The Journey of Our Live Edge Tables: Sustainability, Craft, and the Importance of Kiln Drying
At Furniture From The Barn, our live edge tables celebrate the raw beauty of wood from Pennsylvania's forests, crafted with a deep commitment to sustainability and enduring craftsmanship. Every slab tells a story—not only of the tree it came from, but also of our careful process, from responsible sourcing to meticulous finishing.
Responsibly Sourced Wood
We're proud to say that no tree is ever cut down solely for the purpose of making a table.
Our slabs come from trees in Pennsylvania that have fallen naturally or needed to be taken down due to safety or health reasons. This approach honors our values and America's agricultural legacy.
From Trunk to Slab
Our trusted sawmill partners receive these reclaimed tree trunks, slicing them into sturdy slabs—typically 2" to 2¼" thick. This thickness not only allows the incredible character of the live edge to shine but also creates a substantial, heirloom-quality piece for your home.
Why Kiln Drying Matters
Before a live edge slab becomes a table in your home, it undergoes a critical process: kiln drying.
Here's why this step is essential to the quality and longevity of our furniture:
Stability & Longevity:
Freshly cut—or "green"—wood contains a high amount of moisture. As wood dries, it shrinks. If it isn't dried properly, this shrinkage can lead to warping, cracking, or twisting, potentially ruining a finished table over time. Kiln drying lowers the moisture content in each slab evenly, providing stability that lasts for decades.
Prevents Pests:
Kiln drying effectively eradicates any insects or larvae that might be hiding in the wood, such as powder post beetles. By heating the wood's core to over 170°F for 24 hours or more, this process safeguards your home environment from unwelcome guests.
Reduces Weight & Improves Workability:
Drier wood is not only lighter but also easier to handle, sand, and finish—resulting in a smoother, more beautiful table surface.
Stronger, More Durable Furniture:
Properly kiln-dried wood has consistent density throughout, making our tables better able to withstand changes in temperature or humidity once inside your home.
The Drying Process
Air Drying:
After cutting, slabs are air dried—often for a year per inch of thickness—to carefully lower moisture content to about 20% before kiln drying.
Slabs are then placed in a controlled environment where temperature, humidity, and airflow are managed. This step brings the moisture content down to an ideal 8–12%, which is perfect for furniture destined for indoor use in our region.
Once dried, each slab is meticulously selected, shaped, and finished by our skilled team to highlight unique grain patterns and the one-of-a-kind edges only nature can produce.
The Result: Artistry Meets Sustainability
The result is a table that's as practical as it is beautiful—standing strong through the seasons while showcasing the stunning lines and stories of Pennsylvanian wood. When you invest in a live edge table from us, you're bringing home a piece of history, sustainability, and handcrafted excellence. Consider exploring how custom live edge tables can be tailored for different spaces, or learn about the differences kiln drying makes compared to traditional air drying for your next project.
Ready to start your own custom piece, or curious about sustainable wood sourcing? Reach out—we'd love to share more about our process and find the perfect slab for your home.
Single Slab or Bookmatch Options
We offer two options for your tabletop:
Single Slab:
One continuous piece of wood, chosen for its width, character, and stability.
Bookmatched Slabs:
Two consecutive boards from the same tree, joined together to create a symmetrical, mirror-image effect. We never use more than two boards for a live edge table, preserving the organic look and strength.
Sourcing Your Slab
We partner with our trusted sawmill to check current inventory and ensure your table starts with the finest hardwoods. The species most often available include:
- Walnut (rich, dark brown)
- Cherry (warm, light to reddish tone)
- Maple (light, creamy sometimes gray)
- Oak (classic grain, versatile color)
- Sycamore (unique patterns, warm with rust to lighter hues)
Matching Tone and Size
Your vision guides the next steps:
- We'll ask your color tone preferences—do you want dark and dramatic, soft and golden, or something in between? This helps us recommend the species that best fit your taste.
Width is key.
For a single slab, let us know your desired range—e.g., 42–46", with 46" as a maximum. Length is almost always customizable.
Live edge can be cut off
We can remove the live edge if desired, a common practice for island tops. The 2" thickness of the slab truly highlights the wood's quality
Previewing Your Slab: Photos and Finish Previews
Once potential slabs are identified, here's how the process unfolds:
- We send you photos of available options. These slabs are unfinished, showcasing the true, raw character of each piece.
- You'll notice natural features—knots, cracks, beautiful grain—all ready to be highlighted in the finishing process.
- For a better sense of the final color, we spray a small area with mineral spirits. This temporarily reveals the wood's true tone, helping you visualize how it will look after finishing.
Finalizing Your Table
After you select your slab:
- We issue a detailed work order and begin the transformation. Our team fills knots and character marks with black epoxy, then finishes the table with meticulous sanding and eco-friendly coatings to both protect and enhance the wood's beauty.
Choose your base:
Most customers prefer metal bases for a modern, durable foundation. We offer a curated selection of metal base designs to fit your style.
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The Result: Artistry Meets Sustainability
Your live edge table is more than furniture—it's a piece of Pennsylvania's landscape, rescued, revived, and crafted to last. Each one-of-a-kind table preserves the story of its tree, honors sustainable practices, and brings artistry and heritage into your home. Consider exploring how different base styles or finishing techniques can further personalize your live edge table. If you're curious about the process or want to see available slabs, let us know—we're always excited to help you create your custom heirloom.
