Live edge wood

What does wood with a live edge mean?

Wood with a live edge, also known as "live edge" wood, refers to wood products where the natural shape and contour of the tree trunk are preserved. Unlike fully trimmed wood, live edge wood retains the natural bark and outer form of the tree. This gives the wood a rustic and natural appearance, which is highly valued in furniture making and architectural applications.

Oak timber with live edge | Photo © by Hugo Kämpf

Characteristics and properties

Wood with a tree edge is characterised by the following features:

• Natural appearance: The irregular shape and natural bark of the tree are retained.
• Rustic charm: The wood retains its original character and conveys a feeling of closeness to nature.
• Uniqueness: Each piece of wood with a tree edge is unique due to its individual shape and grain.

Areas of application

Wood with a tree edge is used in a variety of ways, including:

• Furniture making: particularly popular for dining tables, coffee tables, shelving and other furniture pieces that emphasise a natural look.
• Interior design: For wall panelling, room dividers and other architectural elements that emphasise a rustic aesthetic.
• Arts and crafts: Used in wood art and sculptures to emphasise the unique properties of wood.

Summarised in simple words

Imagine you have a thick plank of wood. Instead of planing the sides smooth, you leave them as they were when they were sawn from the tree trunk. This means you can still see the curve of the trunk and sometimes even the bark. This is wood with a tree edge. It looks more natural and has a very special charm.