in a variety of ways to give a unique, natural aesthetic to any home or commercial space. Depending on the size, they can be used as a tabletop, countertop, desk, or shelf.
Live edge tables are especially popular in dining rooms, providing a warm and rustic feel. Live edge kitchen islands and countertops can turn a kitchen into a beautiful and unique centerpiece. For living areas, shelves and mantles are perfect for displaying knick knacks and decor.
For commercial spaces, such as hotels and restaurants, live edge countertops make a great statement piece. Beyond these applications, live edge slabs can also be used as wall art, serving trays, or a unique headboard.
The possibilities are truly endless!.
How do you apply epoxy on live edge wood?
Applying epoxy to live edge wood is a fairly straightforward process, but it’s important to ensure that you take all necessary precautions to ensure a successful application. To begin, you’ll need to properly prepare the wood.
This should include lightly sanding the surface with an abrasive paper to ensure a consistent surface. After sanding, clean the surface of the wood with a TSP solution or denatured alcohol to remove any dirt, dust, or oils that may be present.
Once you’re sure the wood is clean and dry, you can apply the epoxy. Epoxy should be applied using a foam brush, roller, or specialty epoxy applicator. Work the epoxy into the wood in an even, consistent fashion, paying special attention to areas where knots, cracks, or other irregularities can occur.
Take your time with this step to ensure that you’ve properly covered the entire surface.
Once you’ve completed the initial application of epoxy, it’s important to let the epoxy cure completely before continuing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long the epoxy should cure for best results.
After the epoxy has cured, you may want to sand down the surface of the wood to create a consistent finish.
Finally, you can finish the piece. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can stain or paint the wood or simply apply a topcoat of epoxy. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you plan on applying a topcoat, and make sure that you let the topcoat properly cure before applying any additional finishes.
What to use to seal laminate countertops?
When sealing laminate countertops, you should use a sealant specifically designed for laminates, such as laminate sealant or a sealant designed for hard surfaces. It is important to prepare the countertop before you apply the sealant.
Make sure to clean the countertop with a mild cleaner and water and then allow it to dry completely before sealing. Once the countertop is dry, apply the sealant using a foam roller, making sure to cover all exposed surfaces and paying special attention to seams and corners.
You may need to apply an additional coat of sealant to really lock in the seal. Once the sealant has dried, you can buff it to a shine, if desired.
What is the wood for live edge table?
The wood used for making live edge tables can vary depending on the look you wish to achieve. Some popular wood selections include walnut, oak, cherry, maple, mahogany, and ash. Each type of wood has its own unique look that can really add to the overall aesthetic of the live edge table.
Hardwood species like walnut and oak are some of the best options due to their strength and durability, while softer woods like pine, cedar, and poplar tend to be a bit more affordable. The type of wood chosen also affects the color and texture of the finished look, so make sure to select the type of wood based on the desired aesthetic.
Additionally, pick a wood that is both aesthetically pleasing and will hold up for years to come.
What are live edge tables made of?
Live edge tables are typically made from slabs of wood that retain the natural, external shape of the tree. The bark is left on, adding another dimension of beauty to the table. While many live edge tables are made from the typical woods such as maple, oak and walnut, some tables are made from rare and unique woods such as poplar, pecan, cherry and even exotic woods from around the world.
Depending on the type of wood used, the characteristics and patterns of woods vary.
Live edge tables are often finished with multiple coats of polymerized tung oil, a sealer which protects the natural finish of the wood and prevents unwanted warping and cracking. While this will not totally waterproof the table, it will defend it against everyday elements.
Some live edge tables are also finished with a protective wax, which both cleans and polishes the surface while offering additional protection. To achieve the best result, the skilled craftsman needs to have the experience and the right tools to finish the piece of art – the table.
How do you anchor a bar top?
To anchor a bar top, you will need to attach it securely to the frame below it. This can be done using a variety of methods, depending on what materials your bar is made of. For example, if your bartop is made of a solid material like stone, granite, or concrete, you may wish to use epoxy to set it in place.
This creates a permanent and secure connection between the top and the frame.
Alternatively, if your bar is made of a lighter material such as wood, you can use screws, bolts, and washers to attach the top securely to the frame. Make sure to use appropriate screws that match the material of your bar and the right length so that they go all the way through both the top and the frame.
If instructions are available, consult them carefully and make sure the bar top is fully attached.
In some cases, you may need to build in additional supports, such as wooden frames with cross bracing and screws, before actually attaching the bar top. This is usually the case if the bar is made of heavy material.
Finally, make sure to inspect your bar regularly, looking for any signs of wear or damage. Make sure the screws and bolts remain secure, and that the bar top is level. With proper anchoring and maintenance, your bar top should remain securely attached for many years.
How do you attach wood countertops to cabinets?
Attaching wood countertops to cabinets is an easy job that requires basic carpentry and home repair skills. The most common way to attach wood countertops to cabinets is to use countertop mounting L brackets.
The first step is to measure and mark the cabinet where the L bracket will be installed. Next, use a magnetic stud finder to locate wall studs on the side of the cabinet (in the same spot you marked previously).
Once the studs are located, use a drill bit to make a pilot hole for the screws that will go into the cabinet. Following instructions for the L bracket, insert a metal anchor into the hole and then attach the bracket to the wall studs.
Then, just set the countertop onto the mounting brackets and enjoy the new look.
