The Journey of a Live Edge Dining Table
If You’ve Ever Dreamt of Owning a Handcrafted Live Edge Dining Table Made in Melbourne…
This story is for you.
It’s about love for craft, respect for nature, and the joy of creating something lasting.
It’s also about Briony and Tye — a couple who dreamt of a table that would anchor their brand-new country home.
It All Begins in the Forest
Every live edge dining table has a beginning long before it reaches our hands.
This one started deep in the Australian bush — a towering Marri tree that had stood for decades.
Its bark carried stories of wind, rain, and sun; its grain held the marks of time.
When the tree finally came down, we promised to honour it.
We saw beauty in its rawness — the knots, the cracks, the deep honey tones that only Marri gives.
Nothing about it was perfect, and that’s what made it special.
Bringing the Timber Home
Back at our Moorabbin workshop, the real work began.
The slab was heavy — over four metres long, rich, and alive with character.
We moved it carefully, knowing this would become something remarkable.
There’s a stillness in those first moments.
You stand before the timber and imagine the family who will gather around it.
That vision fuels every step that follows.
The Dream
Briony and Tye had just built their forever home — a stunning country estate surrounded by rolling hills and calm air.
They wanted a centrepiece that felt alive, raw, and timeless.
Something that would age with them, hold their memories, and welcome everyone who walked through the door.
When they told us their vision, we knew Marri was the perfect choice.
It’s strong, warm, and full of movement.
It has soul.
The Milling and Shaping
Creating a live edge dining table means working with the timber, not against it.
We began by trimming and planing the slab, revealing layers of colour hidden beneath the rough exterior.
Every cut revealed more depth — from rich caramel browns to soft blonde veins.
The edges stayed natural.
They curved just as the tree once grew, reminding us where it came from.
That’s the heart of a live edge piece — it keeps nature’s fingerprint intact.
Filling the Voids with Resin
Marri is known for its beautiful imperfections.
There are cracks, gum veins, and deep lines that tell the story of its life.
Rather than hiding them, we celebrate them.
We filled each void with black resin, letting it flow slowly through the grain.
It’s almost meditative, watching it settle and cure.
Each pour locks in a moment of the tree’s past.
The Sanding Begins
Sanding is where patience takes over.
We move slowly, layer by layer, until the timber feels like silk under the fingertips.
The workshop hums — machines steady, sawdust swirling in the light.
There’s no rush here.
Every live edge dining table demands time, care, and rhythm.
When you do it right, you can feel the grain come alive beneath your hands.
Oil Meets Timber
When the first coat of oil touches the wood, magic happens.
The grain deepens; colours glow.
It’s the moment we see the true personality of the timber emerge.
Marri has this golden warmth that fills the room.
It’s not just a finish — it’s a transformation.
The timber starts to breathe.
Strength Meets Style
A table like this needs a base that matches its presence.
We built a custom Artisan Metal Base, powder coated in Mannex black.
Sleek, strong, and perfectly balanced.
The contrast of black steel and natural timber gives power and grace.
It’s industrial, yet soft — timeless, yet modern.
The perfect foundation for a piece built to last generations.
Every Detail Matters
The edges were softened by hand, the corners rounded to perfection.
Each surface was checked and re-checked for smoothness.
Nothing leaves our workshop until it feels right.
We call this moment “the quiet test.”
No machines. No noise. Just touch, sight, and instinct.
That’s when craftsmanship becomes something you feel, not just see.
A Smaller Companion
While the dining table was the hero, we also created a smaller piece — a 2-metre Marri coffee table for Briony and Tye’s office.
It carried the same warmth and honesty, built from the same tree.
Two pieces. One story.
That’s what true custom furniture is about — meaning and continuity.
The Journey to Moranding
With both pieces complete, it was time for the journey north to Moranding.
The tables were wrapped, loaded, and strapped carefully into the truck.
Each delivery feels like sending a piece of ourselves out into the world.
The drive was long — 1 hour 40 minutes from our Moorabbin HQ.
But as the landscape opened into fields and sky, it reminded us why we do what we do.
We build for people who love the land, who love craftsmanship, who value something real.
Arriving at the Country Estate
When we reached Briony and Tye’s property, the sun had just begun to dip.
The house stood proud — new, elegant, and full of light.
Inside, the smell of fresh timber met the air of possibility.
Unloading the 4-metre Marri live edge dining table took teamwork and care.
