A natural wood table is a simple furniture design built from a live edge or real wood slab, not laminated or veneered. Many of our tables constructed feature live edge wood, also known as raw edge or tree slabs. We also have furniture designs highlighting the natural beauty of reclaimed wood planks or dimensional lumber. Trends towards quality, real wood tables because of durability, easy care, and ability to repair if damaged. Making rustic live edge furniture a top choice. Whether a dining table, coffee table, or even a bathroom vanity, the options are endless, along with the array of design styles such as rustic, mid-century, and modern that use ethically sourced material.


Live edge natural wood table



The web contains examples of DIY woodworkers and custom furniture makers building solid wood tables. They use wood species such as Oak, Black Walnut, Redwood, maple, and others. Designing and crafting natural wood furniture should be a joyous adventure, from design to choosing the perfect wood species. Nothing is more impressive than an over 4′ wide 10′ long old-growth Redwood dining table. After all, natural wood dining tables are built to feature several wood planks glued together.


Sourcing live edge tables
Let’s be real; we all want quality, so why cut corners with imitation.
This is a tricky area, and I do not wish to step on anyone’s toes. Whether purchasing raw wood or finished table, prices can vary greatly. Dimensional lumberprices by supply and demand, as are wood planks and live edge wood. Also, wood species, wood grain pattern, and whether the wood has been air-dried or kiln-dried. Kiln-dried wood is always inferior to quality air-dried, and thus is cheaper. For example, Black walnut, Claro Walnut, English Walnut, and Bastone Walnut are all comparable, but each sells at different price points. Also, the larger the wood slab, the more rare it is, which effects the end price.
How to source natural wood tables!
Sourcing wood, whether with a live edge or not, is much like sourcing dimensional lumber. The main difference, most local lumber stores have a limited selection or no selection. The internet features a great resource, although, don’t be scared to ask questions. I ask questions such as when was the wood milled? Was the tree dead standing, alive, or on the forest floor? After the wood was milled, was it stored inside or undercover. Or was it Air-dried, kiln-dried or a combo of air dried to 12 – 14 percent moisture then finished in a kiln. I proffer 100% air dried wood and its natural beauty. Sadly, sometimes we have to wait for good things. If the wood was milled last week, it’s not ready to use. Wood takes an average of 1 year per inch to dry at a min.
Custom wood furniture



