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LIVE EDGE WOOD FURNITURE
CUSTOM-MADE IN TACOMA, WA

GETTING STARTED

Designing your project can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with live edge wood and/or woodworking terminology. We created this guide to help you better understand what to expect when using live edge wood as your material and what options you may want to explore.

THE PROCESS

1. CHOOSE YOUR WOOD

Our indoor slab forest is stocked with kiln-dried slabs in various shapes, sizes, and species to choose from.

2. CUSTOMIZE YOUR PROJECT

Customize project dimensions, add-ons, finishes, base, and everything in between to fit your needs.

3. READY IN 6-12 WEEKS

Once designed, we will have it ready for pickup/delivery within your estimated projected timeframe.

WOOD SPECIES

We carry over 12+ different wood species in our slab inventory. Some species are available all-year round while others are rotated. Our most common species are Black Walnut, Elm, and Maple. If we don't have material(s) in our forest that meets your preferences, we have additional slabs air drying in our shed that will require additional processing time. The photos shown below should be used as a reference only and the actual color may vary between each individual slab.

BLACK WALNUT
Hardness: ■■■ 1010

ELM
Hardness: ■■□ 830

MAPLE
Hardness: ■■■ 999

SEQUOIA
Hardness: ■□□ 450

BEECH
Hardness: ■■■ 1300

MADRONA
Hardness: ■■■ 1460

DOUGLAS FIR
Hardness: ■■□ 660

WHITE OAK
Hardness: ■■■ 1360

CHERRY
Hardness: ■■□ 995

CEDAR
Hardness: ■□□ 320

ASH
Hardness: ■■■ 1320

YOUR MATERIAL
Hardness: Varies

Kiln Drying Required

If live edge wood is not what you're needing for your project, we can build your project using dimensional hardwood lumber.
Dimensional lumber is commonly available in walnut, ash, maple, cherry, and oak.
Other species may be available.

SLAB SHAPES

Wood slabs are milled at the trunk while others are milled at the fork (where the trunk splits into branches) allowing for a variety of options. Our slabs are milled anywhere from 2-3.25" and net 1.75-2.25" when finished.

STANDARD SHAPE

Standard slabs are milled at the trunk of the tree and vary in widths and lengths making them the most versatile choice for all types of projects.

Y-SHAPED

Y-shaped or "crotch" slabs are milled at the fork and often have one end of the slab wider than the other. These work best for freestanding furniture such as desks and tables.

ROUNDS/COOKIES

Rounds or "cookies" are often milled at 3-5 inches thick allowing for a stockier slab when finished. Rounds have live edges along the perimeter of the slab.

EDGE VARIATIONS

Measurements are taken from various points along the slab to determine the average width (widest, waist, and narrow end). Due to the organic shape of live edge slabs, widths will vary from 2”+/- and up to 6”+/- depending on each slab.

MINIMAL EDGE

Some slabs offer minimal variation in widths and a relatively straight live edge. These slabs typically have straight grain patterns, light figuring, and little to no organic variation.

ORGANIC EDGE

These are our most common types of live edges. These edges offer more visual characteristics like figured grain, knots, mineral coloring, and naturally shaped edges.

EXTREME EDGE

These are our less common types of live edges. These slabs offer premium visual characteristics like heavily figured grain, burls, unusual shapes, and unique patterns.

NUMBER OF LIVE EDGES

Live edge refers to the two naturally shaped sides of a wood slab or the "wane" edge. You have the option to keep both, one, or no live edges of each slab (if applicable). Two live edges are available for slabs 18” width+ with limited availability in 12-18" width slabs. All finished live edges are smooth to the touch and free of potential splinters or snags.

NO LIVE EDGE

This option is ideal for projects where only straight edges are needed. This may be an option for you if you're simply looking for a solid wood surface. Projects using no live edges may include shelving, countertops, benches, doors, etc.

NO LIVE EDGE

This option is ideal for tops that will be placed against a wall or structure and need one edge to sit flush. In some cases, a freestanding top may need one straight edge for additional functionality or movability.

TWO LIVE EDGES

This option is ideal for freestanding tops that have both edges intact and allow space around the entire top. Having two live edges are also suitable and most popular for tables, island tops, barn doors, coffee tables, etc.

INVERTED LIVE EDGES

This arrangement is not as common and would be ideal for projects involving a large void between two slabs joined with either epoxy or glass. This design requires one wider width slab or two individual slabs.

WANE DIRECTION

The term "wane" refers to the natural live edge(s) of the slab. Wane edges can be contoured or flat depending on what order of the tree it was milled from. If applicable, you have the choice to have the wane facing upwards or downwards to determine what would be your surface. Choosing a wane direction is all preference and varies based on the project. There is no wrong choice so long as it works for your needs.

