A Natural Edge Slab Woodworking Project
Fine furniture is typically made from the best hardwoods, and feature intricate details and perfectly finished hardwood board. However, furniture intentionally constructed from the rough edge lumber has a unique beauty and untamed charm of its own. Rough edge slab lumber refers to the wood from the outer edge of a tree, including the bark and any knots and imperfections endemic to the tree. In the hands of a skilled woodworker, the rustic beauty of these cuts of wood is transformed into intriguing furniture.
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Accent Tables
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The most common use for rough edge slab lumber is accent tables. When these pieces of lumber are finished with a heavy glaze polyurethane, they become virtually indestructible, and a rough slab table becomes a centerpiece in a room. These slabs also are trimmed, and used to create hall and couch tables. For these projects the slab is cut smooth on three sides, while the rough wood bark is left on the front side for character and charm.
Traditional Furniture
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Rough slab wood also is used as the central piece of traditional home furniture to set a rustic tone for a room. A large piece of slab lumber can be adapted for a table top. Rough slabs also work well as the headboards and footboards for a master bedroom bed frame. In these applications, the slab becomes the focal point for the furniture and the rest of the room is designed to match.
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Countertops
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Because these pieces of wood are durable and cut from hardwood trees, rough slab lumber is useful for countertops. Normally not used for the main countertop in a kitchen, rough slab lumber is hard to keep clean in a food preparation setting. However, a piece of rough slab lumber makes a perfect top for a central island, or a breakfast bar.
Home Knickknacks
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Not all pieces of rough slab lumber are large enough for a piece of furniture. Smaller pieces of wood make attractive cutting boards, hot pads and coasters. Cut like slices from small to mid- sized branches, rough slab home accents and knickknacks are useful throughout a home. The hardwood composition makes these items very durable. When they're finished with a waterproof finish, they're useful throughout the home while adding their rustic charm.
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