We are so fortunate to have continued to stay so busy despite the adversities we have all faced this past year. However, we have experienced some major changes that have affected our lead times and material costs. It’s no secret that the cost and demand for construction materials across the board has increased significantly in the last several months; along with material shortages & delays, we have seen Lumber increase by 23%, Glass increase by 18% and Steel increase by 15% all since January 1st, 2021. We have done our best to absorb these increases for as long as possible, but have reached a point where we can no longer continue to do this. As a result, we will be adjusting our pricing to reflect these increases.

As always, we aim to be fair & honest with our customers and we appreciate your patience with us as we navigate these challenges and do our best to keep things running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

-Stairhaus

Live edge slabs are where the carpenter incorporates the natural edge of the wood when milling the material. The use of slabs in the furniture industry has exploded in the last 10 years. A lot of the wood used for slabs is usually graded not suitable for conventional milling (D4S or nominal lumber). Table tops are probably the most common use for the slabs these days as they looking amazing and have character like no other!

Usually the slab is milled using a modified chainsaw which is mounted to a frame/track which helps you cut the slabs out evenly.

One of the most important steps when milling slabs is the drying time. The slabs we have access to have been air dried for 2 years and then finished off in a kiln. If the slabs are not properly dried, they will check (crack) and basically fall apart. Sometimes "bowtie/butterfly" keys are built into the slab where there is checking present to help stabilize the wood. I love the look of the keys and they are usually made out of a wood that contrasts the main slab so they stand out.

Here at Stairhaus, we have access to some large libraries of slabs which are air/kiln dried and ready to go. We can provide you with a finished table top or give you the slab and let you source your own legs. Epoxy finishes seem to be very poplar these days as they add a thick layer of protection while giving you the ability to see the entire slab clearly under the finish. Below are a few pictures that may get you excited about slabs as they are very beautiful.

EXPERIENCE. KNOWLEDGE. CRAFTSMANSHIP.