BOULE OF SLABS

When milled, the wane of each slab will reflect which area of the tree it is from. Depending on the size of the log, each log will yield an equal amount of flat and contoured edges.

WANE DOWN

When the wane edge is facing downwards, the top face provides more surface area to use and can add up to 6" inches in total width. This option is the most common for dining tables, desks, etc.

WANE UP

With the wane edge facing upwards, the bottom face provides more area to cover. This also allows the live edge to be more visible and your body to easily transition towards the surface (i.e benches).

WANE NOT APPLICABLE

For edges that are relatively flat, burly, or straight, wane direction may not apply. In this instance, choosing the most appealing face of the slab would be required.

WOOD JOINING

Projects with widths above 24” may require multiple slabs to be joined, also known as a glue-up. Glue-ups maintain a structurally stable surface and are the standard method for creating projects with wider dimensions. The number of slabs used in a glue-up is determined by material availability and dimensions of your project. Joining wood is preferably used with materials from the same boule in order to have consistent grain, coloring, and shape.

SINGLE SLAB

Single slab is the most preferred option for custom projects but may not always be available depending on the scope of the project. These slabs will not always have symmetrical edges and will vary in dimensions based on the nature of the tree.

BOOKMATCH/GLUE-UP

Bookmatched slabs offer symmetrical grain patterns and produces a mirrored look. Availability for a bookmatch set is limited. Joining two slabs from the same boule is a secondary option as well. This creates a similar look to bookmatched slabs.

MULTIPLE SLAB GLUE-UP

Multiple slabs are often required when much larger widths are needed or selection is limited. This is most common for projects where widths exceed 46" or customers have interests in using our budget-friendly slabs for a project.

MITER JOINING

Miter joining is when we join slabs with the ends cut at an angle. This creates a continuous surface often designed for corner desks, bar tops, countertops, etc. Depending on the width of the slab, allow for extra length to be lost for every miter join needed.

WATERFALL EDGE

Waterfall corner joints can be built in lieu of a table leg (or legs), or to wrap down the side of a structure. We would join slabs at the ends for a continuous flow from start to end (preferred). This option is best for desks, receptions, island tops, coffee tables, bar tops, etc.

INVERTED

This method is not conventional and would be used only when having two live edges face each other. Voids can be filled with inlays, epoxy, glass, or kept empty. This can also be ideal for customers interested in a project with a partial join.

LARGE VOIDS

Wood slabs may have large voids that occur naturally due to the tree growth, disease, drying process, etc. Depending on the project, below are some options to address the large voids that you may need to consider.  

NO FILL

Keeping the void empty may be an option for you if the void is an accent and won't hinder the functionality of the project.

INLAYS

Adding an inlay provides stability and additional usable surface area. This can be in the form of slats, bowties, crosses, and other shapes.

EPOXY RESIN

For a smooth and solid surface, we can use epoxy resin to fill the area using either clear, translucent, or an opaque coloring.

CHECKS + CRACKS

Knots, wormholes, checking, voids, cracks, and other wood characteristics occur naturally, some species more likely than others. Natural checks and cracks can be shallow or run all the way through but do not compromise the structural integrity of the slab. These areas will be cleaned out, sanded, and finished but can build up debris over time depending on how it will be used and cleaned.

NO FILL

Choosing no fills highlights the natural look and feel of the wood. Surface checks are typically minor and do not affect functionality.  

WOOD BOWTIES

Bowties add stability to a slab with medium sized cracks. Bowties can be made from the same wood, contrasting wood, or metal.

EPOXY RESIN

Resin filled cracks offer a seamless surface and would keep the slab from trapping dust and debris. This is best for larger cracks.

FINISHES

The finish you choose is entirely dependent on how you expect to use, clean, and maintain it. While certain finishes are more practical for the project than others, below are three common finishes we can apply to seal the wood. Finishes are applied on the entirety of the slab including the top, bottom, edges, and cracks (if any) in order to seal the wood. Finishes are available in matte, satin, or gloss.

NATURAL FINISHES

This is our standard finish for most of our projects. Osmo Polyx-Oil is a microporous finish made from natural oils and waxes. This finish preserves the natural look and feel of wood and can be easily maintained over time.

SPRAY FINISHES

Spray finishes are more durable compared to oil and natural finishes as it provides a film layer that sits on top of the wood. Spray finishes are more resistant to wear and is ideal for heavier use or commercial settings.

OUTDOOR FINISHES

Outdoor finishes provides a flexible and protective layer with built-in UV blockers to keep outdoor furniture lasting longer. Furniture exposed to natural elements and large temperature changes (either directly or indirectly) will require additional care and maintenance.

OTHER CUSTOMIZATIONS

PERSONALIZATION

Custom CNC engraving is an option for signage, gifts, branding, etc. Cuts can be kept bare or filled with an epoxy coloring of your choice.

CUTOUTS

We can make cut outs for accessories, cable management, fixtures, drains, etc. for an easier installation process.

