Ask This New House

Introduction

Have you ever been captivated by the natural beauty of a live edge wood slab? Redwood, with its warm tones and rich character, is a particularly stunning choice for creating unique and eye-catching furniture. But maybe you’ve hesitated, thinking crafting a table from such a gorgeous piece of wood requires advanced woodworking skills. Well, fear not! This guide is here to show you that creating a DIY live edge redwood coffee table is an achievable project, even for beginners. With a little preparation and some basic steps, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a one-of-a-kind centerpiece that boasts both beauty and the satisfaction of having built it yourself.

Selecting Your Live Edge Canvas: Redwood and Beyond

The term “live edge” refers to the natural, unmilled edge of a wood slab. This edge incorporates the organic curves and character of the tree, creating a unique and visually striking element in furniture design.

Here at Ask This New House, we’re Californians, we have a special fondness for redwood, it’s our local tree! Redwood’s warm reddish tones and beautiful grain patterns make it a stunning material for live edge furniture. But beyond its aesthetics, redwood is also a fantastic choice for beginners due to its soft and workable nature. This allows for easier shaping and finishing, making it less intimidating for those new to woodworking.

However, the beauty of live edge furniture extends far beyond redwood! Here are some other incredible wood species that excel in live edge creations:

• Walnut: This rich, chocolate-brown wood boasts a tight grain and elegant aesthetic, perfect for modern and contemporary furniture.
• Maple: Known for its creamy-white to light brown tones and smooth surface, maple offers a versatile canvas for various design styles.
• White Oak: A timeless classic, white oak features a light brown hue with a distinctive grain pattern, adding a touch of rustic charm to any piece.
• Acacia: This exotic wood boasts a warm golden brown color and a naturally high oil content, making it resistant to moisture and wear.
• Elm: With its unique, burled grain patterns and a range of color variations, elm offers a truly one-of-a-kind aesthetic for live edge furniture.

Where do you get it? 

Ok, you can’t just go into the woods and cut down a tree, in fact ABSOLUTELY DO NOT do that. This is where Craigslist and Nextdoor are going to be your best friends. Here you will find two main types of businesses selling slabs – lumber yards, and independent sellers. 

Lumber Yards will have huge selections of slabs, helpful staff, and some even offer services to cut and finish slabs to your spec (for a price). Occasionally even offer delivery (which can be important pending size and what type of vehicle you have access too). 

Independent sellers – these are people like arborists, or tree removal specialists, the person who was hired to cut down that big huge redwood once it was deemed no longer safe. Rather than just dump the wood into the landfill, a lot of these businesses will roughly mill the trees into slabs and sell them direct. 

In our experience – it’s easiest to find both types of sellers locally via Craigslist, and Nextdoor, simply by searching ‘live edge slabs’ or ‘live edge [species name] slab’. 

Selecting Your Perfect Slab: A Lumberyard Expedition

So you’ve arrived at the lumberyard, surrounded by a treasure trove of potential live edge slabs! But with so many options vying for your attention, how do you choose the perfect one for your coffee table project? Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider:

Size it Up:

Measure your space: Before you get overwhelmed by gorgeous slabs, consider the designated area for your coffee table. Measure the length, width, and ideal height to ensure your chosen slab fits comfortably within the designated space. Remember, you’ll also need some clearance for leg installation or base construction.

Size Matters, But So Does Shape:

Functionality first: While a captivating organic form might catch your eye, prioritize functionality. Will the slab’s shape accommodate your desired table size and leg design? Opt for a slab that offers enough surface area for your needs while complementing the overall design of your table.

Eye on the Details:

Cracks and imperfections: Live edge slabs naturally have cracks, knots, and imperfections. These imperfections can add character, but assess their severity. Can you work around them, or are they too large and structurally concerning?

Flatness and warp: Inspect the slab for any significant warping or unevenness. While minor variations can be addressed during the build process, major warping can pose challenges and require significant flattening work.

