Finishing a Waney Edge

At Elephant Timber, we specialise in premium waney edge timber. Waney edge wood, also called live edge or wavy edge timber, retains the natural outer edge of the tree, bringing organic texture and shape to furniture and joinery. To make the most of its character, it is important to finish it properly. Here is our advice on how to approach finishing waney edge timber for stunning, long lasting results.

Unlike standard square cut boards, waney edge wood showcases the bark line and curvature, offering a more rustic and natural feel. It is ideal for statement furniture, feature shelving, bar tops and tables. We offer a wide range of waney edge timber, including oak, ash, walnut, cherry and other hardwoods, all kiln dried and ready for use.

Before finishing, you need to decide whether to keep the bark intact. Bark can add extra texture and a more rugged look, but it may come loose over time. Most woodworkers choose to remove the bark while preserving the natural contours beneath it.

Follow these steps to prepare your waney edge wood without the bark:

1. Remove bark – use a chisel or drawknife to gently remove bark while keeping the natural lines of the wood.
2. Clean the edge – brush away loose debris and use compressed air or a vacuum to clean any dirt from the grain.
3. Sand the edge – begin with coarse sandpaper (60–80 grit) and work through to finer grades (120–180 grit) to smooth the surface while retaining the shape.

Once prepped, the finishing process can begin. This not only protects the wood but also enhances the grain and colour. Popular finishes for waney edge timber include:

• Hardwax oil – this brings out the rich tones of the wood while offering a durable, water resistant surface. Great for waney edge worktops and kitchen furniture.
• Danish oil – ideal for indoor waney edge tables, offering a natural look with a subtle sheen.
• Clear varnish – provides a glossy, protective coating, but may hide some of the timber’s texture.
• Epoxy resin – for stabilising edges or adding a glassy finish, often used with waney edge river tables.

Always test your finish on a small section before applying to the whole piece, and follow with a light sand between coats for the smoothest result.

• Waney edge tables – the centrepiece of any room, these tables showcase the full beauty of the wood.
• Waney edge worktops – perfect for rustic kitchens or bespoke bars.
• Shelves, benches and headboards – smaller projects that still make a big impact.

We stock a wide selection of waney edge timber slabs, all sustainably sourced and kiln dried for stability. Whether you are building a waney edge worktop, table, or something completely unique, we can help you choose the perfect slab for your project. Please contact our experienced team for advice on your waney edge wood selection or visit our online shop to browse our collection of waney edge timber.

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