Live Edge Wood: The Top 7 Questions We Are Asked About

Live edge slabs are cuts of wood that have the natural edge of the tree left on one or more sides of the slab. Live edge slabs are much different than the typical dimensional lumber you might find at a hardware store or lumber supplier as they usually do not come in any set shapes or sizes and typically vary in size throughout the slab.

The name “live edge” comes from the fact that the edge is where the tree grows from. The Cambium layer can be found near the edge of the slab just below the bark. The Cambium is one cell thick and is responsible for all of the tree’s diameter growth.

If a slab has a lot of figure and character to it, it will likely be priced higher than one with traditional straight grain because it is less common. The size affects the price as well because you are paying for more wood. Exclusivity can bring the cost up or down since less common wood types are usually more highly sought after than the more common ones.

Yes! Live edge wood is oftentimes sourced from residential takedowns or urban clearings. This is wood that might have been tossed into the waste stream, but is instead given a new life. Not only that, but when milling live edge wood, there is a lot less waste than the traditional milling used to cut dimensional lumber!

Removing the bark on a live edge slab is up to you! During the drying process, it is normal for some or all of the bark to fall off, but there are occasions where the bark has a good enough grip and stays on. In this case, you would have the choice to leave it on and finish the piece as is, or you can remove the bark to expose the natural edge underneath.

Many times this decision is based on the style you are trying to achieve. If the rustic look is more your speed, try leaving the bark on! If you are looking for something more modern or clean looking, taking the bark off might be a better option for you.