A Twist on a Classic: Building a Live Edge Table With a Unique Walnut Base
Live edge tables are a staple in our shop, and for good reason — they offer a timeless balance of natural beauty and practical design. For this project, we put a custom twist on a classic by pairing a clean, straight walnut slab with a bold trapezoid base, crafted from solid walnut. The result? A minimal, modern piece that still honors the organic feel of live edge.
Choosing the Right Slab
The client came to us looking for a 4x8 walnut slab with minimal movement along the edges — something straight and clean but still unmistakably live edge. We pulled a slab from our inventory that fit the bill perfectly. It was straight-edged with subtle curves, ideal proportions, and a consistent grain pattern throughout.
Flattening, Epoxy, and Sanding
Like all our slabs, this one had already been flattened to ensure structural stability. From there, we ran it through our widebelt sander to get an even surface. A few small voids and cracks were filled with black epoxy for strength and contrast.
After the epoxy cured, we hand-sanded the entire piece with care — removing any micro-scratches and ensuring a smooth, tactile finish ready for coating.
Custom Walnut Trapezoid Base
Instead of going with a metal base, the client wanted a solid wood option. We built a custom base from 2-inch thick dimensional walnut, mitering each corner to form a seamless trapezoid shape. The individual pieces were glued and clamped into long runs, then cut to the precise angles needed to wrap cleanly into the final form.
The entire base was carefully sanded to remove any glue lines and blend the miters into one cohesive shape. We finished it with the same spray-on clear coat used for the tabletop, creating a unified tone and feel from top to bottom.
Finishing
The tabletop and base were both finished in-house using our preferred spray-on clear coat system. We apply multiple layers with fine sanding between coats, locking in the depth of the walnut while protecting it for daily use. The finish is durable, food-safe, and built to last.
Final Assembly & Delivery
Once cured, we mounted the base and did a final inspection. With everything aligned and secure, the piece was ready for delivery. The client was thrilled — a table that feels both modern and warm, built from premium materials with full attention to detail.
Want a Custom Table Like This?
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