Dryness: When trees are cut down and freshly milled (cut into slabs) they have a high moisture content. You want to find slabs that have been fully dried. This is important because if you make a table with a slab that is not fully dried, it may warp as it dries out. 

Color and grain pattern: Redwood’s warm tones are undeniably beautiful, but explore the variety of wood species available. Consider the color palette of your space and choose a slab with a grain pattern that complements your design aesthetic.

Touch and feel: Run your hands over the slab’s surface. Does it feel smooth or textured? Does the texture suit your vision for the finished table? Remember, live edge slabs are one-of-a-kind, so embrace the unique characteristics that make them so special.

Don’t forget to ask! The lumberyard staff are a valuable resource. Ask them about the wood species, drying process, and any specific considerations for the slabs you’re interested in.

Budget

Your slab is going to make up the largest part of your budget, and prices will vary by location and species. The rarer the species, the more expensive it will be. 

It would be impossible to list exact prices for all species in all locations so instead ballpark $250-1000 for a redwood slab. You can assume as the size and quality goes up, so will the price. 

Other Materials: 

Putting Your Live Edge Masterpiece on Display: Table Leg Options

You’ve meticulously chosen your stunning live edge slab, and now it’s time to elevate it into a functional work of art. But how will this beauty stand tall?  Fear not, DIY enthusiast! Here are several exciting options for your live edge coffee table’s legs:

1. The Modern Minimalist: Hairpin Legs

• Sleek and sophisticated: Hairpin legs are a popular choice for live edge tables thanks to their minimalist aesthetic. These slender metal legs come in various finishes, from classic black to bold brass, allowing you to complement your unique design style.
• Easy to install: Hairpin legs typically attach to the underside of the slab with pre-drilled holes and mounting plates, making them a user-friendly option for beginners.
• Consider scale: While hairpin legs offer a sleek look, ensure they’re sturdy enough to support the weight of your live edge slab. Choose a leg thickness and style proportional to the size and weight of your tabletop.

2. Upcycled Chic: Repurposed Table Legs

• Treasure hunt: Hit up flea markets, thrift stores, or online marketplaces to find pre-loved table legs with character. This eco-friendly approach not only saves you money but can also unearth unique vintage pieces that add a touch of history to your coffee table.
• Customization is key: You can modify existing legs by repainting them, adding metallic finishes, or swapping out the feet for a fresh look.
• Measure and ensure stability: Repurposed legs might require additional reinforcement or modifications to ensure they can properly support your live edge slab.

3. Industrial Edge: Building a Steel Frame

• DIY mastery: For the ambitious woodworker, building a custom steel frame allows for ultimate design control. You can create a frame that perfectly complements the lines and curves of your live edge slab.
• Requires welding skills: Successfully building a steel frame requires welding skills and proper safety gear. If you’re not comfortable welding, consider enlisting the help of a professional metalworker.
• Strength and stability: A well-constructed steel frame offers exceptional support for even the heaviest live edge slabs.
• The perfect table leg option depends on your desired aesthetic, budget, and DIY skill level.  Each option offers unique advantages, so weigh the pros and cons to find the solution that best suits your project and personality!

Bringing Out the Beauty: Choosing Your Live Edge Finish

The final touch on your live edge masterpiece? A beautiful and protective finish! But with numerous options available, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick breakdown of three popular finishes to help you decide:

Clear Epoxy:

• Pros: Creates a high-gloss, crystal-clear finish that enhances the wood’s natural depth and beauty. Offers superior durability and water resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Cons: Can be tricky to apply for a flawless finish, requiring a meticulous process to avoid bubbles or imperfections. The high gloss can sometimes appear artificial.

Polyurethane:

• Pros: A versatile and user-friendly finish available in various sheen levels (gloss, satin, matte). Provides good protection against moisture and scratches. Relatively easy to apply and repair.
• Cons: Can create a plastic-like appearance if applied too thickly. Over time, some polyurethanes can turn amber, slightly altering the wood’s natural color.

