Building a wooden entryway table with a live edge top can add a rustic yet elegant touch to your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build one:
Materials and Tools:
- Wood: A solid slab with a live edge (such as walnut, oak, or maple).
- Legs: Metal hairpin legs or wooden legs, depending on the style you prefer.
- Wood glue (if necessary for joining pieces).
- Wood finish: Oil, polyurethane, or your preferred wood finish.
- Saw: Circular saw or table saw for cutting the wood to size.
- Router: To smooth the edges and round off corners.
- Sandpaper: Various grits (start with a coarse grit and finish with fine grit).
- Measuring tape, square, and pencil: For marking and measuring.
- Drill: For attaching the legs.
Instructions:
1. Choose the Slab for the Top
- Select a wood slab with a natural live edge. Live edge refers to the edge of the wood that follows the natural shape of the tree, creating a unique and organic look.
- Ensure the slab is properly dried and flattened to avoid warping after it’s finished.
2. Prepare the Wood
- If your slab isn’t already flat, use a planer or sander to smooth the surface.
- Trim the slab to your desired size, typically around 40–60 inches in length and 12–20 inches in width, depending on your entryway space.
3. Sanding the Slab
- Start by sanding with a coarse grit sandpaper (around 80 grit) to remove any rough spots and saw marks.
- Gradually move to finer grits (120, 220) to achieve a smooth finish. Be sure to sand the live edge gently, as it can be more fragile.
- Focus on creating an even surface, but keep the natural imperfections of the live edge intact.
4. Treat the Wood (Optional)
- If you want to highlight the natural grain of the wood, apply a wood conditioner to help the finish go on more evenly.
- Apply a wood finish (oil or polyurethane) to seal and protect the wood. This will enhance the grain and give it a beautiful sheen.
5. Prepare the Legs
- If you are using metal hairpin legs, these typically come with pre-drilled holes for easy attachment.
- If you’re making wooden legs, ensure they’re cut and shaped to the desired height (usually 30 inches for a standard table).
6. Attach the Legs
- For metal legs, position them at each corner or evenly spaced along the edges of the table, and use screws to attach them securely to the underside of the wooden slab.
- If using wooden legs, you can either use screws or dowels to attach them to the tabletop.
7. Finishing Touches
- Once the legs are attached, make sure everything is level. If necessary, use furniture levelers to adjust the height.
- Apply a final coat of your preferred finish, letting it dry thoroughly.
Final Considerations:
- Live Edge: Keep in mind that the natural curve of the live edge will likely not be perfectly symmetrical. Embrace the organic shape as part of the piece’s charm.
- Table Height: Entryway tables typically range from 28–32 inches in height, so adjust your legs accordingly.
This simple yet beautiful entryway table can be completed in a weekend and will serve as both functional furniture and a statement piece in your home.