Live edge bar tops are an increasingly popular trend in home décor and home furnishing. With their rustic, organic look and natural elements, these tops make an earthy addition to any home or outdoor space.
What is a Live Edge Bar Top?
Live edge bar tops are pieces of wood slab furniture, crafted from wood harvested from a tree while still in its living state. This natural edge creates a unique, beautiful appearance and a rustic addition to any room. The bark, knots and other imperfections with add charm and character to the pieces and each one will be truly one of a kind.
The Benefits of Live Edge Bar Tops
Live edge bar tops provide a number of benefits for your home, both aesthetically and functionally:
-
- Durability: Live edge bar tops are incredibly durable and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. They are resistant to staining, discoloration, and scratches.
-
- Versatility: Live edge bar tops come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them the perfect statement piece for any size room.
-
- Environmentally-Friendly: Live edge bar tops are crafted from natural materials and do not require any additional processing or materials.
Styling Your Live Edge Bar Top
A live edge bar top is the perfect focal point for any space. To create the beautiful look of a live edge bar top in your home, you can choose from a variety of decorative elements and styles. Here are ideas for creating a stylish and inviting look for your live edge bar top:
-
- Accent Pieces: To complement your live edge bar top, add in transitional elements like rocks and minerals.
-
- Accessories: Get creative with bar accessories such as mugs, drinks, wine glasses, and more.
-
- Lighting: The right lighting can transform any space and make it more inviting. Choose lighting fixtures and candles to create a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Live edge bar tops are a unique and stylish addition to any home. With their beautiful and organic look, they bring a unique character to the space while providing functionality, durability and an environmentally-friendly touch. Whether you’re choosing a simple slab or elaborately styled bar top, you’ll love the rustic beauty of a live edge bar top.
What wood is used to make a live edge bar top?
The most common wood used to make a live edge bar top are monkeypod, walnut, cherry, maple, oak, and black walnut. These types of wood have a natural grain that looks great, is durable and takes well to shaping and detailing for customized bar tops.
What are the benefits of using a live edge bar top?
1. Warm, Natural Look: Live edge bar tops add an organic, warm aesthetic to your space, giving it a unique natural appearance.
2. Place to Entertain: A live edge bar top provides an inviting place for people to socialize and enjoy a drink together.
3. Durability: Live edge wood is a very durable material, which makes it perfect for hosting parties or high traffic areas.
4. Anti-microbial Reserve: Live edge bar tops have an anti-microbial reserve, making them ideal for use in places where food and drinks are served.
5. Unique Appearance: Live edge bar tops are unique and one-of-a-kind, making them especially attractive to individuals who value unique trends.
What type of wood is typically used for a live edge bar top?
The most common type of wood used for a live edge bar top is Slab Walnut or Slab Black Walnut. It is dense, durable, and its grain pattern can be stunning. Maple, Cherry and Oak are also popular choices for a live edge bar top.
What accessories go well with a live edge bar top?
-
- Cocktail Shakers: For the perfect cocktail, add a set of cocktail shakers to jazz up your bar top.
-
- Coasters: Protect the surface of your live edge bar top with a set of coasters for each of your guests.
-
- Barware: Invest in stylish barware that complements the look of your live edge bar top, such as martini glasses, beer mugs, wine glasses, and jiggers.
-
- Ice Buckets & Tongs: Keep your drinks cold with an ice bucket and tongs.
-
- Bar Stools: Choose stylish bar stools that fit in with your bar top and the rest of your décor.
What types of finishes are used on live edge bar tops?
The most common finishes used for live edge bar tops are penetrating oils, sealers, and topcoats. Depending on the desired look, sealers are often used to bring out the unique beauty of the wood before applying a topcoat such as polyurethane or lacquer. Waxing, oil-based stains, and dyes are also commonly used to enrich the wood’s colors.
What is the difference between a live edge and a rustic edge bar top?
Live edge bar tops feature raw, natural-looking wood which may include knots, bark, and other imperfections due to their natural state. Live edge bar tops can be sealed or treated for an extra level of protection for the wood, but their rustic appeal remains. Rustic edge bars tops usually have more of a refined look, with planed and smoother edges. They typically feature a more smooth, clean finish and may also be stained or given a unique finish.
What is the purpose of having a live or rustic edge bar top?
A live or rustic edge bar top adds an organic, natural look to any space and can be a great conversation starter. It can add texture and depth to a bar setting, providing a more interesting and distinctive look than a plain-edged bar top. It’s also a great way to incorporate natural elements into your decor.
What kind of wood is used for a live or rustic edge bar top?
The type of wood used for a live or rustic edge bar top typically depends on the desired look and budget. Popular choices include walnut, cherry, oak, and maple. Some exotic woods like teak and wenge are also sometimes used. In general, hardwoods are preferred because they are stronger and more durable.
What is the cost of a live or rustic edge bar top?
The cost of a live or rustic edge bar top can vary greatly depending on the size of the top, the species of wood used, and the complexity of the design. Generally speaking, prices can range anywhere from $350–$4,000 for an 8-foot live edge bar top.