Design & Build Live Edge Furniture Like the Masters
Live edge furniture is extremely popular right now. It has had a certain popularity since George Nakashima left a live edge on one of his pieces for Knoll in 1946. But it's enjoying quite a resurgence now. It is certainly a style that generates healthy debate among the woodworking community. It's fair to say it can divide opinion, but why is that?
NATURAL
First of all let’s discuss the merits of live edge. It appeals to our raw, rough, primal side. It looks natural. Each piece is unique. No other tree or edge will be exactly the same. Although this is true for all wood furniture, with live edge it is more noticeable.
The shape of a slab largely dictates what can be made from it. There’s no doubting a live edge furniture piece is extremely interesting to look at. Organic patterns are great to study and admire. Live edge style can be great for a beginning woodworker. A skill deficit can sometimes be hidden where there is little need for accuracy.
SKILL
That’s not to say that live edge furniture is easy to make. To do it really well takes skill, creativity, and intelligence. The master woodworkers who produce live edge designs really stand out. They know how to balance a piece in scale and proportion. They will produce beautifully elegant base pieces for example that will complement a live edge table top. This takes experience, and a trained eye. Not to mention the skill and labour involved in flattening a warped slab that is full of tension and doesn’t want to play nice. Then there is the precision required in adding keys that stop cracks from widening. Subtlety is key here, if you are trying to achieve a clean, understated aesthetic.
USER FRIENDLY
So does live edge furniture have any faults? Well indeed it does. To some, it looks kitsch—although this is a matter of personal preference. Depending on the severity of the live edge, it can be non-user-friendly. Ever sat at a live edge table? It can be extremely uncomfortable. Curves, and uneven-ness attack you from all sides. But this can be addressed. The masters like Nakashima knew how to caress, mould and shape a slab into it's final shape—leaving it organic but comfortable and aesthetic.
BALANCE
There is such a fine balance to be achieved if we want to produce a live edge piece approaching the level of the masters. As woodworkers, we have a tendency to want to show off our skills. This is fine, but when it means the overall design of a piece is compromised, we’re shooting ourselves in the foot. How many times do you see images online with an overload of bowties, lots of different species, and a crazy looking base. I see lots. And I just think “chill”. Take it easy on the bowties man. Subtlety is a skill too.
CONCLUSION
So is there anything we can learn from master woodworkers who excel in live edge table design? One thing would be to carefully consider the shape of the top. Extreme edges can be tamed to become more user friendly, and comfortable when seated at the table. The masters are also experts at designing table bases that complement a top. Take the time to carefully plan this, whether that be with a simple sketch or using a 3D CAD package. Subtle differences in leg thickness or angle can make all the difference to the finished piece. The masters can see the overall picture and visualise how a finished table will look, and know how to achieve a balanced piece. Grain, pattern, and texture must also be considered to make sure they all flow together.
There's no wrong way of doing it. Enjoy the process, but don't go it alone. Study the work of the greats before you, and stand on their shoulders so-to-speak.
I’d love to hear what you think. Comment below, or comment on social.
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