Live edge wood is a great option if you want to give your next project a rustic look. The popularity of live edge wood has increased significantly over the last few years as more people are impressed by its natural appearance.
You are in the right place if you want to know more about live edge wood and how it can be used in an antique or rustic design. We are here today to help you learn everything you need about live edge wood slabs. We hope you feel more confident using them in your next project after reading this guide.
What Are Live Edge Wood Slabs And How Do They Work?
Live edge wood slabs can be cut from wood with no finished edges. Traditional lumber has straight sides. A two-by-four is, for example, 5 cm high by 10 cm wide. The wood can then be cut to the desired length.
Live edge wood doesn’t have finished edges. The edge of live edge wood is almost the same as the one that was cut from the tree.
When creating live edge wood slabs, craftsmen don’t usually use traditional lumber. They will instead use lumber that is otherwise considered unusable during traditional woodworking. Manufacturers use the following:
For decades, live edge wood has been in use. In the mid-1940s, George Nakashima made it his first introduction. Nakashima stated that he used organic timber when creating his pieces and that he looked for pieces that had figured grain, burrs and knots.
The popularity of live edge wood was not immediate. The popularity of slabs exploded around the turn 21st century. Many manufacturers now use the slabs in rustic and Western homes. The wood slabs can be used as furniture but they can also be used as countertops.
Are Live Edge Wood Slabs Too Expensive?
Prices for a slab of live edge wood vary depending on the wood used and the size. As a general rule, live edge wood is more expensive than traditional lumber.
There are a few reasons why live edge wood is so costly. The pieces are unique. It is easy to produce traditional lumber in large quantities, but it’s more difficult to make live edges.
Second, live edge pieces are in high demand. These pieces are made from rare wood, which may be more difficult to find than other types. Prices of pieces can skyrocket when there is a high demand and a low supply. Some live edge slabs sell for twice as much on Etsy, as we have seen.
Finally, live edge wood is not easy. These challenges are discussed below. It is not as simple to make the pieces as traditional lumber because of these difficulties. You are not only paying more for the piece’s beauty, but also for the time taken by the craftsman.
The Challenges Of Working With Live Edge Wood Slabs
You’ll be faced with many problems when working with live edge slabs of wood.
The fact that many of these pieces have holes is one of the biggest challenges. Manufacturers may leave the holes open to preserve the natural appearance of the piece. Some manufacturers fill the gaps with resin. This could prove to be time-consuming.
If you buy a slab of live wood with holes, it may be necessary to fill them in depending on the project. If you want to use a live edge piece to a natural wood countertop you will need one solid piece. It is possible to avoid this situation by buying live edge wood slabs that meet your specific needs.
It is not always the holes that are a problem. Live edges are natural and 100 percent natural. You’ll likely also find things like:
- Cracks or checks
- Voids
- Bark inclusions
The end grain cuts in live edge wood can be very difficult to work with. Because the edge of the wooden slab may not be straight, these end grain cuts can prove to be very inconsistent. It can be difficult to work with the different grains if you are not an experienced woodworker.
Live edge wood can also curl and twist easily. Traditional lumber is often pretreated before being cut. This prevents it from curling or twisting. The wood they use to make traditional lumber is less likely to curl, while live edge wood is more susceptible to twisting and curling.
Finally, epoxy finishes on live edge wood can cause a chemical reaction that is very unpleasant for many. You may need to epoxy work if you don’t find the right piece of wood.
You should practice only on a small portion of the live edge slab. You could also practice on a scrap of wood. You won’t ruin an expensive wood slab.
How To Finish A Live Edge Slab
You will need to learn how to use live edgewood for your next project. Here are some key steps that will help you finish your live edgewood slab.
Sand The Wood
The first thing you should do when you receive your slab of live edge wood is to sand it. Many people think that they should fill in the holes and then start sanding. This is incorrect. When working with live edgewood, sanding should be your first step.
You might be tempted leave the wood rough because you want a natural look. You’ll be able to keep the wood natural looking while making it smooth. We recommend 120-grit sandpaper.
Check The Finish
You will want to test the finish after you have completed the sanding. You should apply the finish only to the sides of the piece that you are not going to display. After the finish dries you will have an idea of the final color. You can experiment with different finishes until you find the one that suits your needs.
Fill In Holes, Voids
After you have decided on the type of finish that you want, it is time to fill in any gaps or voids. To do this, we recommend using a 2-part epoxy system. To determine if any chemical reactions occur, test the epoxy at a hidden location.
