The Beauty of the Natural Edge
Live edge tables celebrate the natural beauty of hardwood by preserving the organic contours of the tree from which they’re made. Rather than cutting wood into clean, straight planks, live edge craftsmanship embraces the raw edges of the slab—showcasing the unique curves, textures, and grain patterns that are specific to each tree. The result is a table that feels more like a living piece of art than mass-produced furniture, each one telling its own story.
Craftsmanship and Character in Every Slab
These tables are built from solid hardwood slabs, never plywood or particle board. Natural features like knots, cracks, spalting, and grain variation are not considered flaws—they’re what make each piece distinct and beautiful. Skilled makers often stabilize cracks with butterfly joints, epoxy, or inlays, allowing these features to be preserved safely while adding to the table’s visual character. This is craftsmanship that respects the raw material and elevates its imperfections into highlights.
A Symbol of Luxury and Lasting Value
Live edge furniture is often associated with luxury and heirloom quality. The weight, scale, and authenticity of a live edge table communicate status without flash—it's the kind of piece that anchors a room and sparks conversation. Clients often choose this style because it bridges rustic warmth with modern sophistication, making it equally at home in a mountain retreat or a contemporary urban loft.
Single Slab vs. Bookmatched Live Edge Tables
Some live edge tables are made from a single wide slab, often cut from trees that are decades—or even centuries—old. These pieces are rare and breathtaking in their continuity and presence. Others are made from two “bookmatched” slabs, joined together so that the mirrored grain and natural edges create a dramatic, symmetrical surface. Both styles honor the tree, and both are built to last for generations with proper care.
Handcrafted in New England, Built to Last
At New England Table Company, we build live edge tables one at a time in our New Hampshire workshop, using only hand-selected hardwoods like black walnut, cherry, ash, and maple. Whether you want a bold, sculptural dining table or a refined coffee table with a natural edge, we’ll work with you to design a piece that reflects your space, your values, and your appreciation for craftsmanship and timeless design.
