Live Edged Lumber

03/13/2026

If poplar were a person, it wouldn’t be the loudest or flashiest in the room — but it would be one of the most useful, adaptable, and quietly dependable people there.

It’s Friday, March 13th, which means it’s time for another edition of Wood Fact Friday — a series we’re sharing as part of our effort to post more regularly and tell a few stories about the lumber we use and love in our workshop.

Today’s feature: Poplar.

There are roughly 30 species of poplar worldwide, though here in Atlantic Canada we only encounter a small fraction of them.

In the Landscape
Poplar — especially white poplar — grows quickly and is often one of the first trees to establish itself in disturbed areas like riverbanks, old fields, and roadsides. Because of this, it plays an important role in stabilizing soil and helping reclaim landscapes.

In the Workshop
Poplar is soft, workable, and cooperative for craftspeople. It may not always be the star of the show like walnut or cherry, but it shows up everywhere — furniture frames, trim, and crates. It’s one of those woods that quietly gets the job done.

An Interesting Fact
In 2006, scientists fully sequenced the genome of black cottonwood — the first tree species ever to have its entire genetic code mapped. This breakthrough helped researchers study things like:

• tree growth
• carbon storage
• climate adaptation
• wood formation

And that’s this week’s Wood Fact Friday.
Hopefully you’re leaving a little richer in wood facts.

03/06/2026

Today we’re sharing the very first post in our new series “Wood Facts” — part of our effort to post more regularly and share a little more about the lumber we use and love in our workshop.

First up: Spalted Maple.

If you’ve ever admired wood with dramatic black lines, soft colour variation, and one-of-a-kind patterning — you were likely looking at a spalted lumber species.

What is Spalting?
Spalting is a natural process that can occur in many wood species, though some are more prone to it than others. It happens when fungi begin to colonize fallen or dying trees. As different fungal colonies compete for territory, they create striking dark boundary lines throughout the wood, forming unique patterns.

Spalted maple is typically harvested from species like sugar maple or red maple — but it’s the natural spalting process, not the species itself, that creates the magic.

Because spalting is a form of early decay, the wood must be carefully dried and stabilized to preserve its strength while keeping those signature lines intact.

Why makers love it:
• No two boards are ever alike
• Beautiful contrast of light and dark tones

Ideal uses for Spalted Maple:
• Furniture – tabletops and live-edge slabs
• Charcuterie and serving boards
• Turned wood – bowls and vases where the grain becomes even more dramatic when rounded

Because the spalting process begins to break down the wood fibres, spalted maple is often slightly softer than regular maple. For this reason, it’s sometimes stabilized with resin or used in applications where the wood isn’t under heavy structural stress.

Nature truly does the design work on this one.

If you read all the way through this post, thank you. We hope you learned something new and are feeling a little inspired!

03/05/2026

Wood Facts: A new series from Live Edge Lumber

In an effort to post more regularly (and share a little more of what we love), Live Edged Lumber is launching a new series dedicated to the unique and interesting lumber we use and sell in our workshop.

From grain patterns and durability to history and ideal uses, we'll be sharing fascinating facts about the different wood species that pass through our shop.

Maybe you'll learn something new and feel inspired for your next project.

Stay tuned - first feature is coming soon!

02/20/2026

Spring is just around the corner, and Live Edged Lumber is now booking projects for 2026.

Whether you’re considering a new deck, planning a bathroom renovation, or adding custom raised garden beds, now is the time to start the conversation. From interior updates to exterior builds, we’re currently consulting with clients and scheduling for the upcoming season.

Reach out to discuss details:
506-939-2324 or send us a direct message.

02/03/2026

We have a beautiful selection of dried, dressed, and live-edge hardwood ready for your next project.

Currently available:
• American Elm
• White Cotton Poplar
• Black Walnut
• Spalted Silver Maple

Pricing is based on species and size.
Reach out for details—send us a DM or call/text 506-939-2324

12/13/2025

Looking to gift something for the chef in your life or find a thoughtful hostess presents?

With Christmas just around the corner, our shop is still has plenty of goodies to brighten the holidays, like these unique, one of a kind spoons.

Open Saturday 10am - 4pm
19 School Lane, Sackville

12/06/2025

Set up with .nb at The Arches of St. George in Moncton today. We’ve got plenty of festive finds!

11/12/2025

Our winter wreaths are here!

Pre-order your handcrafted wreath from The Little Plant Nursery. Choose from a hand tied 12 inch or 16 inch wreath or go classic with a Victorian style vine wreath – each one designed to match your unique holiday vibe.

Pick up available in Sackville & Moncton starting November 24. Custom orders are welcome.

Place your order online: littleplantnursery.ca/shop
Or contact us directly via DM, email or phone.

10/17/2025

The holidays are kind of a big deal around here.
Check out these upcoming workshops.

10/08/2025

02/07/2025

Today, Friday, February 7th at 10AM we will be having a butcher block & charcuterie board sale on Instagram.

Items will be posted in the stories at .nb and available by DM ; and payments can be made in person or by e-transfer.

This is your chance to get the charcuterie board of your Super Bowl dreams! 🏈