Every movement was slow, deliberate, steady.
Once inside, the table took its place like it had always belonged there.
Where Craftsmanship Meets Calm
There are moments you can’t fake.
When the table finally settled in the dining space, everything went quiet.
The light hit the grain perfectly, reflecting golden tones across the room.
It wasn’t just furniture — it was the heart of their home.
A dream realised.
The Donkey Goodbye
As we packed up to leave, something funny and unforgettable happened.
Out in the paddock, a curious donkey trotted toward us, letting out a loud “eeh-haw!”
It was as if he was saying goodbye — or maybe approving our craftsmanship.
We couldn’t help but laugh.
It was the perfect ending to a long and beautiful day.
Moments like that remind us how joyful this journey can be.
The Drive Back to Moorabbin
The truck rolled down the country road, dust trailing behind us.
The sun was setting — soft pink skies fading into gold.
After months of work, there’s nothing quite like that quiet satisfaction on the drive home.
We always say, “another story finished, another legacy begun.”
Every table carries a piece of us, and a piece of the people who dreamt it.
This one carried both beautifully.
Why We Do What We Do
Building a live edge dining table isn’t just about making furniture.
It’s about connection — to nature, to craft, to people.
It’s about creating something that will outlive trends and time.
Every board we touch has its own past.
Every client brings their own dream.
Our job is to bring those two stories together.
Real Words From Real People
Nothing makes us prouder than hearing from our clients.
Here are a few of the kind words shared about our work:
“Our table is absolutely stunning — better than we ever imagined. The craftsmanship is second to none.”
– Lumber Furniture Client Google Review
“Beautiful work and amazing communication from start to finish. The quality is worth every cent.”
– Google Review
“We wanted something unique for our home, and Lumber made it happen. True artisans.”
– Verified Customer Review
These words keep us going.
They remind us that what we create matters.
We build with purpose — always.
The Heart of It All
This 4-metre live edge Marri dining table and 2-metre coffee table aren’t just pieces of furniture.
They are heirlooms in the making.
They will hold conversations, laughter, and memories for generations.
From the forest floor to the family home — this is why we do what we do.
Because every creation is a tribute to the beauty of timber and the power of craftsmanship.
Because no two tables will ever be the same.
Crafted in Melbourne, Built for Life
We’re proud to build every piece right here in Moorabbin, Victoria.
Our team of skilled makers and metal fabricators work side by side.
Together, we create solid timber furniture that honours the material and the story behind it.
If you’ve been dreaming of your own live edge dining table — now is the time.
We’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Come visit our workshop or book a virtual appointment.
Specifications
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Dining Table: 4 metres L × 1.2 metres W
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Coffee Table: 2 metres L × 0.8 metres W
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Timber: Marri (Natural Edge)
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Base: Artisan Metal Base, Powder Coated in Mannex Black
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Finish: Satin Oil
Every element handcrafted, every detail refined.
Conclusion
A live edge dining table isn’t just made — it’s born.
It carries the marks of time, the skill of hands, and the heart of a dream.
Briony and Tye’s table now sits proudly in their home, ready for a lifetime of stories.
We’ll never forget this project — from the first spark of an idea to that final eeh-haw in the paddock.
It’s a reminder that craftsmanship is alive and well in Melbourne.
And we’re honoured to keep that spirit burning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a live edge dining table?
A live edge dining table keeps the natural shape of the tree along its sides.
It celebrates the raw beauty of timber instead of hiding it.
Each one is completely unique.
Can I order a custom live edge dining table in Melbourne?
Yes.
Every piece we make at Lumber Furniture is handcrafted to order in our Moorabbin workshop.
You choose the size, timber, and design — we bring it to life.
What timbers do you use?
We work with sustainably sourced Australian and American hardwoods such as Marri, Blackbutt, Messmate, and American Oak.
Each species has its own colour, texture, and character.
We’ll guide you to the perfect match for your space.
How do I care for my live edge dining table?
Keep it clean with a soft, damp cloth.
Avoid harsh cleaners and direct heat.
A light re-oil every few years will keep the timber rich and protected.
Call to Action
Ready to start your own story?
📍 Visit our Moorabbin showroom or book a virtual consultation.
🌐 www.lumberfurniture.com.au
📧 enquiries@lumberfurniture.com.au
📱 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more behind-the-scenes craftsmanship.
Because at Lumber Furniture, we don’t just build tables —
we build stories that last a lifetime.