A live edge table can be the right option for you if you’re searching for furniture that will give your living area the WOW effect.
Since people first made furniture, live edge tables have been around. They were a time- and money-efficient technique to create furniture that was durable, dependable, and had a long lifespan. While constructing their dwellings, the settlers made furniture out of raw wood slabs, including beds, tables, and chairs.
A living edge design was part of George Nakashima’s 1946 Knoll collection, which he created after winning several design awards. Their popularity has grown ever since they first started to show up in contemporary homes.
Particularly in the last ten years, live edge tables have witnessed a rise in popularity as well-known interior designers showcase their use as conversation pieces.
The design is not simply prevalent in homes; it is also popular in restaurants, businesses, and other places.
Not everyone is aware of this type of furniture, despite the fact that it is becoming more prevalent in contemporary settings. Before you search for “live edge tables”, make sure to read all the information given below.
Live Edge Tables: The History
Although live edge woodwork may appear to be a current trend, it has really been popular for quite some time and is not a fad. Rather, it is a time-tested type of woodwork).
The period in which individuals simply placed raw, untreated slabs together to construct simple furniture is where the style’s origins may be found. They were cheaper to make, saved a ton of time, and satisfied the majority of people’s demands at the time.
This woodworking style was revived in the 1940s thanks to George Nakashima, who honed his skills. Especially for individuals who wish to enhance their living areas with outside beauty, the style is both popular and useful nowadays.
What is a Live Edge Table?
The term “live edge” refers to the unfinished edges of furniture. Natural cracks and other flaws in the furniture are common and help it keep its unadulterated beauty.
Live edge woods retain their twisted form at the edges, in contrast to conventional lumber’s straight edges. Slaps are used to make a variety of furniture items, like bar top tables, rustic coffee tables, and bedroom benches, while artisans maintain the natural appearance.
When it comes to live edge tables, mass manufacturing is typically not an issue because each component is employed in the creation of furniture items just as they are, without being altered to fit into predetermined proportions. Every piece of furniture made with live edge tables is an artistic beauty.
For instance, standard 2 x 4 timber is chopped to make a slab that is two inches high and four inches broad. Live edge slabs, however, have their original proportions from when they were cut from trees. The slabs are expertly sanded and finished by skilled woodworkers by hand to produce high-quality furniture.
What to Consider When Choosing a Live Edge Table
It’s difficult to choose a live edge kitchen table or any other live edge furniture, especially if it’s your first time purchasing one. From reasonably priced items like this contemporary entrance table to high-end choices like the Live Edge Ash Dining Table, you have a wide variety of choices.
Consider the following characteristics to help with the task:
Butterflies or Bowties
Some of the most appealing characteristics of live edge tables include bowties. The only purpose of them is to stop table surface fractures from getting wider over time by filling them with pieces of wood.
If you desire a live edge table with an additional striking feature, take this into consideration.
No Bark or No Bark
Craftsmen typically sand the wood’s edges to some degree, perhaps removing the back in the process. You can still find pieces with the barks on, though, so this is not a guarantee.
The type of wood chosen and the table’s design will determine whether or not to leave the barks. As opposed to live edge tables without barks, pieces with their barks on are less prevalent.
Slices
A live edge side table built from slices is probably available if you’re in the market for one. Slices from trees are often cut horizontally, preserving the plants’ magnificent growth rings. This makes it possible for the live edge to be seen all across the table’s surface.
Slab
On the other hand, to expose the living edges on both sides, wood slabs are chopped vertically or longitudinally. Live edge tables manufactured from wood slabs are more prevalent and hence more likely to be found.
If you’re looking for dining and coffee tables, this is a fantastic choice.
Burl
The big, unavoidable deformity of a tree is referred to as a “burl.” It is often a big overgrowth, and using it to make fine pieces without destroying the stunning grain patterns and natural edge needs specialist expertise.
Burl furniture typically has a higher price tag when it comes to live edge designs because of this. If high-end craftsmanship is what you are seeking, getting live edge tables for your home or office is your best bet.
Suggestions for Caring for a Live Edge Table
For your dining area, live edge tables may cost up to two thousand dollars. If you’re spending money on one of these exquisite and expensive pieces of live-edge furniture, it makes sense to educate yourself on how to preserve it.
Fortunately, maintaining a work with a living edge doesn’t need advanced scientific knowledge. Here is some advice that can come in handy:
1. Dry-Dust the Table Using a Microfiber Cloth
A dry dusting using a super-soft, extremely absorbent cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, can maintain your live edge table in outstanding condition for many years to come. By doing this, the surface will be thoroughly cleaned without leaving any unattractive scratches or stains.
Especially in the deep grooves of live edge tables, microfiber towels will work wonders in gently removing dust from tabletop surfaces.
2. Restrict Polish Use
On the pits and grooves of your live edge table, avoid using spray wood polish. They have the ability to make the items look ancient and soiled by filling in any natural fractures. Limit the usage of spray wood on your live edge table to its flat surface if you must.
3. Guard the Table against Moisture
Moisture can harm your expensive asset, therefore you should safeguard it. A live edge table with good design, like this Walnut piece, is usually heavily lacquered. Many people think that these items are naturally moisture-resistant due to this characteristic.
But it is not the case.
Even contemporary objects that appear to be enclosed in glass are vulnerable to moisture damage. Put coasters on the table or have a small supply handy to easily clean up any liquid spills, whether you have one of these fashionable tables at home (as your vanity desk) or at your workplace (as your work table). This will help to preserve them from moisture.
4. Use Natural Cleaning Products to Clean Your Live-Edge Table
A live edge table must be cleaned using organic cleaning supplies, and that is the most important step. The ideal option for you would be to use vinegar to get rid of any build-up residue in all of the grooves of your table’s uneven surface.
Now that you know most of the important information about live edge furniture, just search “custom live edge tables” to shop for your first live edge. Or visit Pathway Tables to save money on premium quality live edge furniture.