When selecting the perfect slab of raw wood for your next woodworking project, it is important to consider the tree species it came from, its moisture content, grain patterns and the presence of any defects. Raw wood is rough sawn wood that has not been planed, sanded or treated and it appears as it did when it was cut by the sawmill.
Some defects in raw wood, such as knots and live edges, can add to its rustic charm. Even splits in the wood can be turned into a feature by filling them with coloured resin. However, cracks and splits can compromise strength and stability of the wood, and any insect damage or rot will affect the wood’s integrity and durability, often reducing its usability. Warping and twisting, caused by uneven drying, can make wood difficult to work with and unsuitable for precise applications.
Kiln dried raw wood
We kiln dry all of our raw edge wood using our tried and tested drying process. We allow our raw wood to air-dry naturally outside, with only a simple rain cover over the top of each stack, which allows the wind to blow through them.
After two to three years, the raw wood slabs are kiln-dried on a low heat. This process usually takes 8-12 weeks and removes the last of the moisture from them. Once this drying process is complete, we remove the ends of the slab and it is ready for use.
Factors determining raw wood quality
The live edge raw wood we stock is both beautiful and durable, allowing you to make high-end furniture, table tops, cabinetry, beams, windowsills, mantelpieces and decorative items.
It is important to select the right species of raw wood for your specific needs. Hardwoods such as oak, ash and beech are hardwearing, dense and durable, and are suited to making flooring and high-quality interior or exterior constructions.
Softwoods, including pine and cedar are generally lighter and easier to work with, commonly used in constructing panelling, framing and flooring, as well as outdoor projects such as decking and fencing. These types of softwoods need to be treated to enhance their durability in outdoor conditions. For more information, see our Guide to Protecting Raw Wood.
Sustainable raw edge wood
We predominately source our raw wood via our Sussex based tree surgery business. Most of our live edge raw wood comes from trees that have been cut down as a result of being diseased, unhealthy, dangerous, are causing subsidence, or have outgrown their environment.
We are specialists in supplying sustainably sourced live edge raw wood. Our many customers have used our unique raw edge wood to create beautiful pieces of furniture, table tops and much more. View some of our customer projects to help inspire your raw wood project.
If you are looking for beautiful slabs of kiln dried raw wood, please visit our online shop.
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