What Is a Live Edge Bar Top?
A bar top is the main counter or the top surface of a bar where you place the food and drinks, therefore it's the centerpiece of your bar. The term was first applied to drinking establishments where bartenders worked. The bar top helped ease and manage the bartender’s work when serving your guests. As bars became a common fixture in homes, bar top designs and styles also began to cater to household needs.
A live edge bar top is made from wood slabs that retain their natural edges. The style of the bar top emphasizes the natural edge of the wood. The edges are not altered nor refined, thus, appearing rugged and uneven. This bar top design is perfect for most interiors, especially rustic, contemporary, and natural ones.
Common Woods Used for Bar Tops
Wood is a standard bar top material and a favorite for most. Its numerous species and colors give you a wide range of styles and designs, making it easy to recreate the look you want. The woods commonly used for bar tops are:
Each of these natural wood species has its distinct characteristics. They differ in color, grains, and density. Understanding these characteristics lets you decide which is suited to your needs. If your bar is indoors, you can choose any natural wood species. But outdoor bars may need woods with superior weathering abilities to last a long time, such as cedar and mahogany, among others.
Things to Know Before Buying Wood Bar Tops
A bar top is prone to spills and stains because it is where food and drinks are served. Before purchasing a wooden top, do your research about different solid wood species. You should consider wood attributes like color, workability, density, and whether it can withstand outdoor elements.
Prices of solid wood vary as well. Some domestic woods are more available than others. Thus, they are cheaper and easily sourced. You should also factor in the size of the live edge bar top. If you need a bigger piece of wood, expect to pay more than the usual amount.
Decide what type of finish and sealer you want, too. These two factors will affect the overall appearance and functionality of the bar top. Of course, you don’t want to leave it bare to the harsh elements like air, sunlight, and moisture. These can hasten the deterioration of the wood piece.
Before buying wood for your live edge bar top, ask how it was dried and how long it was dried. Proper drying is key to the wood’s longevity. It kills fungi and other organisms that feed off the wood while also preventing future insect attacks.
FAQs
Can live edge bar tops withstand spills?
Live edge bar tops can withstand spills. Most bar tops are protected by a sealer or lacquer. However, the seal should be reapplied every year or two to guarantee optimal protection. You should also wipe spills immediately with a soft cloth. Do not let any liquid dry on its own or be absorbed by the wood.
How to take care of a live edge bar top?
Every live edge furniture piece is easy to maintain, whether it's a coffee table, floating shelf, or conference table. Do not use any harmful chemicals when cleaning. Natural products are the best, but you can also use a mild soap or detergent. Hot pads, coasters, and placemats are also preventive measures to avoid damaging the bar top.
Where to Buy Live Edge Bar Top
Live edge woods are hard to come by, given their rarity and uniqueness. Check specialty lumber stores if you want to use a live edge slab for your bar top. Alderfer Lumber Company Inc is a specialty lumber dealer that houses exotic and common lumber products.
We have a wide range of live edge slabs sourced sustainably from domestic hardwoods and softwoods that will look perfect for your live edge bar top.
You can check our available slabs online or contact us for any inquiries.
