Live edge wood is wood that is used in its raw, natural form. It is wood that is cut directly from a tree that still retains its edge or bark. This type of wood is not typically sanded smooth but instead has an organic, natural shape that includes bumps, exposed bark and unique curves.
Live edge wood is becoming increasingly popular in furniture designs and is used to create rustic, natural-looking tables, cabinets and more. The wood may be sealed to help preserve its raw look, or left untouched so that its natural beauty is evident in the furniture piece.
Live edge wood adds a unique, one of a kind character to any space and can help to create a truly stunning, natural-looking piece of furniture.
How thick should my live edge table be?
When choosing the thickness of your live edge table, it is important to take into account the size and shape of the space where the table will be placed, as well as what you will use the table for. Generally, a live edge table should be between 1.
5″-2″ thick. A thicker table will feel more substantial and can usually accommodate a leg assembly, while a thinner table may lack stability due to the lack of additional support.
You may also find that the wood you choose is already predetermined in thickness, which is not uncommon when sourcing live edge boards. In this case, it is best to consult the supplier to determine what thickness is necessary to structurally support any table legs you may add.
In addition, you should consider the other items you may need to send with the table in order to assemble it. It is important to know the size of the legs, or any other components you may use, to make sure that the thickness of the table is appropriate in relation to the other parts.
Finally, consider the type of wood you’re working with. Some wood is softer than others, so a thicker board will be more resistant to wear and tear and make a more reliable piece of furniture.
Ultimately, when determining the thickness of your live edge table, factor in the size and space of the area, the purpose of the table, the other parts needed to assemble the table, and the type of wood you’re using.
It is generally recommended to use a live edge table of 1.5″-2″ thickness, but this should be matched with the requirements of your specific table.
How do you prepare wood for a live edge table?
Preparing wood for a live edge table involves several steps. First, you need to choose the wood that you would like to use for the table. Carefully select wood that is free from visible damage, such as knots and cracks.
You may want to purchase your wood from a reliable lumberyard or mill to ensure that it is of high quality.
The next step is to clean the wood. Use a wire brush or fine sandpaper to remove any loose dirt or debris. Move on to a medium grit sandpaper and then a fine grit one to smooth out the surface. Once it is clean and smooth, take some time to inspect the wood and make any needed cuts or modifications so the shape and size aligns with your design.
Then it’s time to seal the wood. Applying a finish or sealant will protect the wood and help bring out the natural beauty of its grain. Choose a product specifically designed for protecting wood and apply as directed.
Finally, you can create the desired “live edge” look. Typically, this involves rounding off the edges of the wood with a router, and then beveling the sides slightly. You may also want to use chisels, wood carving tools, and rasps to add texture and character to the edges to create a slightly more organic shape.
Once all of these steps are complete, your wood will be ready for the live edge table.
What is the finish for a live edge table?
A live edge table is a type of table that showcases the natural edge of the wood, meaning that rough edges of the slab remain visible. The finish for such a table can vary widely depending on the type of wood used and the desired outcome.
Most commonly, natural finishes like oil or beeswax are used to help protect the wood from dirt and water. This also allows the inherent characteristics of the wood to remain visible, such as the wood grain and variations in the color.
Another option is to use a clear coat, such as polyurethane or varnish, which creates a more polished and refined look. Darker stains are also an option to bring out the character of the wood, but this should be done carefully to avoid mud lines if the grain of the wood is not consistent.
Whatever type of finish is chosen, it is important to make sure that it will provide protection to the table while showcasing the natural beauty of the wood.
Should I take the bark off live edge wood?
Yes, you should take the bark off live edge wood. Removing the bark will open up the natural grain of the wood, make it more aesthetically pleasing, and reduce the risk of pests and mold issues. You can easily remove the bark with a handsaw, chisel, or router.
Depending on the size of the wood and the tools you have, it may take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour to remove the bark. It might be a bit time-consuming, but it is well worth the effort in the end.
After removing the bark, you can apply a sealer or finish to give it additional protection and enhance its look.
How do you stop wood slices from cracking?
To help prevent wood slices from cracking, there are a few steps that can be taken. First, the wood should be properly dried and stored in an environment with relatively low humidity. If possible, the wood should be kiln-dried, as this is the most effective way to remove moisture from the wood.
Second, the wood should be sealed with a protective finish. This can be accomplished with a few coats of polyurethane, or by applying a sealant to the surface of the wood before it is cut into slices.
Finally, it is important to allow any freshly cut slices to acclimate to the environment before use. This allows the wood to adjust gradually to any changes in temperature or humidity, which can help prevent cracking.
Does live edge wood need to be dried?
Yes, live edge wood does need to be dried. This is because when wood is freshly cut, it still has water in it, causing it to be higher in moisture. This moisture can cause warping and other deformations, so it is important to dry live edge wood before working with it.
