The bark is subject to decay and can fall apart as wood expands and contracts.This presents a multitude of challenges when cutting and measuring. Being organic, live edges are not straight.These often require some kind of filling with resin or filler. Unlike square and finished wood, live-edges can come with holes, cracks, and voids.Special consideration has to be given to a wood project when considering live edge design. Live-edge woodwork is a bit more complex than working with regular dimensional lumber. 1-2” thicknesses are typically geared to specialty woodworking and 3” is more common for making dining or conference tables.

Slabs can come in thicknesses of 1” to 3” depending upon the intended use. Unlike traditional lumber that comes with a straight side, the contour on a live-edge slab mimics that of the original tree.

These pieces are cuts of wood that do not have finished edges. Whether it’s a live-edge table or wood bowl, all woodworking projects start with live-edge lumber.įor the construction of tables, it begins with the live-edge wood slab. I differentiate my bowls this way.Īnother term, to note that is often interchangeably used with live-edge is 'living-edge.' It references the same meaning as live-edge. Some say it's the same meaning while others argue that when the bark is removed it is no longer a 'live-edge' and instead 'natural.' I tend to agree and apply the term natural edge when describing the raw organic shape of the edge without the bark, and I use live-edge terminology if the piece still has the bark. This is often debated in woodworking circles. The terminology difference between “live-edge” and “natural edge” is loose. That said, if the bark does fall off I refer to it as a natural edge. I want to preserve the bark as best as possible because I have a preference for the look of bowls that have the bark preserved. I pay special attention to the bark to ensure it isn’t in decay. When making live edge Koa bowls I start with what appears to be a cross-section cut of the wood. I get the most positive responses and interest in my live edge pieces. It isn't straight, the edge of the rim is not only uniquely made up of the untouched edge of the tree, but the rim line is wavy and irregular. This is most evident in the natural lines of the bowl’s rim. Because of the organic nature and odd cross-section shape that live-edge turning produces, it creates a truly unique art piece. Turning live-edge Koa wood bowls is particularly fun for me. My first hands-on experience working with live-edge wood was through woodturning. Custom made by mother nature, each piece is just as unique as fingerprints. By design, it brings the appearance of outdoors inside. Unlike traditionally finished tables, a live-edge table brings the natural lines of the tree into the living space. Live-edge tables typically have at least one side, sometimes both sides of the table untouched. Perhaps the most popular application of live-edge design is in table making. (Koa wood candle holder made from a branch.) As you can see, much of the bark is left intact. The side photo is an example of a live-edge home decor item. Everything from lamps and frames to shelves and bar stools is designed to capture the raw lines and rustic appeal that live-edge woodwork offers. Live-Edge ProductsĪs the popularity of live edge design grows and technology in woodworking gets more advance we see more and more products made in the style of live-edge. And if you like the raw appeal of live-edge carpentry you’ll be happy to know that there is a large range of applications for live-edge. It is a style of woodworking where the artist incorporates the living edge of the wood into the finished product. Live-edge has been used to describe a theme and genre of wood furniture making, wood art, and products. This design element is referred to as a live-edge. As a result, the untouched end of slabs and furniture retains the original characteristics of a tree its shape, and bark. It is the periphery of wood not altered by hand tools or woodworking machinery. What does live-edge actually mean? Live-edge defines the unfinished edge of the woodwork. If you follow rustic or organic interior designing, you’re in all likelihood aware of the popularity of live-edge woodworking.

Live-edge woodworking has become a must-know topic since I embarked in the field of harvesting, milling, and turning wood.

Live edge wood bowl