THE LIVE EDGE SLAB CREATION PROCESS
“Live edge” refers to a cut of wood that doesn’t have finished edges. Unlike other types of wood and planed boards that are cut to specific dimensions and sanded down, the slabs are practically the same as when you cut them from the tree. They maintain their forest beauty by preserving the tree in its natural, yet rustic look and feel. Experts who work with these types of wood undertake the following steps to prepare the materials before they get started on a furniture piece:
- They use the right dimensions to cut slabs from a piece of fell lumber, typically creating surfaces that are at least 2 inches thick.
- The slab is air or kiln dried to acclimate and adjust to the ambient humidity of the workspace, thus minimizing potential for warping.
- Experts examine the surface and consider knots, burls, and limbs that reveal unique patterns and textures.
- Dried boards are cut the right dimensions for a specific product.
- Edges are sanded as needed. Some customers prefer smoothed ones, while others prefer leaving the rough bark for a more rustic effect.
- Voids are cleaned and either filled with epoxy or left natural.
- The surface is sanded to ideal smoothness, then sealed with polyurethane.
Every live-edge piece is carefully crafted with our customers’ exact specifications and design ideals in mind. You have the opportunity to work with your Makers Woodshop woodworker to create something that will be functional as well as eye-catching.
HOW TO ORDER YOUR PROJECT
Knowing how to order the right item from your woodworking team will go a long way in making sure they know what to produce and you get the custom-made live edge surface of your dreams. Here are a few things to consider when placing yours:
SHAPE AND SIZE
The right dimensions are crucial, and it is vital to have the exact measurements of the room to avoid having something created that will not fit the space.
MATERIAL
There are several types of wood used in live edge projects, and the one you choose may depend on the item you’re having created. If you are going for a wood dining table, for example, it is always advisable to opt for hardwood such as oak, teak, maple, mahogany. Choose a material that is only long-lasting, durable, and beautiful as well as easy to clean and maintain.
PURPOSE
Consider where the project will live in your space as well as the feel you want it to have. You may want smoother edges for a coffee table than for a den shelf, for example.
Your woodworking expert will be happy to help you determine answers to all the important questions before they begin work on your project, but the clearer the mental picture you bring to these discussions, the more productive they will be. Think through the basics before starting the ordering process, and your expert will take it from there.
TRUST MAKERS WOODSHOP FOR HIGH-QUALITY WOOD FURNITURE
The unique natural look of live edge slabs is one of the trendier styles for those seeking one-of-a-kind rustic furniture. The Makers Woodshop team is here to help you find and create the perfect live edge furniture for your home. Contact us today to speak with our professionals about your needs.
FAQS ON LIVE EDGE SLABS
People love the look of live edge for a lot of reasons, not least of which is that each piece is completely unique. A timeless piece created with live edge surfaces can easily become an heirloom that you and your loved ones will love for centuries. Here are a few of the most common questions associated with live edge projects
The price of a live edge slab varies depending on many factors including size, type of wood, finishes, stains, and more. Unfinished live edge wood slabs average about \$20 per board foot, for example, which is a wholesale price by current market standards.
The reason these slabs are expensive is because of their unique nature. The wood is more rare compared to plank boards purchased in bulk, after all, and sourcing such materials can be costly. The rule of supply and demand naturally kicks in to raise the market prices of these products.
Live edge slabs are not as difficult to keep like-new as one might think. Proper care can be gone over by your woodworking expert, but often involves regular polishing with furniture polish, wiping up spills as soon as they happen to keep them from setting in, and infrequent resealing to keep the sealcoat strong.
