What To Look For In A Live Edge Wood Dining Table?

Purchasing a live edge wood dining table can be a great decision for anyone looking to add beauty and uniqueness to their home. 

These kitchen tables, which feature natural, organic edges and showcase the natural beauty of the natural wood grain, can be a striking addition to any dining room, living room, and study. 

However, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you get the best table for your needs.

This article will cover what you need to look for in a live edge wood dining table.

Are live edge tables worth it?

Live edge wood tables are often more expensive than other types of dining tables due to several  reasons: 

• Each live edge dining table is one-of-a-kind, meaning they cannot be made in bulk.
• Lumber used to make live edge furniture is challenging to find.
• Crafting live edge wood furniture is way more time and labor-intensive than crafting traditional furniture. (Read more about the crafting process in our article on the cost of live edge tables.) 

However, these wood slab tables can be well worth the investment as they are a statement piece that can add character to your home. 

They are also often made with high-quality wood and craftsmanship, which means they can last for many years with proper care. (Some pieces have endured long enough to be passed down from generation to generation!)

What is the best wood for a live edge table?

Many different types of wood can be used for live edge tables, and the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and the style of your home. 

Some popular options include walnut wood (especially black walnut), oak, maple, cherry, and sycamore live edge furniture. 

Each type of wood has unique characteristics, such as grain pattern and color, so it’s important to consider which will work best in your space.

At Bali Teak, we craft live edge tables made from two magnificent wood species: teak and Suar.

Teak wood is a tropical hardwood known for its durability, natural oils, and attractive golden color. It is often used for outdoor furniture, as it is resistant to rot and decay and can withstand extreme weather conditions. But it can also be used for indoor pieces.

In terms of live edge furniture, teak is a good choice because of its strength and durability. 

It is also known for its attractive appearance. The golden color of teak wood and its natural grain patterns make it a popular choice for any type of furniture, especially striking live edge tables.

Suar wood is a hardwood native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is known for its strength, durability, and attractive grain patterns, which make it a popular choice for furniture and other woodworking projects.

In addition to its strength and durability, Suar wood is also sought-after for its unique appearance. 

Its grain patterns and color variations, ranging from light to dark brown, make it an aesthetically pleasing choice for indoor and outdoor furniture pieces.

You may think that Suar wood is the same as Monkeypod.

However, they cannot be more different. 

While Monkeypod is common in the United States, it is actually harvested in Central America. Loose regulations in this region allow for extensive rainforest exploitation, leading to widespread soil erosion and eradication of entire ecosystems.

Compared to Suar, which is harvested in Indonesia employing sustainable practices designed to protect Indonesian rainforests, Monkeypod is a cheap wood alternative.

What we are especially proud of at Bali Teak is that all wood used for our products is sustainably harvested, meaning that no forests suffer due to our processes. We are SVLK certified, meaning investing in our products steals business from illegal loggers.

How thick should a live edge dining room table be?

The thickness of live edge slabs will depend on the size of the wooden table you want and the type of wood used. 

In general, live edge slab tables tend to be thicker than other types of tables due to the natural edge of the wood. A thicker table will also be more stable and durable. 

Generally, a live edge dining room table should be at least 1.5 inches thick, but thicker tables may be more suitable for larger spaces.

How do I select a live edge table?

There are several factors to consider when selecting a live edge table: 

• Size of your dining room and the number of people you typically have at the table. Make sure you choose a table that is large enough to accommodate your needs but not so large that it feels overwhelming in the space. Remember that you can also opt for a round dining table instead of a classic rectangular one.
• Style of the table. Do you want a rustic, natural look or a more modern aesthetic? Think about the other furniture and decor in your dining room and choose a solid wood dining table that complements the style of your space.
• Type of wood and the finish. As mentioned earlier, different types of wood have different characteristics, so choose a wood that you love the look and feel of. It would be best if you also considered the finish of the table. Some live edge tables are left natural, while others are finished with a clear coat or a colored stain. Choose a finish that matches your style.

Live edge dining table ideas

You can incorporate a live edge table into your dining room in many different ways. 

• Embrace the rustic look: A live edge table with raw wood or metal frame chairs creates a natural rustic vibe in your dining room. The rough, unfinished edges of the table complement the rugged, industrial look of the chairs, creating a cohesive and cohesive look.
• Add a pop of color: Brightly colored chairs or a patterned rug can add a touch of whimsy to your live edge table. Choose chairs in bold, vibrant hues, or opt for a carpet with a bold pattern to add a splash of color to your dining room.
• Mix and match styles: Pairing a modern table base with a live edge wood top is a great way to mix and match different styles. The modern base adds a sleek, contemporary touch to the table, while the live edge top wood brings in a natural, rustic element. This stylish rustic combination creates an interesting and eclectic look that is sure to be a conversation starter.

No matter how you choose to incorporate a live edge dining table into your home, it is sure to add a unique and natural touch to your space.

Conclusion

Live edge tables are made with high-quality wood and craftsmanship and can last for many years with proper care. When shopping for a natural wood dining table, consider the size of your space, the type of wood, and the thickness of the table. 

At Bali Teak, we offer sustainably sourced teak and Suar wood live edge tables crafted with care in the heart of Indonesia. Invest in a piece that adds character and warmth to your home and steals business from illegal loggers with our SVLK certification. 

Consider adding a live edge table to your home and make a statement with this one-of-a-kind piece. Contact us today!