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The Best Ways to Use Custom Wood Slabs: A Contractor’s Guide

Creative wood slab projects add warmth and depth to any building project and are particularly popular in the residential sector of the rapidly growing wood products market. Live edge wood slabs are well suited to these applications, combining beauty and durability with environmental benefits.

Wood slabs can be difficult to work with considering their large size, irregular shapes, and need for specialized milling techniques. However, the result makes up for the effort required, especially if you follow a few basic guidelines.

Keep reading to learn practical tips for using custom wood slabs most effectively.

Why Choose Custom Wood Slabs?

Wood slabs bring unique beauty and character to every project thanks to their unique grain patterns, imperfections, and knots. Their natural edges and curves allow each piece to stand out by creating a sense of movement and organic flow.

Beauty aside, custom wood slabs also offer the following benefits:

Versatility

Live edge wood suits a wide variety of styles and design projects, from rustic to modern. They’re well suited to wall art, shelves, countertops, and tables.

Sustainability

Wood construction materials have an extremely low carbon footprint and are highly suited for recycling. When harvested according to the principles of responsible forestry, wood is a sustainable material.

Durability

Wood slabs can last for decades with minimal upkeep. All they need is an occasional application of wood or wax and regular cleaning with a damp cloth.

Types of Custom Wood Slabs

Choosing the right custom slab is critical for maximizing the benefits of this beautiful wood while bringing your contractor slab design ideas to life. These are the things to consider when making your pick:

Types of Live Edge Wood Slabs

Live edge wood slabs retain the natural edge of the tree. They’re available with the bark intact for a unique organic look or with the bark removed to create a smoother finish.

Live edge slabs come in three configurations, namely:

Standard Shape

Milled at the trunk of the tree, these slabs vary widely in width and length. They’re the most versatile choice for many projects.

Y-Shaped

Also known as ‘crotch slabs,’ these slabs are milled at the fork of the tree. One edge of the slab is usually wider than the other, making it a good choice for free-standing furniture, like tables or desks.

Rounds

Round slabs are milled at three to five inches thick, creating a stocky finish. They have live edges on the perimeter of the slab.

Customization Options

The most obvious customizations regard the size and shape of the wood you choose as well as the species of tree. Some popular choices include:

Various finishing treatments will help bring the wood to life and enhance its durability.

Custom Slab Installation Tips

Before your customers can enjoy the benefits of their gorgeous live edge slab installation, the wood must undergo a few important phases. These are the steps involved:

Preparing the Slab for Use

After milling, wood must rest before it’s put to use in construction projects. Air-dried wood is placed outdoors in a place with good airflow, while kiln-dried wood is kept in a heated environment for up to 6 weeks.

Kiln-dried wood is always preferable for contractors. It looks great and has a low moisture content. When ordering a custom slab, you must keep this preparation time in mind when planning your project.

Slab flattening turns rough-cut lumber into attractive, functional pieces ready for use. It removes imperfections and creates a smooth surface for furniture pieces.

There are three ways to flatten a live edge slab. You can use a:

  • Router sled
  • Drum planer
  • Planer and jointer combination

Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to join one or more live edge slabs to create the desired look. There are three ways to do this:

  • Bookmatched slabs join two successive cuts from the same tree for a symmetrical appearance
  • Hexo slabs combine multiple small panels to create a large slab
  • River slabs feature a gap between two panels filled with epoxy resin

Joints add interest and appeal to unique wood slab furniture and work surfaces.

Finishing Live Edge Slabs

It’s imperative to seal a wood slab before you work with it. You can do this using a spray gun, roller, or brush to apply an oil finish, 2K urethane finish, or polyurethane.

Do’s and Don’ts When Working With Custom Wood Slabs

Never store untreated wood in an unconditioned space. Fluctuating moisture and temperature can cause cupping. If you can’t maintain stable conditions, covering your slab in plastic wrap will keep it safe from condensation.

Don’t block airflow on one side of the slab by placing it flat on a surface. Place risers under the piece so air can flow beneath it.

Avoid storing the wood for a long time before installing it. Get to work as soon as possible after acquiring your perfect live edge slab.

Design Ideas for Custom Wood Slabs

Your imagination is the only limit to the things you can do with live edge wood slabs. They’re perfectly suited to many commercial and residential settings.

Common applications of these slabs include:

  • Tables, i.e., dining tables, coffee tables, end tables, and hanging tables
  • Countertops, bartops, and bathroom vanities
  • Floating shelves and custom bookcases
  • Decorative elements like art pieces and light fittings
  • Benches and seating
  • Headboards
  • Cutting boards
  • Fireplace mantels

Sourcing Premium Live Edge Wood Slabs in the City of Trees

Custom wood slabs suit a wide range of applications and can add beauty and flair to any space. They’re durable, sustainable, versatile, and suited to many construction and design projects.

Are you ready to wow your customers with the beauty of natural wood? Les Bois Milling is a place where high-quality lumber fulfills its potential in the hands of talented craftsmen.

We provide a vital link between innovative contractors and satisfied customers.

Our team is committed to bringing the beauty of our valley’s amazing trees into homes and businesses across the country. Talk to us about your ideas, and we’ll help you bring them to life.

Why Choose Local Wood Mills for Your Woodworking Needs?

Are you looking for high-quality, sustainable wood for your next woodworking project? The answer is to choose local wood mills.

