To what do your thoughts turn when you consider live edge wood slabs? To the extent that images of log furniture and cabin design immediately come to mind, you’re on the correct road. Whether it’s a rustic kitchen or a contemporary living room, live edge woodslabs can make any place seem more like home. But what exactly is live edge wood, and how can you incorporate it into your own interior design? If you want to know more about this stunning development, read on.
What is Live Edge Wood?
Simply put, “live edge slab wood” refers to lumber that has not been sized and shaped with a sander. Live edge wood flooring, for instance, displays the natural curvature of each board to the viewer. That’s because the “live” edges of the boards (those that haven’t yet been cut off) are designed to be displayed. Live edge timber slabs are commonly used for the tops of tables and other furniture, and their erratic appearance will make them stand out.
If you can get great flat boards, there’s no reason to employ anything so outlandish in your interior design. Natural edge wood pieces, for example, may provide the impression of motion and texture to any room. In addition, the purpose of live edge furniture is to highlight its heritage. Since no two pieces of natural wood are alike in terms of grain pattern or hue, each holds its own unique history, waiting to be discovered by your own two eyes and
The Evolution of the Fad for Live-Edge Wooden Slabs
A natural-edged piece of wood Despite the fact that it has been used for millennia, timber has only lately become a standard component of contemporary architecture. In fact, live edge pieces were formerly viewed as undesirable waste products of the timber industry, fit for nothing more than burning or composting. However, the pieces’ true potential was only unlocked when creative minds put their hands on them. With some light sanding, these planks might become remarkable conversation pieces for your house.
Natural Wood Edge Slabs
The rise in popularity of live edge wood design begs the question: why now? Sustainable design’s ascent, for one, has raised shoppers’ awareness of their impact on the world. The living edge movement is also a throwback to a time before mass-produced, cheaply crafted items were the norm and we utilized and respected natural materials that were as rare and beautiful as they were useful.
Typical Materials for a Live-Edge Wooden Plate
Live edge slabs may be made from a wide variety of woods, but some of the most popular are:
- Oak – Oak, a form of live edge hardwood slabs, may range in color from light to dark brown and is a popular option because to its low cost and extensive availability. It has a linear grain pattern with sharp corners.
- Maple – Hardwood timber made from maple trees may be any shade from light to dark brown and can have a subtle wavy pattern. This type of live edge furniture is distinguished by the distinctive grain patterns of each individual woodboard.
- Elm – Curly Elm is a popular choice for live edge tables due to its low price and distinctive appearance. The hues span from light greyish brown to brown with a barely perceptible greenish cast.
- Cheery – Cherry is a lighter wood that may be anything from a pinkish tan to a dark red or even brown. Swirls and spirals are common in the grain pattern. These raw slabs, with a pinkish-red color and a tight grain pattern, are frequently utilized in furniture and rustic cabin design due to their toughness and longevity.
- Mahogany – Mahogany’s many shades of brown with a crimson or reddish-brown hue make it a desirable material. The growth rings within the wood are darker and the grain is straight.
- Hickory – This hardy wood is perfect for making both live edge and flat boards. This wood has a straight grain pattern and a light yellow tint that deepens with age. It’s lighter than oak but more durable than redwood.
- Redwood – Another type of live edge hardwood slab that may be both strong and long-lasting is redwood, which is known for its distinctive red color. The attractive hue and low cost of a redwood slab make it a popular material choice.
- Sycamore – Sycamore is another species of hardwood, distinguished by its pale white color and distinctively wavy texture. The rougher appearance of its live edge pieces makes them ideal for use in rustic furniture and decor.
- Walnut – Although it’s not the easiest wood to deal with, walnut’s deep, earthy tones make it a beautiful option for live edge tables and other pieces of dining room furniture. Walnut is often characterized by a wavy grain pattern and a dark brown tint with pronounced brown streaks.
- Beech – A creamy white tint with traces of pink, beech is yet another sturdy timber that may be utilized in flat boards and live edge pieces. The piece’s surface is guaranteed to have a uniform grain pattern.
Pros of Working with Live-Edge Wood
Live edge slabs are distinctive in look, unlike any other sort of wood or standard board. The organic form of the tree trunks from which these products are carved makes a beautiful addition to any setting. We’ve covered some of the advantages of utilizing live edge wood slabs in interior design, but there are more to consider.
Live edge wood slabs are crafted from hardwood trees, which are well-liked and known for their longevity. If you’re looking for furniture or decorative items that will last a lifetime, you’ve found them!
Live edge slabs are one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture that can’t be replicated with flat boards. These one-of-a-kind pieces eliminate the need to hunt for complementary furnishings or decorative accents.
Greener than cutting down a tree, which stops the wood from converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. Dead trees that pose no further environmental risk are the source of live edge wood. Your home furnishings or decorations are doing their part to lessen landfill garbage.
The adaptability of live edge pieces has previously been discussed, but their low cost in comparison to other types of wood products is worth mentioning as well. Live edge slabs are also lighter than various sorts, making them simpler to move and work with.
Using slabs with natural edges has several advantages, as you can see. In the following lines, we will discuss several potential applications for these one-of-a-kind items.
Also Read: How to Become Skilled in Wood Slab Art?
Conclusion
Live edge wood slabs are more than simply timber; they are one-of-a-kind works of art that demonstrate the strength and beauty of nature. These slabs, with their rough edges and unique patterns, are making their way into contemporary architecture. They add a sense of history and authenticity to modern spaces. In this post, you learned about the fascinating history of live edge wood slabs and how they went from being discarded to being highly prized as works of art.