What does live edge mean in furniture?
Live edge. Live edge or natural edge is a style of furniture where the furniture designer or craftsperson incorporates the natural edge of the wood into the design of the piece. Live edge furniture often incorporates gnarly wood, such as Alligator Juniper, mesquite and salvaged wood that could not be used in conventional woodworking.
What is the “live edge” ethos?
The live edge ethos embraces these three elements: nature, craftsmanship, and simplicity. What does the term “live edge” mean? Artisan John Blunt of Blunt Woodworks explains: “‘Live edge’ refers to the living part of the tree, the outer rings. The log is cut into slabs and the entire slab is used, leaving the natural edge.
What are the challenges of working with live edge wood?
There are special challenges involved in working with this type of wood, and several methods for live edge have developed. Some leave the natural holes and cracks in the wood while other artists fill them with resins. Live edge is a mixture of "Western" and rustic furniture styles.
What does the term live edge mean?
The term “live edge” refers to the natural edge left on at least one side of a piece of wood. Rather than the sharp, clean lines in more traditional wooden furniture, live edge retains the natural beauty of the tree.
Why is live edge so popular?
These Live Edge Tables are so popular not only because they're so sturdy, but because their rugged elegance just can't be matched. The natural beauty of the wood in live edge dining tables, coffee tables, night stands and more, is simply breath taking.
What is live edge wood used for?
They are made into doors, chairs, tables, benches, mantles, and countertops. Also, if you are an architectural designer or an interior designer, live edge wood is also used for desks, bar tops, and coffee tables.
Why is it called a live edge slab?
A live edge slab maintains the natural beauty of the forest by preserving the tree in its circumferential entirety with the outer corners of the visible tree trunk. According to the name, live edge, the Native Spirit of the wood is kept “alive” and the edges of the tree are left untouched.
Is live edge out of style?
Yes! Even though live edge tables have been around for a while now, they're still considered trendy pieces of furniture. Many people are curious about live edge tables and how they are made. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at these unique pieces of furniture and see why they're still in style.
Why are live edge tables so expensive?
Live edge products are more expensive than regular cuts of wood because they are so unique and labor-intensive. They cannot be made in bulk since each slab is cut at the same length as the log. Every live edge piece is distinctive, blending aesthetic with practicality.
How do you finish a live edge?
3:095:19How To Finish A Live Edge Slab | Tips & Tricks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI like to use hand applied finishes on my slabs regardless. Helps me to keep streaks from gettingMoreI like to use hand applied finishes on my slabs regardless. Helps me to keep streaks from getting into the finish as well as getting all the crevices in the live edge.
Are live edge tables expensive?
For a large live edge dining table, you'll most likely spend $1250-$10,000. Live edge tables start at $1250 and epoxy river tables start at $2500. These prices will vary based on how large the table is, whether or not you want to use epoxy on your table, the finish type, and labor.
What is the best live edge wood?
But back to what is the best wood for live edge furniture. The most stable is old-growth Redwood within the USA, but Black walnut, Cherry, and Claro walnut are also great options. Oaks, whether red, white, or black oak, are also options and sycamore and maple.
When did live edge tables become popular?
Understanding that live edge was a popular design choice in mid-Century modern homes makes it easy to understand why it's popular now. Quite frankly, the era between 1940 and 1965 produced some of the most memorable homes, furniture, and design concepts of all time.
How much is a live edge piece of wood?
Unfinished live edge wood slabs average about $20 per board foot, for example, which is a wholesale price by current market standards.
Are live edge tables durable?
Live edges work with modern and minimalist styles as well, with their warm look and unique shapes. Live edge furniture features durability and a unique, one-of-a-kind look that endures.
When did live edge wood become popular?
Understanding that live edge was a popular design choice in mid-Century modern homes makes it easy to understand why it's popular now. Quite frankly, the era between 1940 and 1965 produced some of the most memorable homes, furniture, and design concepts of all time.
Is live edge a fad?
Live edge furniture has become extremely desirable in recent years. It's used for everything from coffee tables to large dining room tables and can be very costly. Some live edge tables can cost $6000+. When people are spending that much money on a table, they want to be sure it'll be in style for years to come.
Are live edge tables expensive?
For a large live edge dining table, you'll most likely spend $1250-$10,000. Live edge tables start at $1250 and epoxy river tables start at $2500. These prices will vary based on how large the table is, whether or not you want to use epoxy on your table, the finish type, and labor.
Are river tables still popular?
The trend of handmade river tables initially started in the US. Now, it has become a global trend and has become popular with DIY enthusiasts all over the world.
Origins
Live edge is a mixture of "Western" and rustic furniture styles. Originally it was categorized as rustic, but the two styles have many differences.
Practitioners
George Nakashima, winner of the Institute of Architects' Gold Craftsmanship Medal, is known for leaving the natural edge of the wood as part of the finished piece including in his series for Knoll in 1946.
In Popular Culture
In 2012, The Ellen DeGeneres Show featured a live edge coffee table as a part of the set design. The table was made up of two separate pieces, and typically held an arrangement of flowers along with cast beverages. The table was replaced with another design in 2018.
Why is live edge important?
Because every tree is truly unmatched in its complete uniqueness, it is possible to select the finest and most attractive piece of woodwork in your view. Simply put, live edge reminds us that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
What is live edge woodwork?
The story behind the “live edge” style of woodwork was accidentally introduced during America’s beginnings inside of log cabins when settlers came to build homes on new territory and the family needed functional furniture. Due to precious time and necessity, trees were simply sawn into one piece unfinished slabs to build basic furniture, including tabletops. Most recently, a Japanese-American architect and craftsman, George Nakashima, perfected the craft and was the father of the “live edge rebirth era” in the 1940s. Since then, this style has continued to soar in popularity and remains very trendy.
What is Sheoga flooring?
A sister company of the Hardwood Lumber Company, Sheoga Hardwood Flooring and Paneling offers quality, solid hardwood flooring in a variety of species, unfinished or prefinished.
Who invented the live edge?
Most recently, a Japanese-American architect and craftsman, George Nakashima, perfected the craft and was the father of the “live edge rebirth era” in the 1940s. Since then, this style has continued to soar in popularity and remains very trendy.
Is faux live edge better than natural edge?
For those people who are financially cautious, faux live edge is a great alternative to natural edge. If you take this less expensive route, the builder manually customizes by carving and whittling the edges of the wood to mimic a natural live edge look. Natural or faux, live edge furnishes an expanse by adding handsome rustic elegance. Because every tree is truly unmatched in its complete uniqueness, it is possible to select the finest and most attractive piece of woodwork in your view. Simply put, live edge reminds us that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
