Live‑Edge vs Milled Timber Slabs: Which Is Right for Your Project?
When you build a custom table, bench or architectural feature picking the right timber slab finish plays a big role in getting the look, feel and durability you want. At Plankville, we help woodworkers, designers and builders across New Zealand make smart choices — from live‑edge slabs to precision milled timber.
Wood tells a story. It's not just a building material. Live‑edge slabs keep the natural raw look of the tree, while milled slabs give you clean lines and steady performance. Both have their strong points, but your choice depends on what you're making, how you want it to look, and how it needs to work.
Let's dive in — by the time you finish this guide, you'll know which slab finish suits your next project best.
Key Takeaways
Live‑edge slabs bring natural beauty and unique character ideal for standout pieces.
Milled timber slabs provide clean lines, uniformity and simplicity to use for exact builds.
The slab you pick influences both the appearance and function of your completed work.
Plankville gives expert advice high-quality timber and tailored services to back your project from start to finish.
Feel sure about your selection with help from experts — whether you want live edge or milled timber.
Why Slab Choice Matters for Your Project
Slab finish doesn't just look good — it shapes how your project holds up long-term. Picture crafting a stunning dining table to deal with splits, bends or a style that clashes with your room. The ideal slab does not boost your design — it helps it stick around.
At Plankville, we offer top-notch timber slabs and wood products for creators who want eco-friendly, eye-catching and trustworthy materials. From eye-popping live edges to smooth-cut surfaces, we help you pick an option you'll love.
What Are Live‑Edge and Milled Timber Slabs?
🔹 Live‑Edge Timber Slabs
Live-edge slabs retain the tree's natural edge - without bark but preserving curves, contours and organic lines. These slabs highlight the wood's character, grain patterns and quirks that make each piece one-of-a-kind.
Live-edge slabs work well for statement furniture like indoor tables, custom bench tops or creative focal points. At Plankville, our live-edge selection honors natural beauty - ideal for design-focused builds that catch the eye.
🔹 Milled Timber Slabs
Milled slabs undergo processing to create straight, level surfaces and uniform thickness. Workers cut, plane and refine these slabs to exact measurements - suitable for projects that need consistency and stability.
Carpenters and furniture designers often pick planed lumber when they need clean edges, simple finishing, and reliable joints.
Advantages That Make Each Option Stand Out
Deciding between natural-edge and planned slabs isn't just about looks — it's about how the material works and how you feel about the end result.
🌿 Natural-Edge Slabs — Raw Beauty & Personality
Natural-edge slabs excel when you want coziness, character, and unique appeal.
Uniqueness: Every slab looks different — the grain, curves and shape show the tree's history.
Statement Aesthetic: Live edge adds natural drama to interiors.
High Visual Impact: Ideal for dining tables, feature counters, shelves and artistic creations.
Textural Depth: The raw edge gives touchable detail that machine cuts can't match.
At Plankville, we source our live‑edge slabs from managed forests giving creators and makers a base to build meaningful long-lasting pieces.
✔ Best for: Custom furniture, feature pieces, artistic creations, designers who want outstanding results.
📐 Milled Timber Slabs — Precision & Performance
Milled slabs have smooth surfaces that make building easier and finishing quicker.
Consistency: Even thickness and straight edges make joining simpler.
Predictable Performance: Less shifting and fewer issues during setup.
Professional Finish: Great for modern furniture and building parts.
Easier to Work With: Ideal for projects needing exact sizes.
If you're a skilled woodworker or a hobby crafter, milled slabs give you reliability and flexibility.
✔ Best for: Cabinets sleek furniture, floors, building designs, precise plans.
Expert Insight: How Plankville Helps You Choose
At Plankville, we've helped hundreds of builders and makers pick wood that fits their vision and purpose. Our know-how goes beyond just technical stuff — we walk you through practical choices that cut down on mistakes and boost satisfaction.
Here's how we help:
🔹 Wood Advice: We help you pick between slab types based on how you'll use them and how you want them to look.
🔹 Custom Cuts & Shaping: We shape slabs to fit what you need.
🔹 Eco-Friendly Sources: We make sure you get good wood that works well.
🔹 Project Help: We offer tips and deliver all over New Zealand.
Check out our Our Services page to see how we back custom wood projects from start to finish.
Solving Your Problems — Not Just Selling Timber
You might wonder: "Which slab should I buy?" Here's a simple way to think about it:
If your project needs eye-catching looks, natural changes and artistic style, go for live‑edge.
If you want solid build exact measurements and smooth craftwork, pick milled timber for its strength and reliability.
No matter what, quality begins with the right slab — and that's where Plankville excels.
✔ We help you choose so you don't feel lost.
✔ We give you timber that looks great and lasts.
✔ We make sure you get a slab that matches your skills, taste and room.
Take Action: Find the Best Slab for Your Project
Want to learn more?
👉 Check out our wood options and discover slabs that fit your plans.
📞 Need personal advice? Get in touch with our team and talk to wood experts who want you to succeed.
For your first build or your next big thing, the right slab makes all the difference — and Plankville is here to help you nail it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Live‑edge slabs keep the tree's natural edge and shape, while milled slabs have straight smooth surfaces and the same thickness throughout. People choose live edge for its unique look, while milled timber works better for projects that need exact measurements and strength.
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Yes, they cost more. This happens because making live‑edge pieces needs careful cutting and picking, and you get less usable wood per board foot. Their special look and the fact that there aren't as many of them can drive up the price.
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Milled timber fits for furniture that needs exact joints, cabinets, stair parts, floors, and any job where straight edges and uniformity matter most.
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With the right finish and seal, live‑edge slabs can turn into stunning kitchen counters. Just remember to secure the slab, handle wood movement, and pick the best finish products.
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Picking the best thickness depends on what your project needs and how you want it to look. Thicker slabs, like those 50–75mm, give tables more weight and last longer. Thinner slabs work well for shelves or things meant to look pretty.