You will want to match the color of any stain you may use when you apply the epoxy. To ensure the epoxy matches the rest of your wood, you may have to add a color enhancer to it.
After choosing a color, it is time to fill in holes, knots and voids. You should apply a stopping agent to any large knots that run through the whole piece of wood. You can use either putty or masking tape. This prevents epoxy from leaking through the piece.
You will likely need to apply epoxy multiple times. You must wait for the epoxy to dry completely before applying another coat. Epoxy can cause air bubbles to form and slow-flowing seeps, which can slow down the process.
There is no need to panic if you spill epoxy onto the piece. You’ll have to sand the piece again before it is complete. You should remove any epoxy from the wood slab during the final sanding step.
Complete The Piece
You will need to wait until the epoxy dries before you apply it. The size of your hole will determine how long it takes epoxy to harden. After the epoxy has fully set, you can sand it again.
This step could be done with a sander. You should make sure you have complete control of the sander as there are often odd crevices. You should use at least 400 grit sandpaper if you don’t have a sander. This will smoothen your slab’s surface and remove any epoxy you have spilled.
It’s time to apply the stain after you have finished sanding the piece. You should apply a clear coat to the piece even if you don’t want to stain it. This will protect the piece from water and spills.
Live edge wood slabs can be delicate so it is important to remember this when working with them. To ensure that the project is completed correctly, it’s best to take your time. Rushing could lead to the destruction of the piece. It doesn’t matter how eager you are to finish the project, it is better to work hard.
Where To Buy Live Edge Wood
Buy the piece if you want to use live edged wood in your next project. Pieces can be purchased as finished or unfinished.
Your local lumberyard is the best place to purchase live edge wood. You can’t buy a slab of live edge wood at your local lumberyard so you will have to search online. You should exercise extreme caution while doing this.
It can be difficult to buy live edge wood slabs online because you cannot view the piece before buying. Although you can view photos, they often don’t do the piece justice.
Live edge wood slabs can be purchased by going to the actual piece and then looking for any problems.
You may be able to purchase the piece online if they offer a guarantee or return policy. If possible, we recommend that you only buy from trusted sellers. Look for independent sellers and those who aren’t forced to sell on eBay.
You should also remember that these slabs can be expensive to ship online. You may need to rent a large truck or trailer to transport these pieces. The seller will need to ensure that the item is safe and secure when shipping. These factors could increase shipping costs.
Cut Your Own Live Edge Wood Slab
You could make your own live edge wood slab if you don’t want to purchase one. You could end up with something that is truly unique and proudly handmade by you. It could take you years to finish this piece. If you’re in a hurry to finish your project, buying a piece might be easier.
You will need to find logs that were cut in the spring and summer before you can begin cutting your own slab of live edge wood. Logs that fall in this period tend to shed their bark more quickly than logs that fall later.
Also, be on the lookout for unusual colors as these indicate a higher moisture content. You should also look for unique pieces. You should search for unusual limbs, burls, knots and knots.
It is a good idea to let the wood sit for at least a year if you aren’t in rushing to finish your piece. Wood can develop color variations and streaks when exposed to the elements.
If you decide to leave the wood exposed, be sure to research the specific wood you are using. Cherry, birch and soft maple woods are more likely to break down than other types. These types of wood should not be left untreated for longer than one year.
It’s time to begin your project. The saw blade could be dulled if you cut the bark off a log. You should remove as much bark from the logs as you can before cutting the wood.
You can cut the wood to your specifications. If there aren’t any restrictions and you only need to cut a few slabs, slabs 5 cm thick will be the most likely to warp.
Once you have cut the wood, it is time to let it dry. You won’t want to rush this process. The wood slab will retain its color by air drying it. Although air drying takes longer than kiln drying, it can make your piece look better.
You should not stick wood pieces together when drying it. Stickering is when you place wood pieces in contact with each other. Spacers are used to improve air circulation and speed up drying times.
When drying wood slabs, one last tip is to place the thicker pieces on the bottom. You can then access the wood on top of the thinner pieces immediately after it dries. You can finish your piece by following the above steps once the wood has dried.
Live Edge Wood
Live edge wood slabs are a great option if you want to create a Western or rustic look in your next project. This can give your project a natural look. It can be difficult to work with live edged wood.
We recommend that you only use wood that you are comfortable with, as the pieces can be very expensive. You should at the very minimum practice with an old piece before you start working on your live edge wood slab.
You should be proud of your ability to work with a live edge slab of wood. You can create stunning projects for many years by learning how to use live edge wood slabs. This guide will help you learn everything you need about live edge wood slabs to make your next project a success.
