Looking to create a stunning live edge console table for your home? Justin and Jess from Justin and Jess DIY have created a detailed guide that walks you through the entire process.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Live edge wood slab
- Circular saw
- Hand saw
- Wood chisels
- Mallet
- Plunge router
- Orbital sander
- Dremel tool
- Sandpaper (40, 120, and 220 grit)
- Clear epoxy
- Wood for legs (2x4s)
- Kreg pocket hole jig
- Black paint for legs
- Rubio Monocoat finish
- Maintenance oil
- Painters tape
- Tyvek tape
Step 1: Preparing the Wood Slab
First, Justin and Jess used a live edge piece that had been drying for over a year, sourced from a large tree that fell in their backyard. They decided on a length of about 50 inches for the console table. Using a circular saw, they cut the slab to size, finishing the cut with a hand saw as needed.
Step 2: Removing the Bark
Next, they removed most of the bark using wood chisels and a mallet. This step is crucial for achieving a clean surface. They noticed the slab had a slight bow, which would need to be addressed later in the process.
Step 3: Flattening the Slab
To flatten the bowed piece, they created a setup for their plunge router. By placing shims on the lower side, they balanced the slab while taking the first pass with the router. This process proved to be quite labor-intensive, taking several days to achieve a flat surface.
Step 4: Sanding the Surface
After achieving a smooth thickness, they focused on sanding the surface. Starting with 40-grit sandpaper, they made pencil marks to keep track of their progress and ensure an even finish. The sanding continued with finer grits (120 and 220) to achieve a polished look.
Step 5: Filling Holes with Epoxy
Next, they filled in small holes from insects using clear epoxy. They used painters tape to secure the edges and prevent leakage. This step ensured that the table would not only look great but also be durable.
Step 6: Constructing the Legs
For the legs, Justin and Jess chose to use wooden 2x4s. They initially planned for a height of 34 inches but later adjusted the height for comfort. A cross brace was added between the legs for stability, and they used a Kreg pocket hole jig to secure everything.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once the legs were attached, they painted them black for a sleek look. For finishing the live edge slab, they used Rubio Monocoat, a product that enhances the wood’s natural beauty while providing protection. After applying the finish, they used a buffer to polish the surface.
Step 8: Final Assembly
Finally, the legs were attached to the slab using screws, ensuring everything was level and stable. Justin and Jess also added felt pads to the bottom of the legs to protect floors and maintain balance.
Enjoy Your New Console Table!
With the assembly complete, their beautiful live edge console table was ready for display. This project not only added a functional piece to their home but also showcased the beauty of natural wood.
