How to transform a raw maple slab into a professional live edge table
In short: Building a live edge table requires more than just a slab and some legs. General contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor demonstrate the precise process of orienting the wood, removing bark, and sealing the surface to create a functional piece of furniture that celebrates the natural, raw edge.
The process begins with a critical design decision: the orientation of the live edge. For decorative pieces, Tom Silva suggests facing the live edge upward to highlight its natural beauty. However, for functional furniture like dining tables, he recommends facing the edge downward to ensure a smooth, gap-free surface for anyone sitting at the table. Once the orientation is set, the straight edges are cut using a track saw, and the bark is carefully removed with a hammer and chisel before being smoothed with a grinder and palm sander.
Joining the slabs requires precision to ensure a seamless finish. After applying wood glue to the straight edges and clamping the pieces together, the table is sanded until the joint is perfectly blended. To install the legs, a custom jig is constructed from scrap wood, allowing a router to cut four even, level sections into the underside of the tabletop. This ensures that the legs sit flush, providing stability for the finished piece.
The final stage focuses on protection and aesthetics. The wood is sealed with a coat of amber shellac, followed by light sanding with 320-grit sandpaper. The finish is completed with multiple coats of tung oil, applied in two separate rounds. It is essential to dispose of the oil-soaked rags in a bucket of water to prevent fire hazards. This methodical approach, featured in the Ask This Old House series, transforms raw timber into a durable, refined home addition.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Live Edge Slab Table | Build It | Ask This Old House
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