I’ve built over a thousand tables. Live edge vs. straight edge. Which do I like better?

I have built well over 1000 tables and people often ask me if I prefer a live edge or straight edge table. I know live edge tables are unique. I know people love them, and I do too. For me though, if I were going to choose a table for my home, I’m choosing a straight edge. I love an underdog and sometimes squared up tables are overlooked. Live edge tables are one of a kind, but so are straight edges. The salvaged wood I work with is so unique it doesn’t need a live edge to be special. In some ways I think a straight edge is even more special. Straight edge tables have what I call “grain spill over.” That is when the spectacular grain that is on the top of the top of the table continues to the edge and spills over the side giving unparalleled interest on the side edge of the table too. With a straight edge, I have free creative reign to strategically orient boards to build the most interesting tables possible. The good news is that you can’t lose either way. If you like an organic live edge we’ve got you covered, but don’t discount what a straight edge table has to offer.