The dining table has long been one of a family’s most cherished heirlooms. It’s where multiple generations gather to celebrate special occasions, hold some of their most important conversations, and share all their best stories. This special piece of furniture can truly make any house a home.

Even more special are live edge slabs, which deliver their own rich, beautiful, and unique look. No two slabs are the same, not even consecutive pieces cut from the same log. Each slab has a story to tell, seamlessly integrating into any design motif. Whether used in the most modern and contemporary space or a more traditionally rustic interior, a live edge slab brings natural character and warmth to the dining experience. The organic lines and textures of these unique pieces serve as a striking centerpiece, connecting the family’s heritage with the raw beauty of nature.

5 Most Common Wood Species for Live Edge Tables

As you may realize, the decision to go with a live edge dining table may be quick and easy. But choosing which species can be quite challenging. There are softwoods and hardwoods. Exotics and domestics. Light, dark, and medium colors. And an array of figures and patterns.

So which live edge slab species do you pick?

Live edge tables come in various shapes, sizes, and wood types, each telling its own unique story. So we suggest you reach out to an experienced woodworker who can guide you through all the factors to consider.

But before taking all the design specs into account, the best place to start is choosing the species of your live edge slab. And there’s a wide array for you to choose from. Today, we’ll explore five exceptional wood species that make for breathtaking live edge tables, including some lesser-known but equally impressive options.

Walnut

In particular Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), is a classic choice for live edge tables. Renowned for their deep, chocolate-brown heartwood contrasts beautifully with the lighter sapwood, creating dynamic visual interest. 

The wood is strong and durable, making it perfect for long-lasting furniture. Walnut live edge tables often become family heirlooms, their timeless beauty is appreciated across generations. Making them one of the most sought-after species for that purpose, and slightly more expensive than other species we recommend.

Takula Padauk

Native to central and tropical west Africa, is a striking wood that adds a bold statement to any interior. Its vibrant orange-red color is truly unique among furniture woods. Perhaps most notably, its distinctive orange-red color darkens to a deep reddish-brown over time, creating a dynamic and evolving aesthetic. 

The wood boasts excellent durability and resistance to decay, and it finishes well, allowing its natural beauty to shine. A Padauk live edge table serves as a conversation starter, its vivid color and natural edges creating a focal point in any room.

Sycamore

Sycamore, with its light color and interesting grain patterns, offers a more subtle but equally beautiful option for live edge tables. Sycamore is characterized by a fine, even texture with interlocked grain, and its light color ranges from nearly white to pale yellow. 

With good stability and moderate durability, sycamore is well-suited for furniture making. Sycamore live edge tables bring a touch of elegance and lightness to a space, their natural edges softening the overall look of the piece.

Read more: How to Finish Live Edge Wood

African Mahogany (Acajou D’Afrique)

African Mahogany, known scientifically as Khaya Ivorensis, is a prized wood that brings warmth and elegance to any space. Its rich, reddish-brown color deepens over time, developing a beautiful patina that adds character to your live edge table. 

The wood’s color ranges from light pinkish-brown to dark reddish-brown, and it finishes exceptionally well, allowing for a smooth, luxurious surface. A live edge table made from African Mahogany serves as a stunning centerpiece, its natural edges showcasing the tree’s history and growth patterns.

Maple

Maple, especially figured varieties like Birdseye or Curly Maple, offers a lighter option for those seeking a brighter aesthetic. Maple is characterized by its fine, even texture with a subtle grain, while highly figured varieties add visual intrigue. 

The wood’s light color ranges from nearly white to light reddish-brown. Hard and durable, maple is resistant to wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for furniture. A maple live edge table can brighten up a space while still maintaining that connection to nature through its organic edges.

Our Favorite Underrated Species for Live Edge Tables

The purpose of a tabletop is pretty simple and obvious. But merely meeting that functional requirement isn’t always good enough. We also want our furniture to be attractive, artful, and exciting. And sometimes, the perfect live edge slab for the job is often the most underrated. 

Which is why we’re listing a few species that aren’t as widely used as those mentioned above. To add lasting beauty to your next project, consider these three underrated live edge slab species:

Sequoia

Sequoia, specifically Sequoia Giganteum, is an ancient, old-growth Redwood known for extremely tight and straight grain patterns. The salmon reddish color is a signature of the Giant Sequoia, and it offers unique grains and figures.

Buckeye Burl

Buckeye Burl live edge slabs are driven by their unique shapes, rich grain, and swirls of color. The mysterious mystique of Buckeye Burl is fully realized in a series of amazing patterns and captivating colors, making them perfect for epoxy table designs.

Mappa Burl

Mappa Burl, derived from European Poplar, is a truly extraordinary wood that creates breathtaking live edge tables. Mappa Burl is distinguished by its light brown heartwood punctuated with speckles of deep brown, creating a captivating visual texture. Despite its exotic appearance, Mappa Burl is surprisingly one of the more affordable burl options available, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a truly custom piece without an enormous price tag. 

Choosing Your Perfect Live Edge Table

When selecting a wood for your live edge table, consider not only the aesthetic appeal but also the wood’s durability, stability, and how it complements your existing décor. Whether you go for the warm tones of African Mahogany, the classic beauty of Walnut, the bright elegance of Maple, the bold statement of Padouk, or the subtle charm of Sycamore, your live edge table will be a stunning centerpiece for your family gatherings and a cherished heirloom for generations to come. 

Currently, Takula Padouk and African Mahogany are available at K-Timber. With experts in the field and quality saw machine, we surely can deliver the most stunning slab for your live edge table or simply can help you find the right wood species for your projects. Contact us now for free consultation and get your beautiful live edge table.