What Are Bookmatched Wood Slabs?
A bookmatched live edge slab comprises multiple wood slabs glued together to make one large piece. Bookmatching is a method that usually involves cutting two (or more) slabs from the same wood. The woods are cut one right after the other to ensure their symmetry. Though no two slabs look the same, slabs may closely resemble each other and match.
Once the slabs are matched and placed beside each other, they look like an open book. The slabs mirror each other and create an illusion of continuity instead of separate pieces. Bookmatching is often done to make large pieces of furniture that require a wider width.
Why Choose Live Edge Bookmatched for Furniture
Like any other live edge furniture, a live edge bookmatch woodwork is also an attention-stealer. It provides a central point to a space that is otherwise drab looking. Choosing this type of furniture, such as a bookmatched live edge table, is a brilliant choice given the following advantages:
Stronger Than Singular Slabs
Bookmatched live edges are stronger than regular slabs because they do not warp and crack as much. Woods are known to move and warp from changing weather conditions and aging. Warping tends to occur at the center of the wood. However, a bookmatched slab has no center because it is two or more pieces of wood glued together. In other words, the multiple wood slabs share the weight resulting in minimal movements and less warping.
More Affordable
Bookmatched live edge wood slabs are less expensive than a single-piece large cut because large slabs are rare to find. Big slabs are huge since they come from decades-old trees, which are difficult to source sustainably. Thus, they are more expensive and sporadic. Bookmatching offers a wood slab for a lower price with a width matching a single-piece large cut.
Creates Larger-Sized Furniture
The significant advantage of bookmatching slabs is creating large pieces of furniture. A bookmatched live edge table is the most common piece of this twin wood set. Thanks to bookmatching, any bigger-than-life wood projects are achievable.
Tips When Buying Bookmatched Live Edge
The most major consideration when buying live edge bookmatched wood slabs is how suitable their thickness and width are to your intended use. It should match perfectly the furniture design and must not look too big or too thick.
Another important consideration that most people take for granted is how the wood was dried. Drying ensures the wood’s longevity. Though bookmatched pieces are less prone to warping, they still warp at some point. The drying process limits some types of wood warping.
The main idea of bookmatching is to match live edge wood slabs that look alike to create symmetry. When buying a bookmatched slab, always inspect its appearance to ensure that the slabs are proportioned.
FAQs
Is it hard to look for a bookmatched live edge wood?
Bookmatch pieces are easy to find if you know where to look. They may not be available in regular lumber stores or home and furniture shops. However, you can find them easily at specialty dealers like Alderfer Lumber Company Inc.
How expensive are live edge bookmatched wood slabs?
The price of bookmatched live edge depends on the type of wood, the size, and the overall quality of the piece. Some bookmatch wood pieces are already glued together, which can further increase the price. Prices may range from $600 to a few thousand dollars.
Where To Buy Bookmatched Live Edge
You should purchase bookmatched live edge from a reputable and reliable dealer like Alderfer Lumber Company Inc. Our company offers bookmatched pieces that come from sustainable sources and are kiln-dried and stored in a conducive environment to maintain the wood’s condition.
Our inventory includes both imported and domestic wood products. We have several hardwoods and softwoods available and ready at your disposal anytime.
So whether you want to make a bookmatched live edge table or any custom woodworking project, we have the right piece of wood for you. Check out our available live edge pieces here. And if you cannot find what you are looking for, feel free to contact us for assistance.
