5 Tips for Buying Your Next Live Edge Slab
The main takeaways:
When it comes to creating a truly custom piece — whether it’s a dining table, coffee table, mantel, or bar top — choosing the right live edge slab is where it can either become a work of art or firewood. Our team believes a project should start with a slab that’s not just beautiful, but built to last. We do look for special characters, grades, etc. but when asked, "What should I be looking for when it comes to sourcing a slab for my next project?" this is what we encourage.
So, with your next question in mind, here are five essential tips to help you find the perfect, project-ready slab:
1. Understand the Benefits of Hardwoods
Not all wood is created equal. For example, there are hardwoods like walnut, oak, maple, and ash that are prized for their strength, durability, and beautiful grain patterns. Choosing a true hardwood ensures your finished piece will stand the test of time, resisting dents, warping, and everyday wear. Trust us — no one wants to chase their dinner down a crooked table.
2. Prioritize Kiln-Dried Slabs
Here comes the controversy. We advise our DIY enthusiast and professional craftsmen to ask whether a slab has been kiln-dried. Air-dried wood often retains too much moisture, which can lead to cracking, warping, or mold growth down the road. Kiln-dried slabs are carefully dried to a stable moisture level, making them ideal for furniture and indoor use. We use an iDry kiln to dry our wood, which we offer as an individual service as well if you've already purchased a "green cut" slab, in other words a live edge slab that is fresh cut or air-dried but not down to the ideal moisture content level of 10-12%.
3. Pay Attention to Character
Wood figures like knots, spalting, bark pockets, and natural checking are what make each live edge slab one-of-a-kind! These are high-value in the eyes of any artisan woodworker. Instead of seeing these as imperfections, think of them as nature’s fingerprints — unique features that add warmth and personality to your final piece. Some characters also mean the slab is a higher grade, making it more expensive, but worth more when you sell or show off your piece!
4. Think About Size and Scale
Nothing kills the excitement faster than finding the perfect slab — only to realize it won't even fit through your front door. So, please, measure your space before you shop! It's important to know the length, width, and thickness you need for your project. Keep in mind that live edge slabs often have organic shapes, so account for a little variation. A larger slab can always be trimmed down, but adding size later isn’t an option!
5. Work with a Trusted Source
Choosing a slab from a reputable supplier means you’re getting properly milled, dried, and graded wood — and expert guidance if you need it. At Woodland Hardwoods, we’re proud to offer a curated selection of live edge slabs, sourced, milled, and kiln-dried right here in Missouri.
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Ready to find the perfect slab?
Browse our available inventory today and take the first step toward your custom project!