The amount of drying time needed will depend on the type of wood, how thick the planks are, and the ambient temperature and humidity levels. Generally the thicker the wood, the longer the drying period will be.
Thicker cuts of wood will typically need to be dried for several weeks or even months before reaching a moisture content required for working with it. Kiln drying is a great option for drying larger pieces of wood, as this will accelerate the process.
In addition to drying time, there are also several other important considerations to keep in mind when working with live edge wood. This includes sanding off rough edges, sealing the wood to protect it from the elements, and checking for curled grain patterns.
Taking the time to properly prep and dry live edge wood can help ensure a successful woodworking project.
What do you use polyurethane for?
Polyurethane is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications. It is usually both flexible and durable, and can be used for a variety of purposes.
In the construction industry, polyurethane is often used as an insulator and in sealants and adhesives. Its durability and flexibility makes it an ideal choice not only for insulation, but also for sealing cracks and crevices around windows and doors, and creating a lasting bond between various building materials.
In furniture design and construction, polyurethane is an ideal choice. Its flexibility and elasticity make it perfect for creating cushions, mattresses, and other fabrics, such as leather. Its durability also makes it ideal for protecting furniture from wear and tear.
In the automotive industry, polyurethane is often used for a variety of applications, such as cushioning car seats and other surfaces, and even for parts of the car itself.
In the medical industry, polyurethane is often used for prosthetics and for dental implants. Its flexibility and durability make it ideal for use in the human body, as it can be molded and shaped to fit different body requirements.
Overall, polyurethane is a versatile and resilient material that can be used for a variety of purposes, from providing insulation and creating a bonding agent, to providing cushioning and even creating prosthetics.
What does a live edge on a wood table mean?
A live edge on a wood table means that the table was crafted from a slab of wood that has not been tampered with at all, meaning it retains its natural edge. This type of table highlights the natural shape and texture of the wood, and can help to bring a rustic, organic feel to a home.
The live edge displays the true shapes, curves and lines of the tree, giving viewers a glimpse at the raw beauty of the tree it was crafted from. Live edge tables often evoke more of a natural and raw beauty than more traditional table designs, and they can be used to add an interesting and unique touch to any space.
Why do they call it live edge wood?
Live edge wood is wood that has been cut directly from the tree and kept in its natural form. It gets its name from the fact that it still has its natural “live” edge. Unlike wood that has been milled, the edges of live edge wood are not uniform and often feature unique shapes and curves, giving each piece of wood its own unique character.
This live edge is also what allows it to retain the natural markings and imperfections from when it was removed from the tree, creating a distinct look that cannot be matched with milled wood. Live edge wood is a popular choice among those wanting to add a rustic, natural aesthetic to any room or space, and is often used to accent furniture, walls, and more.
Are live edge tables durable?
Yes, live edge tables can be durable. The live edge design is an increasingly popular decor style that utilizes natural shapes, textures, and colors from the irregular edges of tree slabs, giving the slab added character and making it stand out.
This design style also offers a level of strength and durability that standard tabletops cannot. The edges of these slabs are finished and sanded, making them very smooth and even, meaning that they are far less likely to be scratched or scuffed than standard tabletops.
Additionally, live edge tables are often reinforced with metal for added durability, making them even sturdier. Finally, the unique texture of each live edge table offers a degree of protection in that it is less susceptible to damage compared to a traditional tabletop.
All in all, this makes live edge tables a good option for anyone seeking a durable table.
Do people buy live edge tables?
Yes, people do buy live edge tables. A live edge table is a furniture piece that contains a natural, organic shape along its outer edge, often shaped by either the tree trunk the wood was cut from or naturally occurring cracks and gouges on the surface.
Live edge furniture has gained serious popularity among homeowners, interior designers, and architects for its ability to bring a unique, natural aesthetic to any space. It provides an organic and natural atmosphere, making it a popular choice in more contemporary homes and businesses.
Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also an eco-friendly choice since it uses wood sourced from sustainable forests and reclaimed wood. Beyond tables, live edge furniture come in a variety of pieces from chairs to benches, desks and more.
These pieces of furniture can range from quite simple and rustic to high-end, polished furniture, making them a great choice for any home or business setting.
Can a live edge table be modern?
Yes, a live edge table can be modern. Live edge tables are a great way to bring a natural, organic aesthetic to your home, while still having a contemporary look. Live edge tables can be made from many different kinds of wood, like oak, walnut, cedar, and more, giving it a unique charm.
You can choose a natural wood finish to keep it looking contemporary, or you can add a splash of color to keep it modern. By adding a sleek metal base or geometric legs, you can create a modern, minimalist look for your live edge table.
