Why Is Live Edge Wood So Expensive?

Why is live edge wood so expensive, anyway?

If you’ve been considering buying a piece of live-edge wood furniture, you may have noticed that the prices can be pretty high. But what makes this type of wood so expensive?

You know what they say; you get what you pay for. And if you’re looking at live edge dining tables, console tables, coffee tables, or something else and they seem cheap, the craftsmanship might not be up to par.

Here’s a look at why live-edge pieces cost more than traditional furniture.

What is Live Edge Wood?

Live edge wood furniture is created by using naturally curved wood pieces to make items like tables, headboards, wall decor, and so much more. Live edge furnishings are gaining popularity because the wood’s natural curves create unique designs for each piece.

Since each tree grows differently, no two live edge pieces are identical. This also makes most live-edge wood pieces completely one-of-a-kind.

What Makes Live Edge Wood More Expensive?

Handcrafted wood tables with a natural edge are made by expert craftsmen. We use a log that has been sawn, sanded, and finished by hand. This is both time-consuming and difficult because it necessitates a high level of expertise, perseverance, and passion.

These things can’t be mass-produced; they must be handled manually from start to finish, resulting in a higher-cost product that necessitates a lot of love and labor.

How Much Does Live Edge Wood Cost?

The cost of a live edge table is largely determined by the type, where you purchase it, the sort of wood, the finish type, and labor costs. A large live-edge dining table might range in price from $1,500 to $10,000+.

Custom live edge pieces are usually more expensive because they have been designed specifically for the client.

Why Is Live Edge Wood So Expensive FAQ

What is the most expensive live edge wood?

The world’s most expensive types of wood are Grenadilla (African blackwood), agarwood, black wood (ebony), sandalwood, amaranth, etc.

Should I take the bark off live edge wood?

Even if you take every precaution, the bark will eventually slip off. Slabs will slowly shed their bark, which might necessitate daily cleaning underneath your table or completed piece over time. Taking off the bark also allows you to sand the live edge so that it is less sharp and has a smooth touch.

Why are wood slabs so expensive?

Live edge items are more expensive than standard woodcuts since they are more time-consuming to produce. They can’t be mass-produced because the slab is cut at the same length as the log. Live edge furnishings, like all hardwood furnishings, are an investment.

What is the toughest wood in the world?

The Australian buloke is an ironwood tree that grows in Australia and is found across most of eastern and southern Australia. This wood comes from a species of tree with a Janka hardness of 5,060 lbf, making it the world’s hardest wood.

Closing on Why is Live Edge Wood So Expensive?

Live-edge wood furniture is popular because of curved wood pieces’ unique and natural designs. However, these pieces are more expensive than traditional furniture due to the time-consuming process of crafting them by hand. The cost also varies depending on the wood used, the finish, and other factors.

So, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that will really stand out, a live edge table may be just what you’re looking for. Just be prepared to pay a little more than you would for a standard piece. It’s an investment that is well worth the cost, especially considering the piece will last for years to come!

Looking for custom live edge furnishings for your home or business? Tier 1 Furnishings’ expert craftsmen are eager to help!

Contact us now to discuss your next big project! And if you’ve already purchased a live edge table, make sure to check out our other post about how to prevent a live edge table from warping.