What Is the Process to Buy a Live Edge Table? A Step-by-Step Guide
One of the most common questions we hear at Live Edge Slabs at Ft. Lauderdale is a simple one: how does this actually work?
Buying a custom live edge table is not like ordering furniture online or picking something off a showroom floor. It is a collaborative, hands-on experience that results in a one-of-a-kind piece built specifically for your space, your style, and your life. And from start to finish, it is far more straightforward than most people expect.
Here is exactly what the process looks like, step by step.
Step 1: Visit Our Showroom — and Come Prepared
The journey begins with a visit to our Fort Lauderdale showroom, where hundreds of sustainably sourced, kiln-dried hardwood slabs are waiting to be discovered. No two slabs are alike, and that is the entire point.
Before you arrive, there is one important thing to know: bring your measurements. Knowing the dimensions of your space – the length, width, and height that works for your room or project – allows our team to immediately focus your selection on slabs that will actually work for you. It saves time and makes the experience far more productive.
Step 2: We Show You the Right Slabs — and Bring Them to Life
Once we know your size requirements, we will pull the slabs that meet your needs and walk you through each one. But here is where the magic happens at our Live Edge Slabs of Ft. Lauderdale showroom.
We spray each slab down with water. This simple technique reveals exactly what the finished grain will look like once your table has been oiled and sealed. The rich tones, the depth of figure, the movement in the wood. It all comes alive right in front of you. What you see wet is very close to what you will have in your home or office.
No guessing. No surprises. Just a clear, honest preview of your finished piece.
Step 3: You Choose Your Slab
This is the moment our clients love most. You select the exact slab that speaks to you – the one with the grain pattern, the color range, and the character that feels right. Not a category. Not a style. The actual piece of wood that will become your table.
Take your time. This slab will be part of your home or space for decades, and we want you to feel completely confident in your choice.
Step 4: We Mark It Up Together
Once your slab is selected, our team works with you to identify any areas that need to be cut or trimmed to meet your exact dimensions. We mark the slab together so there is complete clarity on what the finished size and shape will look like before any work begins.
This collaborative step ensures nothing gets lost in translation between selection and production.
Step 5: Explore the Option of Epoxy
Live edge tables are stunning on their own — but epoxy can take them to an entirely different level.
If you are interested, we will discuss whether an epoxy pour is right for your slab and your vision. Epoxy can be used to expand a table’s width, to add dimension and movement. It can also be colored to complement your interior design palette — from a classic clear that lets the wood speak for itself, to deep blues, blacks, or custom tones that make a bold statement.
Not every slab calls for epoxy, and not every client wants it. But it is a conversation worth having, and our team will help you decide what is right for your piece.
Step 6: Select Your Leg Style and Finish
Your table base is the finishing touch that ties the whole piece together. We offer a range of leg styles to suit everything from industrial and modern to organic and traditional.
And here is a detail our clients appreciate: legs can be powder coated to virtually any color. Whether you want a matte black finish, a warm metallic, or a custom color that matches your existing decor, we can make it happen. Your table should be entirely yours — and that includes the base.
Step 7: Secure Your Order with a 50% Deposit
Once every detail is confirmed – slab, dimensions, epoxy preference, and leg style- we collect a 50% deposit to begin production. The remaining balance is due upon completion before delivery or pickup.
Your deposit locks in your slab and your specifications, and our team gets to work.
Step 8: Decide on Delivery or Pickup
You have two options: we can deliver it to you, or you can arrange to pick it up from our showroom.
One thing worth knowing: live edge tables are solid, heavy pieces of wood. A large dining table or conference table can weigh several hundred pounds. Our delivery team is experienced in handling and placing these pieces safely – including navigating tight spaces, staircases, and entryways. Delivery is available at a flat rate depending on your location within Southern Florida. We can also ship anywhere, including within the Caribbean.
Step 9: Your Table Is Finished with Odie’s Oil
Before your table leaves our shop, it receives a premium finish that sets our work apart: Odie’s Oil.
Odie’s Oil is a proprietary, non-toxic, food-safe wood finish and stabilizer made from natural oils and waxes. Unlike conventional finishes, it bonds directly with the wood surface at a structural level, sealing and protecting from within rather than simply coating the top. The result is a finish that is durable, beautiful, and completely safe for families, food preparation surfaces, and everyday use.
For our clients, Odie’s Oil means one thing above all else: a table that is built to last and easy to maintain for years to come.
Step 10: Your Table Is Ready
From deposit to delivery, the typical turnaround is 6 to 8 weeks. That timeline covers everything – production, epoxy curing if applicable, finishing, and quality review before your piece leaves our shop.
When your table arrives, it is complete, finished, and ready to take its place in your home, your office, or your next project. All that is left is for you to enjoy it.
Ready to Start the Process?
The best first step is a visit to our Fort Lauderdale showroom. Bring your measurements, bring your ideas, and let our team do the rest. We will walk you through every option, answer every question, and help you find the slab that is meant to be yours.
Visit Live Edge Slabs in Fort Lauderdale today — and take the first step toward a piece you will own for a lifetime. We are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Located at 5610 NW 12th Ave #211, Ft. Lauderdale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the showroom?
Walk-ins are always welcome, but calling ahead ensures our team is available to give you their full attention.
What if I do not know my measurements yet?
We recommend measuring your space before your visit — length, width, and the height that works best for your use. If you are unsure, our team can help guide you through the measuring process when you call ahead.
Can I see the epoxy color options before I decide?
Absolutely. We will walk you through color options during your showroom visit so you can visualize how different epoxy choices will complement your slab and your space.
How long does the process take from start to finish?
From the time your deposit is placed, the typical turnaround is 6 to 8 weeks. This covers production, any epoxy work, finishing with Odie’s Oil, and a full quality review before your table is ready.
Is Odie’s Oil safe for dining tables and families?
Yes. Odie’s Oil is non-toxic and food-safe, making it an excellent choice for dining tables, kitchen islands, and any surface that sees regular use. It is one of the reasons we chose it as our standard finish.
What leg styles are available?
We offer a range of styles to suit different aesthetics, and all legs can be powder coated to a custom color. Visit our showroom to see the current options and discuss what works best for your piece.