Live Edge Desk

by designcoyxe

1.5K190

Intro: Live Edge Desk

I was in need of a desk for my home office. I loved the look of the live edge so I picked up a nice looking wood slab and got to work.

STEP 1: CAD

Here I utilized CAD to come up with a simple design I liked.

STEP 2: SAND LIVE EDGE SLAB

I found this slab on my local marketplace. The species is Oakanese Poplar.

  • Sand wood slab 60/150/220 grit.
  • Square up the ends of the slab with a circular saw.

STEP 3: CUT OUT SLOT FOR STEEL INLAY

  • Cut out a slot with a router. I used the flat bar as a straight edge and clamped it to the slab. See video for more clarity.

STEP 4: SHAPE INLAY AND INSTALL

  • Cut the flat bar to length using a chop saw.
  • Clamp flat bar into place and grind the edge of the steel to match the profile of the live edge of the wood slab.
  • Clean steel with acetone to allow adhesive to stick to surface.
  • Adhere steel to the wood using construction adhesive. Clamp down and let cure.

STEP 5: FINAL SANDING

  • Sand the slab and steel inlay. 220/320 grit.

STEP 6: APPLY POLYURETHANE & LACQUER

I went with three coats of polyurethane on the wood surface and a couple coats of lacquer for the steel surface.

STEP 7: MODIFY LEGS

I purchased a standard set of legs from Home Depot. They were a bit too wide and needed to be narrowed.

  • Cut out 5 inches of material from each leg (top and bottom).
  • Deburr edges and sand a slight chamfer to the cut edges with a flap disk on a angle grinder. This process helps with welding.
  • Line up edges, clamp together, and weld the joint.
  • Grind weld smooth with a flap disk and a palm sander.

STEP 8: CLEAR COAT LEGS

  • Degrease the legs. Wipe clean.
  • Apply two coats of lacquer.

STEP 9: ASSEMBLY

Lets attach the legs!

  • Measure and mark holes.
  • Drill pilot holes.
  • Bolt the legs to the slab.

All done! Thanks for following along.