The Ultimate Guide To The Live Edge Dining Table

Live edge furniture is seemingly everywhere: in magazines, on Instagram, in trendy coffee shops. But what is it?

Live edge furniture is simply furniture that features the natural edge of the wood still intact. There are different types of live edge furniture, such as coffee tables, dining tables, headboards, and more. But in this article, we’ll focus on the live edge dining table.

We’re going to explain what it is, what types of live edge dining tables exist, the benefits of owning one, how it is made, and how much it costs in general (and what factors influence the price).

We’ll also show you how to style a natural edge table to fit your home. Let’s get started!

Live edge tables, a definition

So, what is a live edge dining table?

The live edge is the part of the wood that has not been cut, meaning it is in its natural form. A live edge design table differs from classic tables in that the natural edge is left intact, typically by sawing the wood so that the live edge is part of the finished product.

There are different types of live edge tables, but they all share one common characteristic: they’re all unique! No two tables will ever be the same since they are all made from different pieces of wood.

Not the same as bark edge tables

It is important to make a distinction between a live edge table and a bark edge table.

Usually, live edge tables have had the bark removed from the wood, while bark edge tables have had the bark left on. This is an important distinction because it affects the overall look and usability of the table.

Live edge tables often have a cleaner and more polished look, while bark edge tables have a more rustic and natural look.

At the same time, the bark tends to crumble with time, regardless of how it is sealed. It is not the best choice for a table that will be used frequently.

Different types of live edge dining tables

Like traditional dining tables, live edge ones come in various shapes and sizes.

The most common types of live edge dining tables are:

Rectangular
Square
Oval
Round

But there are also many other shapes, such as the following:

Triangle
L shaped
Circular
Custom or irregular shapes

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. Even more so when you introduce a table base that can be made from any of the following materials:

Wood
Metal
Stone
Glass

Each of these materials has its own unique look and feel that can be enhanced with a live edge table. When developing a design for your custom table, it is important to think about the overall look you are trying to achieve.

For example, if you have a modern, minimalist home, a live edge dining table with a metal base would be a perfect choice. But if you have a more rustic or eclectic home, a wood base would be a better fit.

Benefits of owning a live edge dining table

There are several benefits of owning a live edge dining table:

They’re unique and one-of-a-kind. As we mentioned before, no two tables are ever the same. This makes each one special, perfect for those who want something different from the standard dining table.
They have a natural look and feel. The live edge gives the table a rustic and natural look that can’t be found in classic tables. This makes them perfect for those who want to add warmth and character to their home.
They’re eco-friendly. Live edge tables are made from the entirety of a tree, meaning you can feel good about your purchase knowing that no part of a tree was wasted in the making of your table.
They’re durable. You can expect to have your live edge table for decades to come, as they are built to last.
They’re versatile. Live edge dining tables can be used in a variety of settings, from a formal dining room to a rustic cabin.

If you’re interested in getting one, keep in mind that live edge tables are a bit more expensive than traditional dining tables.

Live edge dining table cost

You’ve probably guessed that live edge dining tables don’t come cheap. But how much do they cost, exactly?

Prices can vary greatly, depending on a range of factors, such as:

Wood species – The most expensive types of wood are those that are rare or difficult to find, such as walnut, maple, white oak, or cherry. Cheaper wood options are hickory, ash, pin oak, and red oak.
Wood slab size and thickness – The larger and thicker the live edge wood slab, the more expensive the table will be.
Type of finish – A wood finish ensures that the table is protected from moisture and other elements. A higher quality finish will be more expensive. Generally speaking, an epoxy table would be the most costly, while a polyurethane finish would be less expensive than that.
Additional costs (delivery, custom embellishments, etc.) – Lastly, there may be additional costs, such as delivery fees or the cost of having a custom shape or design carved into the table.

All in all, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 for a live edge dining table. But as we mentioned before, the benefits of owning one make it well worth the investment.

Why are live edge dining tables so expensive?

Aside from the cost of material, it takes an incredible amount of effort and dedicated work hours to ensure that a live edge dining table is made to perfection.

From harvesting the wood to the final sanding and sealing, each step is crucial in creating a beautiful and lasting table.

In addition, because of the natural shape and curvature of the wood slabs, they must be painstakingly hand-selected and prepared. This is a time-consuming process that adds to the overall cost of the table.

Live edge pieces simply cannot be made in bulk. Nor should they be, as this would ruin the natural beauty and character of the wood.

How to style a natural edge table

Now that you know all about live edge dining tables, it’s time to learn how to style one in your home.

The good news is that a live edge kitchen table fits well in pretty much any setting, whether it be modern, sleek, and minimalistic, industrial and raw, or warm and rustic.

Here are a few tips for styling your table:

Choose the right chairs. Play around with different shapes and styles. We recommend sticking with a simple, minimalist look to let the table’s natural beauty shine through. Maybe even consider a tall table to pair with bar stools?
Think about your lighting. Since live edge tables are typically darker in color than traditional tables, you’ll want to make sure you have the right light fixtures to set the mood and create an inviting atmosphere.
Add some accessories. A few well-placed accessories can really make a live edge table shine. From flowers to candles to interesting knick-knacks, there are endless possibilities.
Match the wood species to your decor. If you have a more rustic decor, consider a table made with a wood species like hickory or oak. If your style is more modern and sleek, go for a table made with lighter wood, like maple or cherry.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. The beauty of a live edge table is that it can be styled in many different ways. Try out different combinations and see what works best for you and your home.

How to choose the right live edge table for you

Before you make any final decisions on your purchase, it would be wise to consider a few things.

First, think about the size of your space. A live edge kitchen table can be quite large, so make sure you have enough room to accommodate it.

Second, consider how the table will be used. A live edge dining table is perfect for everyday use, but it can also work for a more formal dining room where it will be used less frequently.

Finally, think about your budget. As we mentioned before, live edge tables can be quite expensive. But don’t let that discourage you – there are plenty of options out there to fit any budget.

Once you’ve considered these factors, it’s time to start shopping!

Conclusion

Live edge pieces are a hot trend in furniture and for a good reason. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they also offer many benefits that traditional tables do not.

If you’re considering purchasing a live edge table, make sure to do your research first. Know what to expect in terms of price and be prepared to invest in a piece that will last a lifetime.

Then, it’s time to have some fun and experiment with different styles until you find the perfect one for your home.

We hope this guide has been helpful and that you’re now ready to take the plunge into the world of live edge furniture! If so, please contact us at Bali Teak Collective. We are looking forward to helping you find the perfect piece for your home.