For the handy-at-hand, woodworking is more than a hobby-it’s a craft that requires the best materials available. Whether you’re building furniture, crafting intricate carvings, or starting a home renovation, the source of your wood is crucial to the outcome of your work. By opting for local wood mills, not only do you ensure the sustainability and quality of your materials, but you also contribute to supporting local businesses.

Ready to discover why your choice of wood supplier matters more than you think? Keep reading to uncover the benefits of going local for your woodworking needs.

The Importance of Sustainable Wood Sourcing

Sustainable wood sourcing means obtaining wood in a way that keeps forests healthy. It ensures trees are cut down at a rate that allows the forest to regrow, helping protect wildlife and keeping the air and water clean. Thus, we can enjoy beautiful wood products without harming the environment.

Local wood mills play a significant role in sustainability. They use nearby trees, which reduces fuel needed for transport, naturally reducing pollution.

Plus, local wood mills often know how to manage forests wisely, helping ensure future generations will have plenty of trees. Here are some more benefits of sustainable wood sourcing:

  • Protects forests: Sustainable sourcing keeps forests alive and growing
  • Supports local economy: Buying from local wood mills keeps money in the community and creates jobs
  • Reduces carbon footprint: Less transportation means less fuel used, helping fight climate change
  • Ensures high quality: Sustainable wood is often better quality because it’s harvested carefully
  • Promotes biodiversity: Healthy forests support a wide range of plant and animal life

Quality Wood Materials from Local Wood Mills

Local wood mills offer a rich variety of quality wood materials for woodworking projects. These mills provide local woodworking supplies that ensure craftsmanship with character and sustainability. Let’s explore the unique wood types available at Les Bois Milling.

Ash

Ash wood is strong and flexible, making it perfect for making furniture and sports equipment. Many people love its light color and classic look. Because it absorbs shock well, it’s often used for tool handles and baseball bats.

Silver Maple

Silver maple is lightweight and easy to work with, making it a favorite among woodworkers. It has a beautiful grain that enhances home décor items and fine furniture. This wood stains well and is often chosen for cabinets, flooring, and musical instruments.

Black Walnut

Black walnut is known for its rich, dark color and natural beauty. Due to its durability and elegant grain, it’s a favorite for luxury furniture and musical instruments. Its deep brown tones add warmth and sophistication to any woodworking project.

Russian Olive

Russian olive has a unique, fine grain that makes each piece unique. It’s an excellent choice for small decorative pieces, carvings, and custom furniture. Its color ranges from light tan to rich brown, often with striking natural patterns.

Oak

Oak is a classic choice for those who need both durability and versatility. It’s widely used in furniture, flooring, and cabinetry due to its strength. Its strong grain pattern adds character to any item, making it a top pick for both traditional and modern designs.

Elm

Elm is valued for its interlocking grain, which resists splitting. This makes it ideal for long-lasting furniture. Elm is often used for veneers, rustic tables, and curved furniture. Its warm tones and distinct grain pattern give it a unique, natural appeal.

Spruce

Spruce is lightweight yet strong, and its bright color complements many styles. It’s commonly used for musical instruments, construction, and fine woodworking. Its straight grain and smooth texture make it easy to cut and shape.

Sequoia

Sequoia wood‘s majestic reddish hue sets it apart from other woods. It’s perfect for large-scale projects like outdoor structures, sculptures, and custom furniture, and its natural resistance to decay makes it an excellent choice for long-lasting builds.

Les Bois Milling provides local woodworking supplies and expert wood mill services to meet your needs. Whether you’re crafting furniture, cabinets, or custom woodwork, we have the right materials for the job.

Wood Mill Services Offered at Les Bois Milling

Local wood mills offer essential services to prepare and refine raw lumber. These include drying, cutting, and finishing wood to ensure it’s strong, stable, and ready for use. We specialize in kiln drying, live edge slabs, and slab flattening at Les Bois Milling.

Kiln-Dried Wood

Kiln drying removes moisture from the wood, preventing warping, cracking, and shrinking. This process makes the wood stable and long-lasting, perfect for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. Properly dried wood also reduces the risk of mold and insect infestations, ensuring higher-quality results.

Live Edge Wood Slabs

Live-edge slabs preserve the tree’s natural shape, creating unique pieces full of character.These slabs work well for tables, countertops, and shelves, adding rustic charm to any space. Every slab showcases the tree’s original beauty, making each project unique.

Slab Flattening

Slab flattening ensures a smooth, even surface for woodworking projects, making it easier to assemble and finish. Our precision tools remove imperfections, guaranteeing a level foundation for furniture and other custom designs. This process enhances the final product’s durability and professional appearance.

Les Bois Milling is committed to delivering top-quality materials and expert wood mill services to support your next project.

From Tree to Timber: Making Your Mill Choice Count

Choosing local wood mills benefits both your woodworking projects and the environment. By prioritizing sustainable sourcing, you ensure the longevity of our forests and support the local economy. When you choose local, you’re not just buying wood but investing in quality, sustainability, and community.

Discover the beauty of sustainability with Les Bois Milling’s premium kiln-dried wood slabs sourced from local Idaho trees. Elevate your projects with materials that embody quality and champion environmental responsibility.

Our wood tells a story of second chances and mindful craftsmanship. Contact us today to learn how to transform your woodworking with eco-friendly materials that honor the earth and your craft.