Introduction
Live-edge wood has a natural appeal that makes it popular for many woodworking projects — dining room tables, shelving and more. But where do you find beautiful two-inch-thick slabs of walnut or maple? Certainly not at home centers. Search online for local sawmills and hardwood suppliers to find live-edge wood slabs.
At the supplier, you’re sure to find DIYers and pro woodworkers combing through stacks of wood slabs looking for that perfect piece. We sourced this walnut from a local hardwood supplier and had it surfaced-planed at a local sawmill.
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Imagination
The artistic challenge — or opportunity! — of any woodworking project is visualizing your finished item in the piece of wood even before you buy it. Have general measurements in mind and bring a tape measure when you go hunting for that superb slab.
A few things to think about when looking at a slab: Start with your overall dimensions, including the thickness of the piece. Then consider how much of the live edge is exposed, the amount of sapwood, and how many cracks you see in the wood. (You can fill cracks. Don’t let them deter you from buying an attractive piece.)
Determine how much machining and milling it will take to make the piece usable for your project. It’s the science and art of woodworking.
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