#LIVE EDGE COFFEE TABLE WITH METAL LEGS INSTALL#

Live-edge has been used to create some products like live-edge tables, live-edge turned bowls, live-edge souvenirs, etc. This design element is referred to as a live edge. Thus, the untouched end of slabs still keeps a tree's original characteristics, shape, and bark. It is considered the process of wood not changed by hand tools or woodworking machinery. Live-edge is known as the unfinished edge of the woodwork. The strength of oaks has inspired several countries to adopt them as symbols on money and flags, and in 2004 the oak was voted the national tree by the US Congress. Oaks, whether red, white, or black oak:Īn oak for a live-edge table table or oak desk is made from the sturdy wood of an oak tree. Walnut and metallic finishes coordinate easily with hues of any color, allowing this piece to blend seamlessly into your space, working well with decorative elements like accent pillows and area rugs. Regardless of the style you select, you will enjoy the versatility of this table. While some styles boast an all-wood construction, others incorporate additional durable materials like metal. First, these tables are durable, combining sturdy wood and walnut veneers. When you invest in a walnut for a live-edge table, you enjoy several advantages. Each species has its challenges but finding a custom furniture maker specializing in live-edge furniture will help. Oaks, whether red, white, or black oak, are also options and sycamore and maple. The most stable is old-growth Redwood within the USA, but Black walnut, Cherry, and Claro walnut are also great options. But back to what is the best wood for live edge furniture. Trees have life cycles, so why not manage wood harvest around their cycles. Also, it is good to look for a wood monger that believes in sourcing its logs ethically.īasically, in a nutshell, it’s not cutting a living tree unless in a managed forest, selective harvesting, salvage, or dead standing. With over 60,000 wood species around the world, how do you choose? A good rule is staying close to home. I’d like the option to remove them if I ever needed to, although I probably won’t need to.Which woods make the best live edge tables? I use wood glue, but epoxy or CA glue would actually be stronger. Also, I like to put a dab of glue on the insert to help it slide in, and give a little more staying power. I like to feel any resistance in my hand and have the option to back it out slightly, then continue forward slowly.

#LIVE EDGE COFFEE TABLE WITH METAL LEGS INSTALL#

But I see a lot of people install them with a drill or impact driver online and it seems to work alright for them. I personally recommend inserting them by hand with a T-wrench. Unless you are putting them into a solid Ebony slab for some reason. So you aren’t too likely to strip them out. The Allen style steel inserts are very strong. While not entirely necessary, using a countersink to bevel the top of the hole helps prevent any chip-out when installing the insert. If you don’t have a stop collar, a piece of tape works as a good depth reference. You don’t want your insert going in at a 30 degree angle. Just try and drill your hole straight up and down. Marking your holesĪ brad point bit and stop collar make installation almost fool proof. If your table is over 96” you can push that back to 18-20”. So I recommend a minimum of 16” from the end of the table to the front of the table leg to allow for a chair to be pulled up. Most people want the option to seat someone at the ends of the table as well as the sides. Many steel bases come with adjustable feet to give you a 1/2” or so of wiggle room. There is a big difference in a 1.5” top and 3” top when the same legs are attached.

Make sure you order the correct legs based on your particular top. how tall should my table be and Where do I mount my table legs?Ī dining table should be 30” tall. Much cleaner that a bright zinc button head with a stack of washers.

Which makes them next to invisible unless you crawl under your table. They are black and have a thin, wide head. However I love the low profile aspect of the furniture connector style bolts. Most any bolt will do, so long as it matches your insert. So get a good steel insert with a Allen style head for installation. Zinc looks bad, and can also strip out easily. Brass looks great, but the threads can strip out easily. I don’t recommend using the brass or solid zinc (zinc plated is ok) threaded inserts.

I have tried a number of different attachment methods and found that steel threaded inserts and furniture bolts are my preferred process.

Live edge coffee table with metal legs