Waney Edge (Live Edge)

A waney edge (the traditional British term; "live edge" is the more common American phrasing for the same thing) is a board's original, uncut outer edge, left following the tree's own natural contour rather than sawn straight. Left with or without the bark still attached, a waney/live edge has become a deliberately sought-after design feature in slab tables and similar furniture specifically for the organic, uncut silhouette it preserves -- the opposite instinct from standard milling, which straightens and squares every edge away.