Live Edge Walnut Conference Table
Bring a little nature into your work for more balance. This particular piece was made from 1 single tree. It consists of (4) 10’ sequentially sawn live edge walnut slabs. The idea behind this end for end bookmatch was to allow the ends to grain match so they looked seamless when put together. The build on this table was complicated and challenging. But, thats what a conference room is for right? Overcoming obstacles and finding a way to make something incredible!
A Relaxing Oasis in Boston, MA
Imagine waking up and feeling refreshed. Working and feeling inspired. When I look at these images I am reminded, nature is the true designer. Something so peaceful about the mix of materials, light and nature.
When I began working on this walnut slab, I envisioned it as a communal table in a restaurant. Piecing it back together with its other half when a large party wanted to sit together. How wrong I was... This piece wasn't meant for that. It was meant to bring a sense of purpose to this room. To say "I once was broken, but now I am whole. This is where I belong".
My Pith series has been my most unexpected success story in the shop. By taking these often discarded boards, and putting them back together we have found a new purpose. The "Pith", refers to the center of the tree and represent the 1st year of growth. It is a soft, spongy material and generally this board will split right down the middle because of this. But there is another meaning to this word, "The essence of something".
Crafting these pieces takes time, thought, and planning. It all starts at the mill. We take careful measurements when beginning our cuts because your 1st cut dictates how your last cut ends. These cuts are often planned to remove the pith from all other boards. Making them more stable and less likely to crack during the drying and building process. As I mentioned earlier, once these boards have dried they are likely to crack along the pith. We reinforce the cracked boards together again using a variety of techniques (Mortise and Tenon, Bowties, Epoxy, etc...). Here you can see our process and inlaying bowties (other names include butterflies, Dutchmans keys, etc...):
It is our hope that we can continue to salvage these boards to create truly one of a kind heirloom pieces for years to come. Thank you for reading and please feel free to comment or share below!
Ultimate Guide To Buying And Maintaining A Table
Everything you need to know about purchasing a custom live edge table.
Measure the space
There is nothing worse than buying a piece of furniture only to find it won't fit in your beautiful new space. As the woodworking proverb goes, "measure twice, cut once". However, we are in the "board shortening department". It is a good rule of thumb to leave at least 3 feet all the way around the table. This gives plenty of room for chairs to slide in and out without hitting the walls. For example, If I have a dining room that is 15' long x 10' wide I would be looking at a maximum of 9' long x 4' wide for my table (assuming there is not major walkways/other furniture). While it is nice to always see your table, you don't want to be bumping into or walking around it constantly.
When it comes to shapes, you have options
Depending on the size of your room, a certain shape table may be more suitable to your space. Here are the options:
Family size = (+/-) Table size
In general you want to allow 24"/person at the table. Chairs are typically 18-20" wide (its always good to check your chair size). Think about the way you entertain. If you serve family style think about adding some width to your overall table (remember to use trivets/potholders under hot pans).
Table Base Options
You can really change the look and feel of any table by choosing the right base. It is also important to remember that the base of your table is functional and not just for looks.
- Pedestal base - Recommended for round tables. Turnings are Made from 100% solid wood of your choice
- Trestle Base - A classic design that is visually appealing while providing the necessary strength. This style also allows you to place chairs/benches around the table without hitting your knees.
- Four Legs and Aprons - A traditional farmtable base. Legs and aprons are mortise and tenoned together for strength and longevity.
- Cast Iron - Hands down one of the best solutions for slab tables. I don't think there is a better look in the industry right now (but im biased). This is our most popular base.
Design and Style
We suggest working with an interior designer if you are unsure about which direction to go. It is important to remember you are investing into your home, family and life. A designer can lead you in a direction you never thought could be achieved in your space. Crafting a balanced and truly one of a kind space that fits you and your family's lifestyle. If you would like to work with our list of designers please contact us.
