What Are Live Edge Desk Tops?
Live edge desktops are desks with an untouched natural edge. The solid wood used to make the desk retained its natural shape. It was neither filed, cut, nor smoothed. A desk from a live edge slab emphasizes the tree’s rugged edges, bringing a rustic yet timeless look.
Several wood species make excellent live natural edge furniture. Narrow solid wood slabs can be book matched to create a wider surface area for a desk. Another method of making live edge desks is using epoxy resin. You can create more customized designs with epoxy. Epoxy coating also makes the custom desk more durable and waterproof.
How Do You Care for a Live Edge Desk Top
Taking care of a live edge desk top is the same as any live edge furniture. Do not use any strong chemicals when cleaning. You can use natural products like a mixture of water and vinegar. Make sure to wipe the surface dry to remove any moisture after cleaning.
Applying oil such as olive moisturizes and shines the wood top and leaves a nice finish. When doing so, use a clean and soft towel like microfiber to clean your furniture piece. The plushness of a microfiber towel prevents scratches but cleans the surface well.
Re-sealing the wood top of live edge furniture every year or two is also recommended to ensure that the wood finish of your office desk maintains optimal protection.
Seals for Live Edge Desk Top
The most adhesive seal is epoxy resin. It also keeps the bark in place should you wish to keep it. Typically, epoxy is used on harder surfaces like concrete. However, many woodcraft projects also benefit from this resin.
Another common sealer is polyurethane. It is a synthetic resin that also covers and protects the wood. It may not be as impact-resistant as epoxy, but polyurethane is more scratch-resistant. Many people choose polyurethane seals for wood because of its flexibility and high cross-link density.
More affordable options for sealing live edge desktops are oils and waxes. While they give a certain level of cover, they are less protective than the resins mentioned above.
FAQs
Does a live edge desktop crack?
The live edge slab desk may crack if the single slab used is mounted incorrectly. When mounting, leave enough space for the wood to expand and contract. Otherwise, cracking and splitting will occur. Commercial sealants can help live edge desktops from splitting. Seals prevent air from coming in contact with the wood, thereby preventing drying and shrinking, which can cause further cracks.
Can a live edge desk help in productivity?
Yes, it can. Desks are spaces intended for work and allow you to organize things better. What makes a live edge desk unique is its contemporary yet natural style. The uneven touches of live edge liven a dull space and can stimulate a weary mind. Several studies also show that nature increases productivity and helps one focus. So, if you can’t go out to nature, just bring nature into your home office space!
How expensive are live edge slabs?
Live edge slabs are more expensive than regular wood slabs. Their uniqueness, availability, and size affect their prices. Some species of wood are more affordable than others. It is best to contact a lumber shop to know the corresponding prices of different live edge wood, especially if you have a particular wood type or custom size in mind.
Where To Buy Live Edge Desk Tops
Specialty lumber stores such as Alderfer Lumber Company offer a wide range of products and services. If you are looking for a live edge office desk or a live edge dining table, conference table, or end tables, our shop is the best place to go.
We have domestic and exotic wood pieces perfect for a live edge desk or custom desk or unique piece. Every natural wood slab is sustainably sourced, kiln-dried, and kept in storage with the right conditions to maintain healthy wood.
You can check our online inventory of live edge wood slabs. Feel free to contact us if you can’t see what you’re looking for. We can check our storage to see other availability that is not posted online.
