Live edge tables gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s as a result of the work of Japanese carpenter George Nakashima, who was located in Pennsylvania. When a table or bar still has at least one edge that was cut in the original shape of the tree, it is referred to as having a "live edge." The piece's wood grain, which should run nearly parallel to the wood's exterior border, demonstrates this.
Understanding the Live Edge Table Design: Bark or No bark?
In the business of producing custom made dining tables, one of the most often asked questions is about leaving the bark on the wood's edge. Because the wood's density differs from that of the bark, we always recommend removing it. The likelihood of the bark breaking off grows with time as the wood and bark absorb moisture at different rates and the wood-bark relationship weakens.
Our Process for Making Live Edge Tables: From Forest to Furnishings
We have complete control over the process from log form to completed product since we harvest all of our own wood. We purchase the log, cut it, let it air dry, let it dry in a kiln, surface it, and then keep it in the shop so that it may be finished.
Choosing the Ideal Log: Finding High-Quality Live Edge Custom Dining Tables
We specialize in logs up to thirty feet long and more than thirty inches in diameter. Tree services frequently call us to ask if we would be interested in taking down a tree in our region if it has to be removed due to illness or aging. They let it drop if we are.
The Technique of Drying: Readying the Wood for Optimum
Depending on the species we want, the log may sit in our mill yard for up to a year after it arrives. But there are a few outliers. We make every effort to promptly chop down any giant oaks or black walnuts. Logs of wood don't actually dry out; they can sit for twenty years and still hold moisture because the ends of the logs don't have enough surface area to let moisture out. In order to use the log, we cut it into the desired portions.
Carefully Drying and Setting Up for Live Edge Custom Dining Room Table
Although the drying times of different wood species vary, as a rough rule of thumb, air drying takes a year for every inch of thickness. Remember that cutting wood into slabs alone won't let it cure; you'll also need to "sticker," which is placing 1-inch-by-1-inch wood strips 2 feet apart along the slab's length in between each layer.
Kiln drying: Making Live Edge Tables Stable and Durable
As previously said, in order to initiate the air-drying process, we like to chop oak and black walnut as soon as possible. Certain wood species possess a cellular structure that enables us to proceed directly to the kiln stage. Wood suitable for our Idry vacuum kilns, such as Poplar, Maple, Ash, Cherry, and Elm, may be fed directly from the mill.
Putting the Finishing Touches on the Ideal Custom Dining Table with Live Edge
We remove the pieces from the kiln and surface them when their moisture content is 10% or below. Our hydraulic 10-inch router sled, which can handle slabs up to 8 feet by 40 feet, is used in the surfacing process. The slab is kept in the shop until it is finished being surfaced.
Perfecting the Specifics: Getting Ready for the Final Finish
We initially put a slab through our broad belt sander/planer to get it down to about 180 grit before finishing it. After stabilizing the sculpture by filling in any gaps or fractures with epoxy, we wait for the epoxy to cure, which can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the type of epoxy.
Summing Up
We enjoy what we do and are thrilled to create the exquisite product that will soon be yours! Making each table takes time and attention to detail. Are you prepared to give your room the classic elegance of live edge tables? Contact us right now to begin creating your one-of-a-kind item! Our talented team of woodworkers is committed to turning your idea into an exquisite reality. Let's make your unique live edge table or custom wood dining table a reality instead of simply dreaming about it. Contact with us today to begin the process of obtaining a work of art that will be treasured for many years to come.
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