“Live edge” means the natural outside edge of the tree is left on the board instead of being sawn straight. A live-edge slab is cut through the full width of the log, so each side follows the tree’s actual shape. Here’s what that means, whether to keep the bark, and the terms you’ll see on slab listings.
Why it’s called live edge
The edge is the tree’s last growing layer, right under the bark. Leaving it on shows the tree’s real outline — the swells, dips and knots — instead of a machined line. Every slab is a one-off because every tree is.
Bark on or bark off?
- Most people take it off. Bark shrinks differently than wood and usually loosens as the slab dries. Once it’s loose, it’ll fall off at the worst time.
- Underneath is a smooth, rippled surface that sands and finishes well. That’s the “live edge” most tables show.
- Keeping bark works best on wood cut in winter, when it’s tighter to the trunk. It needs to be stabilized with a penetrating finish and still may not last on a table people lean on.
Terms on slab listings
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Slab | A thick board, usually 2″+, cut through the width of the log |
| Board foot (BF) | 12″ × 12″ × 1″ of wood; how slabs and lumber are priced |
| Sapwood | The lighter outer band of the tree, just inside the edge |
| Heartwood | The darker center wood |
| Pith | The very center of the tree; slabs through the pith crack more easily |
| Crotch | Where the trunk forks; produces flame or feather figure |
| Burl | A growth on the trunk with tight, swirling grain |
| Spalted | Early-stage fungus that leaves dark zone lines |
| Ambrosia | Maple streaked by a beetle-carried fungus. More → |
| Book-matched | Two neighboring slabs opened like a book so the grain mirrors. More → |
| Sequential | Slabs cut one after another from the same log |
| Cookie | A cross-section round of the log. More → |
| Check | A crack that forms as wood dries, usually at the ends |
| Stickered | Stacked with spacers so air moves between slabs while drying |
| Air-drying / Kiln-dried | How far along the slab is in drying. More → |
| Rough-sawn | Straight off the mill, not planed |
Questions we get
What does live edge mean?
The natural outer edge of the tree is left on the board instead of being cut straight, so the board follows the tree’s real shape.
Should I remove the bark from a live-edge slab?
Usually, yes. Bark loosens as the wood dries and tends to fall off. The surface underneath sands and finishes well. Keeping bark works best on winter-cut wood and needs to be stabilized.
What is the light-colored wood on the edge of a slab?
Sapwood — the outer growth layer. It’s lighter than the heartwood, most noticeably in walnut and cedar.
What is a crotch slab?
A slab cut through the fork where the trunk splits into big limbs. The grain there twists into a flame or feather pattern. Crotch slabs are rare and usually priced higher.
Questions? 973-524-4282.
What customers say
We found Pops Barn through Facebook when we were looking for a countertop, and choosing to go meet Bob, the owner, was one of the best decisions we made! Bob has an amazing selection of beautiful wood, with so many unique pieces to choose from. My wife and I went there personally, picked out the plank we loved, and Bob recommended that we go with a live edge—and we're so glad we took his advice. When we went back to pick up the finished piece, we honestly couldn't believe how beautiful it turned out. The natural character of the wood and the live edge are absolutely stunning. It came out even better than we imagined. Bob was knowledgeable, helpful, and great to work with throughout the whole process. If you're looking for a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of wood, we highly recommend Pops Barn. We're extremely happy with our countertop and would definitely go back again!