Live Edge Slabs Available for Tables
Let’s start the conversation here. We can talk about the base after…
Live edge walnut bookmatch with some amazing figure and color. Some cracks and voids need to be addressed with epoxy or wood patch work. This set is about 99” long x 68” wide and 2.5” thick (We can trim these down to make a top that is functional south of 4’ wide).
A live edge black walnut set from Easthampton MA. This set will finish at about 9’ long x 40” wide. These will be headed for surfacing soon. They are very clean and free of defects.
Single slab butternut that is 8’ long x 36” wide. This piece was finished to show the color and figure but can still be trimmed down to size to fit your space.
9’ Long x 44” wide this is going to make a good looking match. Sugar Maple is a beautiful wood to works with. This particular set has a strong white sapline that runs along the outer edge. This was caused by a void on the top of the tree that water had been trickling into over the years.
Boston Showroom by Hopes Woodshop + Studio Endo
Furniture and Lighting Showroom
Studio Endo
Studio Endo is a designer and maker of contemporary American lighting designs. Our collection creates a bold statement while letting beautiful architecture be seen in its best light. We manufacture all of our components in the USA, and hand-assemble these one-of-a-kind fixtures in our Providence, RI studio. Each fixture is made to order and can be customized to fit any space. We deliver designs that provide both functional and sculptural lighting.
Hopes Woodshop
We are New-England's premier vertically integrated woodshop. Everything we build was milled and dried by us. We are saving historical trees and creating heirloom quality pieces to last many generations after. All of our trees are coming down because of age, disease, or storm damage. All of our furniture was once a tree, and we knew that tree. That is what makes our pieces unique and that is why they should mean so much to you.
Showroom Featuring:
Lighting by Studio Endo
Tables and Live edge slabs by Hopes Woodshop
Rugs by Thayer Design Studio
Cast Iron by Ares Iron
Windsor chairs by O&G Studios
We hope you enjoy the collection we have put together for Designers and their clients in the Boston area. It has been great fun, and we cant wait to work with you on your next project!
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
Live edge furniture showroom now open in Massachusetts
Located exactly 1 Lumineers album, 1 cold brew, and 4 "where is this place"(or 1 hr) outside Boston MA.
How far away?
NYC- Two and a half // Providence - Hour and fifteen // Hartford - Hour //Boston - Hour and ten
Why you should come out
Have you ever experienced furniture being made? Creating beautiful heirloom tables and furniture from one solid tree is something everyone should see for themselves. It will change the way you see furniture forever.
What to expect on arrival?
At the time of me writing this post, we still have no sign on the building. That said, if you use Google Maps it will bring you directly to us and I put a photo of main entrance on Google. Now lets get down to the nitty gritty details:)
A large selection of lumber is always our first priority. After we mill the trees at our sawmill and dry them to 5-10% moisture, they come to "chill" in our showroom. You can pick out the slab/boards that you like with me right there saying "This tree came from a guy named mike, he was a good guy and we took the tree because he wanted to plant a garden". The stories are free. If you want to peruse by yourself thats cool, Ill stay busy until you're ready to talk. Saturdays can be crazy, so if you want my undivided attention I recommend making an appointment. Music is a must for the woodshop (I like Mumford and sons and Bon Iver) so thats whats normally playing.
What kind of furniture do we make/sell?
The good kind. Heres a quick list of tables we make and have for sale on a regular basis:
- Traditional Farm Tables with 4 legs, aprons and breadboard ends
- Slab Table with/without live edge (Single Board, No glueup, Tree Slice)
- Live edge Book matched table tops and cast iron bases
- Wood Slab Queen and King sized beds
- Modern Windsor Chairs by O&G
- Benches and stools
Delivery?
We do have some things that are grab and go but for the most part its small batch production WIP (works in progress). Lead time is 4-6 weeks which is down from 8-10 Weeks, woot woot!!! We off white glove service that can be purchased. Shop pickup is free.
Things to do when you visit?
Let me know if you find anything?!?! If you're like me, the only thing on your mind is "where can I eat"? Here are my recommendations:
Breakfast: Pan'e Dolcetti - Really bomb tomato Mozzarella sandwich on homemade focaccia bread and coffee to boot.
Lunch/Dinner: Pinnochios Three Rivers - Literally right over the bridge from the warehouse. Great Italian food. A little carboload for the ride home (Someones falling asleep for sure).
We are 15 minutes away from Brimfield Antique Flea Market, so definitely plan on swinging by before or after you head out to that flea market jazz.