How to Construct Live Edge Dining Table with Solid Wood Material

This article will guide you to construct a live edge dining table using a maple slab. 

Live edge table is the curve on the outside of the tree trunk; the outside curve is fixed to remove the soft sapwood and loose bark. 

As a result, the smooth and tactile natural edge is created to make the table satisfying to touch.

Here are the steps you can do to build your own live edge kitchen table from start to finish.

1. Find a lumber dealer in your area

The first step is to find a local lumber dealer and make a call to see what the materials they have for you. 

There are some materials such as maple, walnut etc. Walnut is better as an option but it coats very much and finishes darker. 

The materials depend on the type of table wood that you are looking for.

2. Sanding the surface (The hardest part)

In order to create a live edge dining table that is smooth and flat, it takes extra work for sure. 

You need to rent a floor sander from home depot and get prepared to spend your whole day flatting the table. You can start with 20grit and work your way up. 

You can buy two of each. 20 grit, 40, 60, 80, and 120 grit. You can deal with the rest of the sanding with a hand sander and a palm sander. On average 220 of grit might be enough for some.

3. Applying Oil-Wax

The next step is applying oil wax to revamp the live edge surface of the table. 

In my attempt, I used Sam Maloof Oil and wax as the product is awesome and easy to work with and it gives me the best result. You can simply use cotton rag paper and rub the whole surface of the table with oil. 

Let it dry for at least 15 minutes then continue by rub it off. Make sure you rub it all out. You have to wait for 24 hours and repeat the step 2 to 3 more times. 

Sand the surface with 400 grit of sandpaper between coats. After it’s done apply 2 to 3 coats of wax the same way. You can purchase Sam Maloof wax online from Amazon.

4. Building a Base.

To build a base drill holes through all the table legs and cut the galvanized pipe with 3.5-inch pieces, bolts and 3 feet threaded rod. 

Try to find a video on YouTube about a tutorial for building the base so you get the idea of how to practically do it.

5. Finishing the table

After all, is done put it all together, adjust it, and put the dining table top on the table base. 

You may need more than one friend to help you since these slabs’ weight can be up to 200 pounds. Good luck and happy building table.