How Thick Should a Live Edge Slab Be?

When shopping for a slab, you'll see thicknesses ranging from a skinny 1 inch to a chunky 4 inches. What is the sweet spot?

The Gold Standard: 2 to 2.25 Inches

For dining tables, desks, and conference tables, the industry standard is 2 inches (approx 50mm).

• Aesthetics: It looks substantial and expensive without looking like a butcher block.
• Weight: Manageable. A 2" slab is heavy but movable. A 3" slab requires a forklift.
• Hardware: Standard legs and threaded inserts are designed for 1.5" to 2" depth.

When to Go Thicker (3"+)

• Coffee Tables: Since they are low to the ground, a chunky slab makes a bold statement.
• Mantels: A fireplace mantel often needs visual weight to balance the stone or brick.
• Commercial Bars: High-traffic areas often benefit from the "bulletproof" look of a 3-inch slab.

When to Go Thinner (1.5")

• Consoles: A hallway table doesn't need to support 200lbs of Thanksgiving dinner.
• Floating Shelves: Weight is the enemy of floating shelving hardware. Thinner is better.

[!TIP] Warning: Avoid live edge slabs thinner than 1.5" for dining tables. They are prone to warping and often feel "cheap" to the touch compared to a solid 2" heirloom piece.

Measuring Thickness vs. Flatness

Remember: You lose thickness during flattening. If you buy a raw 2" slab, by the time it is flattened on the CNC and sanded, it might be 1.75".

• Buy thicker than you need. If you want a finished 2" table, look for a 2.25" or 2.5" raw slab.