The first method involves using a solid slab cut longitudinally from the tree, with variations in width based on the tree's shape. Unique slabs may incorporate the crotch of a tree. Natural splitting may occur during the drying process, sometimes addressed with inlaid "bow ties" for stability and aesthetic appeal.

The second method is book matching, where two adjacent slabs are reversed to create a mirrored grain match down the center of the table top, maintaining live edge characteristics on the outer edges.

The third approach is planking or gluing up, commonly used in table manufacturing. With live edge styling, the two outer planks retain their natural edges. This technique allows for a generally consistent table width within a tolerance of plus or minus two inches. For instance, a table with a desired width of 42 inches will typically range from 40 to 44 inches.