DIY Live Edge Bench Top – Laker Furniture, Flooring, and Design

Light and natural wood tones are back in style and this live edge bench top can work with almost any design style. The edge is rustic, the wood tones are farmhouse, and the shape is eclectic. It just takes a little thought to blend the beautiful qualities of the wood into your space. But how to you work with live edge wood since isn’t not perfectly square? With the proper equipment, it’s actually not hard at all! Enjoy the DIY live edge bench top plans!

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What you need for this project:

Tools:
Eye Protection
Ear Protection
Pencil
Measuring Tape
Table saw
Jointer
Jig Saw
Biscuit Joiner
Biscuits
(3) clamps
glue
120 and 220 grit sandpaper
orbital sander
stain (I used minwax special walnut)
polyurethane (I used satin spar urethane for exterior)
paper towels
foam brush
miter saw or circular saw
hand plane – if needed

Materials:
Live edge board

Make the top first so you know what size to make the bottom. The bottom can also be made while the stain is drying to make this project a little quicker.

Depending on the width of your board, you may need to rip it down the center and add a board in the middle to get your desired width. If your board is already the perfect width, skip this section.

Add 8″ to your desired length and cut the boards to that length. To rip the board in half, draw a line down the center of your board with a straight edge. Remove your fence from your table saw and carefully and slowly cut your board in half. To square up the cut edges, run them through your jointer.

Since this is a stained top, you need to use the same kind of wood and the same thickness to add a piece to the center. If your board is long, you can use the piece you+ ripped in half as the front and back. Cut off the live edge on one side, run it through your jointer, and use to fence on your table saw to cut the width you need. Cut the piece to the exact length you want your bench top.

If needed, use your planer to even up your boards’ thicknesses. There are several methods you can use to join the 3 boards together. You can use a kreg jig, biscuit joiner, or just glue. I prefer a biscuit joiner because it keeps the boards even.

Set the boards next to each other and put marks across edges where you need to cut in for your biscuits. Use your biscuit joiner to cut in the grooves. Clean out the grooves, add glue and biscuits and tap your boards together as much as you can.

To clamp live edge boards use a jig saw to cut a notch out of both ends. Clamp the boards in the notch tight and allow to dry. Put a clamp in the center also in the best you can. Remove the clamps and cut the edges straight with a miter saw or circular saw. If needed, use a hand planer to remove any uneveness in the boards. Sand the boards with 120 grit sandpaper and then with 220. Wipe the boards own with a cloth dampened in mineral spirits to remove all the dust and add a coat of stain. Allow the stain to dry for 8 hours. Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper (to close the grain), wipe it down with a cloth dampened in mineral spirits and add a coat or 3 of sealer sanding with 220 grit paper in between coats.