Can You Leave the Bark on a Live Edge Table?

Can you leave the bark on a live edge table? You can, but we wouldn’t recommend it.

If you’re a fan of live edge furniture, you may be wondering if there’s a way to keep the natural bark on the table.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at whether or not it’s possible to leave the bark on a live edge table and what you need to consider before making your final decision. Read on for more information!

Benefits of Leaving the Bark on Live Edge Wood

The bark is an integral part of the wood’s structure. It protects the tree from dehydration, insects, and weather damage. Removing bark means you’re removing a layer of protection that has been built into the wood.

Some people even believe that bark adds to the natural beauty of live edge tables. It’s an organic material that can add interest and texture to your design.

The Drawbacks of Removing the Bark from Wood

As beautiful as the bark is, there are some drawbacks to leaving it on live edge wood, such as:

Bark may crack or split over time. These splits should not impact the stability of a slab, but could potentially cause the bark to become loose.

Additionally, you could have problems with bark beetles or termites where the bark is concerned. Removing the bark will lower the likelihood of having these issues, but won’t typically prevent them entirely.

How to Keep Bark on Wood Slices

When it comes down to it, there are pros and cons to leaving your wood’s bark intact. Ultimately, you want to weigh your options and decide what will look best with your final design.

There are a few things you can do to keep your wood’s bark looking good. It’s preferable to cut the wood in the winter when the sap is not flowing. Bacteria or mold that develops beneath the bark will weaken its connection to the wood.

Store your wood pieces as soon as possible after they have been cut, either in a cool, dry location or dry them in a kiln if you can do so immediately.

Sealing Bark with Epoxy

Epoxy, which is a very strong adhesive and sealant, is most often used by those who want to keep the bark on their wood. Apply a layer of epoxy over the top and sides of the bark to create a smooth finish that looks great and protects against moisture damage.

Polyurethane would be another choice, but it wouldn’t be as durable. The oils and waxes seal the wood, but they don’t serve as glue to keep the bark in place like epoxy will.

FAQ: Can You Leave the Bark on a Live Edge Table?

How do you seal wood bark?

To prevent moisture damage, seal the wood with polyurethane. If you’ll be displaying your wood with bark outside, this is especially important. Brush polyurethane evenly over the surface of the wood and into the rough bark on each side. After that, leave it to dry for at least 24 hours.

How do you harden bark?

Before sanding, soak both the bark and the cork layer with thin cyanoacrylate and allow them to harden.

How do you finish barking?

Brush epoxy resin, thinned with acetone, on. For the first coat, use a very thin mix; if necessary, return for a second coat. Epoxy will flow and settle into the wood’s fibers and stabilize the bark.

So, Can You Leave the Bark on a Live Edge Table?

When it comes to live-edge furniture, there are pros and cons to leaving the bark on. It’s important to weigh your options and decide what will look best with your final design.

There are a few things you can do to keep the bark looking good, such as cutting the wood in winter when the sap is not flowing and sealing it with epoxy. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to leave the bark on your table.

We recommend removing bark as this gives live edge dining tables and other furniture a more beautiful aesthetic. But if you love the bark, you can always choose to leave it in tact!

Have a live edge project in mind? Our expert craftsmen are eager to help!