Sometimes, a client will come in with a very specific design idea in mind, and it’s up to us to turn that idea into a custom piece of furniture that can anchor a room in their home for decades, or generations. This live edge walnut dining table is the product of exactly that process. Our client wanted to see a square steel beam pass through a chunky walnut plate to create an “X” base of a type very different than what we often build.
Sam set to work designing not only the base itself, but also a build process that would result in a super clean moment where the steel beam punches through the 8/4 walnut panel. Everything about a build like this one requires careful thinking and painstaking attention to detail. Luckily for us, that’s what Sammy does best.
We sat down with our steel fabricator and put our heads together to design a steel leg that would counterbalance, and fit perfectly with, the custom walnut one that we built in the shop. Soon enough, we had a totally custom table base sitting in the workshop that managed to be beefy and light – at least visually – at the same time.
We really like working with dramatic metal bases on live edge tables like this one, because the complement that they provide really elevates the whole piece. An interior that plays in modern/rustic contrasts offers the perfect backdrop for a piece like this one.
As we worked our way through the design process, it became clear that the slab our clients loved was simply too long for the nook where the table was to go. It’s not an uncommon situation, and we recommend that clients look at slabs that are larger than initially appears strictly necessary. Sometimes the perfect slab is a little longer than the one you need, and sometimes only a section of the slab is appropriate for a certain project.
But we’re also loath to see wood go to waste. Happily for us, our clients on this project were of the same mindset, and we worked with them to create a custom coffee table from the section of the slab that we’d cut off from the dining table. Our goal is always to make the most of every piece that comes through our door, and we really achieved it on this one.
If you’re interested in starting a conversation about our process for designing and building custom furniture, and how we can work together to create a piece you’ll love forever, browse the site for a bit to get a sense of what it is we do. Then, fill in the “Contact” form below, email info@cannonhillwood.com, or call 857-567-2089 so we can get to work. We hope to hear from you soon.