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ALL Wood Slabs
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www.woodslabs.com
Live-edge slabs for: desk tops, conference tables, coffee tables, bar tops, gathering tables, dining room tables, kitchen islands, nightstands, wall art, and other fine furniture.

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Services

Bookmatching

Bookmatched slabs give you perfect symmetry, great for either a single solid surface or framing a complementary centerpiece.

Learn More about Bookmatching wood slabs

The process of Book matching

Bookmatching is the technique of matching two (or more) sequentially cut wood slab sections, so that two adjoining surfaces and grain patterns mirror each other, giving the impression of an opened book.

As applied to our wood slabs, the bookmatching technique is used for cosmetic beauty but is also applied to achieve a wider width wood slab that typically is crafted into a live edge table or similar large often custom furniture pieces.

The two adjoining surfaces are produced from the same piece of wood, so that they have (almost) exactly the same appearance, but mirrored this is due to how the log is milled and sequenced to keep everything in order for bookmatching the slab.

The final effect varies with the grain figure of the wood species that is being worked and can range from extremely subtle (so that the two surfaces almost appear to be a single piece of wood), to dramatic effects with figured grain showcased, as in high-end furniture.

Once the perfect sequential slabs are chosen they are then straight-lined on one side, this is where years of experience and a critical eye are essential to getting the optimum line and the proper width for the project, For the DIY person this is definitely a moment to measure twice and cut once one wrong calculation here and the whole project might need to be reconfigured.

After being perfectly straight lined they are edge glued, aligned perfectly according to the mirrored grain by our slab specialist and clamped until dry.

We take pride in our exotic and sometimes rare book matched pieces and sequenced hardwood slabs. During the milling process, our slab specialist takes extra care to keep the logs matched and the sequential wood slabs altogether. Only the finest slabs are then inspected and chosen for bookmatching typically because of the figure of the grain or for a wide width piece.

Bookmatched slabs can be either live edge or straight lined depending on desired application.


Straight Lining

Options: Top Edge, Bottom Edge, Both Edges 

Live-edge is great, but some projects require a perfectly straight edge. If that’s what you need, just specify which edge you need straightened—left, right, or both! Left and right are determined based on the slab’s main photo.

Learn More about straight lining wood slabs

The Process of Straight-Lining

A straight line rip puts a true straight edge on the live edge slab lumber.

We can straight line one or both sides of your live edge slab, you might ask why would you want to do this. Well naturally if you want a straight edge instead of a live edge for a refined purpose, but we also straight line a single side when we bookmatch sequential slabs to create a set. Straight lining one side is also perfect for creating pieces such as live edge shelving and trim. 

Surfacing

Options: Surface 1 sideSurface 2 Sides

If you just want a completely smooth slab that is nearly ready to be finished when it arrives, we’ll do all the surafacing (planing) for you! Select one of these options, and your slab will arrive surfaced, ready for you to sand and then to be finished on-site.

Learn More about Surfacing (planing) Wood Slabs

Surfacing (planing) Wood Slabs

Surfacing a large slab into a flat and smooth surface can be a challenge for the home woodworker or cabinet shop. Our massive industrial sized planer can handle extremely dense, figured, long, and wide slabs. The helical heads, with 530 carbide cutters, give a smoother finish than most any planer available to our customers. Our machines are CNC controlled with digital readouts to target exact dimensions. If you want an even smoother surface that is ready for finishing then add our sanding option after planing.

Sanding

Options:Sanding 1 Side Sanding 2 Sides

If you just want a completely smooth slab that is ready to be finished when it arrives, we’ll do all the hard stuff for you! Select one of these options, and your slab will arrive as a polished work of natural art, ready to be finished on-site.

Learn More about Sanding Wood Slabs

Sanding Wood Slabs

Finishing a wood slab

Slab Finishing (Sprayed Conversion Varnish)

If you just want a completely finished slab, we’ll spray finish your slab! Your slab will arrive as a polished work of natural art, ready for install.
If you want you slab finished please give us a call: 1-877-232-3915

Learn More

The Art of Slab Finishing

We use Catalyzed Conversion Varnish Finish
The basic purpose o a Wood finish is to protect the furniture or wood piece. They prevent the real wood from rotting, guard against stains, and can even highlight the wood and grain pattern.
Yet, not all finishes are created equal. And we compared them all.

Every wood slab that is finished by our slab specialist here at WoodSlabs.com is finished with a post-catalyst conversion varnish.
Quite simply stated, from our testing, this is hands down the most durable finish available for use on our exotic hardwood slabs.
It will resist moisture and damage from most common household items, and unlike a less costly lacquer-based product, (which is much softer and more susceptible to moisture damage) a catalyzed conversion varnish will provide durable protection for many years to come with minimal maintenance.
Please keep in mind, an ultra-durable catalyzed conversion varnish requires a 30-day period after home installation, at a temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, to cure completely. A catalyzed conversion varnish finish needs to be protected for its first 30 days.

Wood Slab Finish Maintenance Tips

• Limit direct sunlight exposure as much as possible. Over-exposure to direct sunlight will cause any finish to fade over time from UV damage and may trigger color changes in the wood itself as some exotic wood slab species are photosensitive and naturally change color or time with exposure.
• Avoid excessive waxing as this will cause moisture from a glass to leave a white milky ring on the surface of the wood and can also seal in dust and contaminants between layers of wax.
• Do NOT use cleaners containing bleach. Bleach is an oxidizer and will ruin just about anything.
• Do NOT allow cleaners containing ammonia to come in contact with the furniture’s finish. Ammonia will discolor certain wood species.
• Avoid excessive exposure to smoke as this will cause the finish to yellow due to pollutant exposure contained within the smoke.

Cleaning Tips

• A soft damp cloth followed by a dry cloth will be sufficient to clean the finish. If a cleaner is required, use only a mild soap and wipe dry.
• A high-quality furniture polish may be used occasionally if desired if so apply with a soft cloth following the polish manufacturer's instructions.

 

Finishing a wood slab

Epoxy Flood Coat Finish

After preparing your slab we will apply 2 coats of WiseBond Bar and Table Top Epoxy to seal and then a final flood coat of WiseBond Bar and Table Top Epoxy to finish. The bottom will be sprayed with Sanding Sealer.

Finishing a wood slab

Hand Rubbed Oil Finish

After careful sanding your slab will receive a hand rubbed oil / wax finish using Rubio Monocoat premium finishes top and bottom.

CLEANING THE FINISH: Once curing has been completed Rubio® Monocoat can be cleaned as follows: 1. SWEEP, DUST, or DRY MOP 2. DAMP MOP the finish with water or Surface Care Spray. 3. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER CLEANERS as most of these will damage the finish.

DO NOT use any other cleaners. DO NOT apply tape to a slab finished with Rubio® Monocoat. DO NOT allow moisture on uncured Rubio® Monocoat treated surfaces (6 days to cure)

A variety of care and renew products are available through AdvanatgeLumber.com®.

 

Need help getting started on your new slab project? We offer the services you need to get it done. Surfacing, sanding, straight-lining and finishing services are available on every slab we have in stock.

All services are priced based on the size of the slab. Not all services are available for all slabs. See the individual slab for exact pricing and services offered.

Wood Slab Services

Full list of services we offer:

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