Live Edge Butterfly Joinery Options

Common in the work of influential woodworker, George Nakashima, butterfly joinery is used for both structural and decorative purposes.

Structurally, the butterfly joints can be used to hold two or more wood boards together or to stabilize a knot hole. Most commonly, they are used as a decorative element; you can choose a contrasting wood butterflies, or use zinc or copper butterflies for a more dramatic design.

Butterfly Joints

This photo shows how we place the butterfly joints on the top before inserting them into the wood. We take great care to ensure proper placement of the inlays before making any cuts to the wood.

The light wood butterfly inlays provide a nice contrast to the black walnut live edge top and draw attention to the grain pattern in the top.

The light wood butterfly joints are inserted along the clear resin filler and add a decorative element and structural support to this white oak table top.

The small end checks are held using contrasting dark butterfly joints in this butternut live edge wood top.

An English Elm live edge wood top that has some dark figuring and wenge wood butterfly joinery along the cracks.

Getting a Quote

For more information or inspiration for designing live edge wood tops, view our table top gallery. If you would like pricing on any options you see here, send your photos or project drawings to quotes@brookscustom.com. Our design team will review your information and return a proposal: 1-2 days for standard items; 2-5 days for custom work; a week plus for architectural custom projects.