Natural Oils:

• Pros: Enhances the natural grain and warmth of the wood while offering a subtle sheen. Relatively easy to apply and reapply for maintenance. Food-safe options available, making them ideal for tabletops.
• Cons: Offers less protection compared to epoxy or polyurethane. Requires more frequent reapplication to maintain water resistance.

Our Favorite: General Finishes Arm-R-Seal

We particularly recommend General Finishes Arm-R-Seal for its impressive balance of features. This water-based, wipe-on polyurethane offers a beautiful satin finish that enhances the natural look of wood while providing excellent durability and water resistance. It’s also relatively beginner-friendly, making it a great choice for DIY enthusiasts.

Ultimately, the best finish for your live edge project depends on your desired aesthetic and the level of protection needed. Consider the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best suits your vision and woodworking comfort level.

Tools: 

• Sandpaper: Several grits (e.g., 80, 120, 220)
• Sander: you will be doing a lot of sanding, 
• Drill: To drill pilot holes and attach the legs
• Circular saw: To cut your slab to size (or have the lumberyard do it) 
• Wood screws: to hold the legs on – the size will depend on your table leg selection and the depth of your slab. Make sure they aren’t longer than half the depth to avoid screwing all the way through. 
• Brushes: foam brushes are very easy to work with with appling wood finish, and disposable makes for easy clean up, but also its disposable, you can also use paint brushes or rags. 
• Clean up: Mineral spirits – oils/wood finish will need to be cleaned up, mineral spirits can help you do this safely and effectively. 

Here’s how we did it!

1. Choose your slab: 
   • We measured our space and found a slab that fit and needed minimal trimming
   • We trimmed the excess off and chose which side would be our display side
2. Prep Your Slab:
   • Sand. Sand. Sand. You will be doing a lot of sanding, but it doesn’t have to be rocket science, here is a breakdown of our approach by grit:
     1. 80 Grit – the roughest, will remove the most material. When you use this grit you will be focused on flattening your slab and removing major imperfections
     2. 120 Grit – now you will be working your way up to a smooth, finish ready surface, sand the surface evenly until it seems universally smooth, again, use your best judgment. 
     3. 220 Grit – this will add a polish level finish to the wood, sand until the entire surface is beautifully smooth. 
     4. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to get all the saw dust off. 
3. Finish the Surface:
   • Apply your finish based on the manufacturer’s instructions. 
4. Attach the Legs:
   • Determine leg placement, ensure stability (use a level).
   • Pre-drill holes where legs attach.
   • Secure the legs with screws.
5. Enjoy Your Masterpiece!
   • Style your new live edge coffee table and admire your work.

Tips & Tricks

• Sanding pro tip: Use a level or a straight edge, lay it across your slab in various places to find high marks. You can do this by looking for gaps under the level. Mark the high marks with pencil, and then use the sander to wear them down. Once the table is flat enough, and you’ve removed the imperfections its time to move up grits. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect, thats kind of the point. 
• Sanding pro tip #2: You don’t really need to sand both sides to 220, you can leave the underside more roughly finished since nobody will see it! 
• Sourcing your slab – lumber yards will be the easiest, but the most expensive, independent sellers will likely be more affordable, but slightly harder to find. 
• Coasters: If you pick an oil finish, you will need to get some coasters to prevent condensation from your drinks making rings on your table. 
• Repair: did it get dented or scratched? Just sand it out, and refinish that spot! 

Congratulations on Creating a Live Edge Masterpiece!

With careful selection, thoughtful construction, and a stunning finish, you’ve transformed a raw slab of wood into a breathtaking conversation piece.  Your handcrafted live edge coffee table is not only a functional work of art but also a testament to your creativity and DIY spirit.  Now, sit back, admire your creation, and enjoy countless moments of beauty and functionality for years to come!