Building a wooden console table with a live edge top can add a beautiful, rustic touch to any space. The natural, organic lines of the live edge top create a stunning focal point, and with a bit of patience and the right materials, you can craft a unique piece of furniture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a wooden console table with a live edge top.
Materials Needed:
- Live edge wood slab (your choice of hardwood like walnut, oak, or maple)
- Table legs (metal, wood, or hairpin legs depending on your style)
- Wood finish (oil or polyurethane)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws (if attaching legs)
- Sandpaper (various grits, from coarse to fine)
- Wood filler (optional for filling cracks)
- Clamps
- Drill and screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Saw (if needed for cutting wood to size)
- Wood conditioner (optional for a smoother finish)
Tools Required:
- Circular saw or table saw
- Orbital sander or hand sander
- Drill with bits
- Clamps
- Tape measure
- Level
- Safety glasses and hearing protection
Step 1: Choose Your Live Edge Wood Slab
The first step in creating a console table is choosing the live edge wood slab for the tabletop. You want to select a piece that’s flat and stable with a unique, interesting grain. Look for a slab with character, such as knots or distinctive grain patterns, that suits the rustic style of a live edge table. Make sure it’s also wide and long enough for the size of the console table you want to build.
Step 2: Prepare the Live Edge Slab
Live edge wood often has uneven surfaces or rough areas. Depending on your design, you may want to smooth out these imperfections or leave them as part of the natural look.
Flatten the Slab: If your wood slab is cupped, warped, or uneven, you’ll need to flatten it before proceeding. You can use a hand plane, router sled, or a planer if available. Take your time to ensure the surface is as flat as possible.
Remove Bark: If there’s excess bark or loose pieces, you can use a chisel or knife to remove them. Make sure to preserve the natural edge that defines a live edge table.
Sand the Surface: Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (around 80-grit) and work your way up to finer grits (220-grit or higher). Sand the entire top and edges to a smooth finish, taking care not to lose the character of the natural edges.
Fill Cracks (Optional): If your live edge slab has cracks or voids, you can fill them with a wood filler or epoxy resin. Choose a filler that complements the wood color, and be sure to follow the product’s instructions for drying and sanding.
Step 3: Cut the Wood Slab to Size
Once your slab is prepped, use a circular saw or table saw to cut it to the desired length for your console table. Measure the space where the table will be placed to ensure it fits perfectly.
Step 4: Finish the Wood Slab
Apply a wood conditioner or pre-finish to the slab, especially if it’s an open-grained wood like oak. This helps create a smoother finish later on. Once it’s conditioned, apply your finish of choice.
Oil finish: A penetrating oil, like tung oil or Danish oil, is great for live edge slabs, as it highlights the grain and provides a warm, natural look. Apply several coats of oil, allowing each to dry fully before adding the next.
Polyurethane finish: If you want more protection or a glossier look, you can use a polyurethane finish. This type of finish is more durable but can alter the natural look of the wood slightly.
Allow the finish to cure for 24 to 48 hours before proceeding.
Step 5: Attach the Legs
Now that your table top is finished, it’s time to attach the legs.
Choose Your Legs: Depending on your style, you can choose metal hairpin legs, traditional wooden legs, or even custom-designed legs. For a more modern look, metal legs are a popular choice, while wooden legs give a more rustic and organic appearance.
Drill Holes for Leg Attachment: Mark where the legs will be attached on the underside of the tabletop. Make sure they’re evenly spaced and centered. Use a drill to create pilot holes for the screws or bolts.
Attach the Legs: Use wood screws or metal bolts to attach the legs to the tabletop. If you’re using wood screws, make sure they’re long enough to provide a secure connection. If you’re using metal legs, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching them properly.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the legs are attached, give the table a final inspection. Make sure it’s level by placing a level on the top and adjusting the legs if needed. If there are any spots that need more sanding or finishing, touch them up at this point.
You may also want to add felt pads or rubber feet to the bottom of the legs to protect your floors from scratches.
Step 7: Enjoy Your New Console Table!
After all the hard work, your live edge console table is ready to be admired. You can use it as a statement piece in your entryway, living room, or hallway. Its natural, rustic charm will be a conversation starter for years to come.
For those who want to expand their woodworking skills and tackle more advanced projects, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course for step-by-step plans, tools, and techniques.