TEMPERED GLASS

Tempered glass can be incorporated in your design for enhanced durability and maintenance. Glass can be used as a surface or to fill voids.

HARDWARE

Solid metal accents can be included in your project for reasons such as edge-banding, stability, channels, bowties, etc.  

TABLE LEGS

TABLE LEG SELECTIONS

Browse our selection of custom-order table leg styles. Available in multiple sizes, finishes, and styles. View table legs here.

SUPPLY YOUR OWN

We can mount the existing table base to your new top or use a base that's been ordered through a another vendor.

CUSTOM WOOD BASE

For a completely natural look, we can design and fabricate a custom wood base using the same wood species.

CUSTOM METAL BASE

We can work with our trusted metal fabricators or a fabricator of your choice to build a custom metal base that suits your style.

WHAT TO EXPECT

NATURAL EDGES

Live edge slabs may show natural signs of bug trails, claw grabs, chainsaw marks, etc. along the faces and edges of the slab.

EPOXY RESIN

For transparent colors or clear epoxy pours, there may be inevitable tiny air bubbles along the outer edges of the pour.

KILN-DRIED

Every slab we work with have been or will need to go through our vacuum kiln. This ensures a stable and pest-free wood slab.

MAINTENANCE

Natural wood requires routine maintenance and upkeep. Surfaces should be free from the liquids, heat, moisture, etc. to keep it in optimal condition.

PROJECT TYPES

Explore other ways to incorporate live edge wood into your design and space.

MANTELS/SHELVES

MODULAR

DECOR

RESTAURANT

BULK

REFINISHING

COUNTERTOPS

OFFICES

BUILT-INS

STORAGE

BARN DOORS

ACCESSORIES

SEATING

CEILING MOUNTED

SIGNAGE

WALL-MOUNTED

OUTDOOR

LEGACY

THINGS TO KNOW

WILL CALL/PICKUP

Will call is our preferred method. We have designated days and hours for pickup. Pickup outside of designated hours must be coordinated and confirmed at least 72 hours prior to your preferred pickup date.

DELIVERY

We can provide a scheduled delivery of finished projects for a flat fee. Additional delivery charges will apply for apartments, condos, ferries, stairs, and locations outside our 50 mile delivery range. On-site assembly is included in delivery.

SHIPPING

Shipping is available if needed. Rates will vary based on the final size of the project, weight, shipping methods, and destination. Shipping costs are estimated after project completion and billed separately.

INSTALLATION

We do not perform any built-in installation. We can mount table legs and hardware onto the wood slab, but we do not install wood slabs for counters, mantels, shelves, built-ins, etc. A third-party installer may be required.

LEAD TIMES

Lead times are an estimate and will vary based on the scope of the project, availability, change orders, and production schedule. Epoxy rivers, bulk, customer-supplied wood, etc. will require additional lead time.

DEPOSIT REQUIRED

A non-refundable deposit is required for each custom project in order to hold selected material(s) and begin production. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Terms & conditions apply.

ESTIMATED PRICING

Prices are general estimates and we do our best to accommodate your budget.

Live Edge Wood Top Estimates
Live Edge Slab(s) + Finishing* (Does not include table legs)

48" x 24" Top (Coffee Table): $1,200-$1,700

72" x 36" Top (6-8 People): $2,800-$3,600

96" x 42" Top (8-10 People): $4,400-$5,500

120" x 48" Top (10-14 People): $6,300-$7,800

Epoxy River Top Estimates
Live Edge Slab(s) + Epoxy + Finishing* (Does not include table legs)

48" x 24" Top (Coffee Table): $1,600-$2,300

72" x 36" Top (6-8 People): $3,300-$4,500

96" x 42" Top (8-10 People): $5,300-$7,000

120" x 48" Top (10-12 People): $7,200-$9,600

Dimensional Wood Top Estimates
Dimensional Lumber + Finishing* (Does not include table legs)
Butcher Block tops available. Edge-grain and face-grain only.

48" x 24" Top (Coffee Table): $990-$1,400

72" x 36" Top (6-8 People): $2,100-$3,100

96" x 42" Top (8-10 People): $3,400-$4,800

120" x 48" Top (10-12 People): $4,900-$6,800

Live Edge Wood Shelves/Mantels
Live Edge Slab + Finishing*
2-2.25" Thick

48" x 10": $525-$800

72" x 10": $780-$1,200

96" x 10": $1050-$1,600

Floating Brackets: $125-250

Dimensional Wood Shelves/Mantels
Dimensional Lumber + Finishing*
1.75" Thick
 

48" x 8": $360-$500

72" x 8": $550-$700

96" x 8": $730-$900

Floating Brackets: $125-250

*Prices shown are displayed for reference only. Pricing does not include any customizations. All custom projects are unique and will vary.

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