Material options
This is where Hopes Woodshop stands on its own. Because we own and operate our own sawmill we control the flow of materials in our shop. We like to stay true to the natural characteristics of our material. Celebrating the colors, knots, cracks, voids, inclusions, live (natural) edges, etc... The majority of our inventory is slabs that are sawn in sequential order. This gives you the ability to match pieces together for perfect symmetry and grain patterns. We stock dimensional lumber in the same fashion. We specialize in the following Live edge slabs and boards:
Single slab, Book-match, Glue-up etc...
We specialize in live edge slabs. Not every table needs to be live edge though. For example if you wanted a single slab (tree slice) but wanted it to have a square edge that is possible. Here are some of the options we offer:
Details (Butterflies, Voids, Knots)
Some things are going to be a given when dealing with big live edge slabs. They are more susceptible to cracking during drying and they are not graded. Therefore they are going to have some cracks, knots, voids, etc... This is where we sharpen our tools and get busy. It is in these details we are able to make truly one of a kind pieces of furniture. Nothing fake about it, we roll with whatever the tree throws at us. If you want us to simulate a live edge, you might need to go somewhere else. We stay as natural to the process as possible. Hand flattening each board so we can study the life of the tree. Here are a few details we love to showcase in our furniture:
The Finish
Every table we make we finish. Lately we have been using Rubio Monocoat on all of our pieces and we have been very pleased. This is an extremely safe product for us and your family. It is durable and will stand up to the daily wear and tear. If you would like a different finish we can also do a urethane upon request.
Closing Remarks
We hope this post has pointed you in the right direction. If you have any further questions in regards to your custom project please feel free to contact us here:
Also watch this quick video on the story of Hopes Woodshop
John Quincy Adams Beech Tree
Salvaging a Beech Tree from Adams National Historic Park in Quincy MA. This tree is believed to be from the 1800's.
Salvaging a small piece of New England History
It's always a sad day when these beautiful giants have reached the end of their life. However, due to safety concerns this tree needed to be removed. Because of our work these trees go on to become much more than firewood. The team at Adams National Historical Park will repurpose the lumber for their own use. We cant wait to see what will become of this beautiful tree.
New additions to Lumber 06/20/16
We have some new arrivals at the sawmill. If you are interested in purchasing dimensional lumber or slabs please contact us. This is our cut list for June/July 2016:
- American Elm - 9'Long x 48" dia (We are going to do 2-3" Slabs for table tops)/
- American Elm - 10' Long x 36" dia (2-3" slabs for table tops)
- American Elm - 10' Long x 30" wide x 24" Dia (dimensional stock 4/4 and 8/4)
- Ambrosia Maple - 4000 board feet milled at 4/4
- Spalted Sugar Maple - 7' Long x 36"dia (milled into slabs for table tops).
- Cherry - 16' long x 22" dia (dimensional stock)
- Cherry - 8' long x 24" dia with crook (2" slabs)
- Silver Maple (8' Long x 30" Dia (2-3" Slabs)
We are always on the hunt for more beautiful locally harvested logs. As we find them we will continue to share them with you. If you have some trees and would like to save them from the chipper or fireplace, please contact us.
Cheers!
Marc
““And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”
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Specialty Lumber and Slabs
Specialty lumber available for sale in Massachusetts. Everything from dimensional lumber to live edge slabs now available. Black Walnut, Butternut, Cherry, Maple, Oak, and Ash.
Videos of The Mill
The Lumber
Sometimes the trees grow in a way that isn't suitable for larger mills. Instead of looking for strictly clear lumber, I am looking for things like (character, figure, bug holes, spalting, etc...). The trees that we currently cut are species that grow in New England. They include but are not limited to the following:
- Black Walnut
- Cherry
- Ash
- White Oak
- Red Oak
- Soft Maple
- Hard Maple
- Pine
- Hemlock
Building with lumber that I have sawn gives me great pleasure. I have known the tree throughout the entire process.
Selling Lumber
We sell to Woodworkers, Furniture Manufacturers big and small, Builders, Architects, Interior Designers, and DIY Homeowners. We can custom saw any species in any amount for you as well. To purchase lumber or for questions please fill out the form below: