5 Steps to Customizing a Live Edge Table

Live edge tables have been a very admired choice in design due to their natural beauty and uniqueness, such as shaping, grain, knots, and imperfections. These tables are crafted from wood, with the natural edge of the tree preserved. This makes these tables all one of a kind, creating a genuinely aesthetic piece of furniture that stands out in your home. In this blog, we will explore five essential steps to help you customize a live edge table and unleash your creativity in interior design. 

1. Choose the wood 

2. Select the finish

3. Determine size and shape

4. Add custom features

5. Collaborate with a designer

Choose the wood:

When customizing a live edge table, the choice of wood plays an essential role in the overall look and feel of the final piece. These are some common types of wood used for live edge tables and why:

• Walnut: Walnut is a popular choice for live edge tables due to its rich, dark color and beautiful grain patterns. It is a durable hardwood that ages gracefully, developing a deep patina.

• Monkeypod: Monkeypod wood is a tropical hardwood characterized by distinctive grain patterns and golden brown color. It is known for its durability and strength.

• Guanacaste: Guanacaste is a tropical wood that is imported from Costa Rica. Guanacaste is known for its beautiful grain patterns, durability, and resistance to decay. These trees can grow up to 115 feet tall and up to 11 feet in diameter. They make great large conference room tables, dining room tables, and cross-cut round tables. Guanacaste can also be used for live-edge epoxy tables, live-edge tables, or traditional-style tables or countertops. 

• White Oak: White oak is a hardwood known for its strength, durability, and attractive grain patterns. It ranges in color from light tan to medium brown and is highly resistant to rot and decay. 

• Maple: Maple wood is known for its light color and smooth texture, making it a versatile option for live edge tables. It can be stained or finished in various ways to achieve different looks, from modern to rustic.

•  Oak: Oak is a sturdy and durable hardwood often used for live-edge tables. Its prominent grain pattern and warm, inviting tone add character to any space.

• Cherry: Cherry wood is prized for its reddish-brown hue and smooth, even grain. It darkens with age, giving it a timeless appeal that complements traditional and contemporary decor styles.

• Acacia: Acacia wood is a popular choice for live edge tables due to its unique grain patterns and natural variations in color. It is a sustainable option that is both durable and visually striking.

Select the finish

Choosing a finish for the table should reflect its intended use. It will impact the look and durability of the finished table. Choosing a finish that will last and protect your table from daily wear and tear is important. It is also essential to use a high-quality product tailored to your product's use. See how durable epoxy finishes are in our article "How Strong and Durable are Epoxy Tables? Everything You Need to Know."

Determine the size and shape

One of the most common desires when customizing a table is the ability to customize its shape and size. To design your custom table, you first need to determine its shape. 

Rectangle spaces: If the space is a rectangle, the best option is a rectangle or oval table.

Square spaces: If the space is square, the best options are square or circular tables. 

Choosing a table size that works for your space is an essential step in designing your custom table. The article How to: Choose a Table Size reviews these steps in detail; these steps include measuring the room, determining the number of seats, thinking of table shape, considering how the table will be used, and considering other furniture

Add custom features

Adding custom features to your table is the perfect way to make it one of a kind. There are a variety of ways to add a personal touch to your custom table; we will look at a few of the most popular ways. 

1. Size and Shape

2. Epoxy and Resin

3. Table Legs

4. Wood and Finish Type

5. Engravings and Accents

6. Storage or Functional Features

For more details on these custom features, visit our blog 6 Ways to Customize a Live Edge Table

Collaborate with a designer. 

Collaborating with a professional artisan or designer is vital to assist in the design and creation of your live edge table. Designers can bring expertise and creativity to the table, helping to translate your ideas and preferences into a cohesive and visually appealing design. They can provide valuable insights on factors such as proportion, balance, and functionality, ensuring that the final product looks good and meets your practical needs. Additionally, designers can offer guidance on material selection, construction techniques, and finishing touches, helping to enhance the overall quality and durability of the table. By working closely with a designer, you can benefit from their professional knowledge and experience, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and well-crafted custom table.

Customizing a live edge table is an enriching process that allows you to create a unique piece of furniture that reflects your style and complements home design. By carefully selecting the wood, finish, size, and shape, while considering custom features, you can craft a table that serves a functional purpose and becomes a stunning focal point in your home. Collaborating with a designer can further enhance this process, ensuring that your vision is brought to life with professional expertise. Embrace your creativity and take these steps to design a live edge table you'll cherish for years to come. 

At Timber Ridge Table Company, we partner alongside our clients to craft exquisite and unique custom tables and woodworks that blend timeless elegance with unmatched quality, serving those who value both luxury and artisanal craftsmanship. We will guide you in selecting the wood, finish, size, and shape. While considering custom features to add, you can create your one-of-a-kind piece.