Live edge or natural edge is a style of furniture where the woodworker incorporates the natural edge of the wood into the design of the piece. Live edge furniture often uses wood that could not be used in conventional woodworking. There are special challenges involved in working with this type of wood, and several methods for live edge have developed. Some leave the natural holes and cracks in the wood while other artists fill them with resins.
This style of table have become especially popular for dining, kitchen and conference tables. These tables bring the outdoors to the indoors. When using the natural features of a solid slab of walnut, cherry, maple or something even more exotic, no table’s grain pattern and shape will ever look the same.
Recently, we received call from a customer who was looking for a feature that a normal customer would send back!!! She wanted a gap in the middle of her table that ran about half its length. She thought it would give the table a unique look. However, she might have a higher cleaning carpet cleaning bill with Russell Martin when people are passing the stuffing at Thanksgiving!!
The process started with drying the slabs in a kiln to eliminate the moisture. Next the slabs are run through a planer and sanded until smooth. Finally, the two pieces are adjoined to ensure that they stay solidly connected for decades. Bases can be fabricated out of metal or wood in any style the client prefers. For business’, grommets can be added in order hook computers or phones to in various areas of the table.
The beauty of the live edge table is there are no rules. Your personal taste dictates the style and look of the table because they are meant to be rustic, not perfect like a many of the traditional tables we do. This fact adds a ton of character and “wow” factor to a live edge table. For example, we’ve built tables where bow ties have been left on the top of table vs. putting them on the bottom. A bow tie literally looks like a bow tie you’d wear to the Oscars. They help to stop table from cracking and strengthen the table. Normally, they are left on the bottom because most table styles don’t lend themselves to any imperfections.
If you’re looking to have a live edge table made or any table for that matter, give us a call or click on the work order request below. We’d appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.
Wehrli Furniture