May 02, 2024 3 min read
Embarking on the journey of the process of designing a custom live edge table is an exciting and uniquely personal experience. It's an opportunity to bring your vision to life and craft a piece of furniture that not only serves a practical purpose but also tells a story. In this article, we will take you through every step of the process, ensuring that you gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create a custom live edge table that perfectly reflects your style and taste.
The process begins with selecting the lumber, a crucial step that lays the foundation for your table's character and durability. You have two options: choosing lumber on-site or at a warehouse. Typically, people opt for the latter as it offers a more extensive selection. When you arrive at the warehouse, you'll have the chance to lay out various lumber options, each with its unique features and grain patterns.
Once you've made your lumber selection, one of our skilled designers or salesmen can create a SketchUp rendering. This rendering provides you with a visual representation of your final product, allowing you to see exactly what your custom live edge table will look like before it even enters the production phase. It's an invaluable tool for ensuring your table aligns with your vision.
With the design approved, your table enters the production queue. The production process is a labor-intensive journey that involves flattening the lumber, gluing it together, and meticulously finishing it to perfection. The table base is also crafted during this stage, ensuring that every aspect of your table is meticulously handcrafted.
While we all love instant gratification, custom commissions take time. Unlike showroom pieces readily available for purchase, crafting a unique live edge table is a more time-consuming process. On average, you can expect a custom commission to take anywhere from 16 to 20 weeks. However, the specific timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the project. For intricate designs like epoxy tables, additional time might be required.
We understand that sometimes urgency is unavoidable. Clients often approach us with last-minute requests, hoping to have their custom table in time for a special occasion. While we strive to accommodate urgent needs whenever possible, it's essential to be realistic about timelines. In some cases, we may need to decline a request if it jeopardizes the ongoing projects of other clients. We believe in delivering quality craftsmanship over rushed outcomes.
As the holiday season approaches, the demand for custom live edge tables surges. Many clients aspire to have a unique centerpiece for their Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
However, it's important to plan ahead. October is typically the time when people start inquiring about holiday orders.
While we aim to fulfill every request, it's crucial to understand that the lead time for custom commissions may not align with short-term holiday deadlines. In such cases, we recommend visiting our showroom, where you can find a variety of ready-made tables that might suit your needs perfectly.
After finalizing all the details for your custom table, the next question arises: What will it sit on? We offer a comprehensive catalog of table bases, showcasing a wide range of designs we've created in the past. This catalog provides plenty of inspiration for clients.
However, we also encourage clients to share their unique design ideas. In most cases, we can bring those ideas to life. There have been very few instances where we've had to decline a request for a custom table base, and this decision usually stems from budget constraints rather than technical limitations.
Designing a custom live edge table is a rewarding process that allows you to have a unique piece of furniture tailored to your preferences. From lumber selection to the final table base choice, every step contributes to creating a masterpiece that will be a cherished part of your home. If you're ready to embark on this journey, contact KC Custom Hardwoods today to get started on designing your dream live edge table.