DIY Builds
Photo by Kuprit Pexels Logo Photo: Kuprit

What kind of wood is used for epoxy table?

The best material to use for an epoxy resin table is typically the flattest piece of live edge wood you can find - such as Yew, Elm, Oak or Black Walnut - that has been properly air dried so the moisture level is below 20%.

What kind of foundation do I need for a plastic shed?
What kind of foundation do I need for a plastic shed?

#1 Shed Foundation with Concrete Pavers They provide a solid flat base upon which to build or set a shed and evenly support the floor. The bigger...

Read More »
What's the best base for a metal shed?
What's the best base for a metal shed?

paving slabs We recommend using paving slabs, tarmac or concrete. A solid concrete base is more permanent and provides an excellent base for a...

Read More »

Epoxy resin river tables are much more than a here-today-gone-tomorrow DIY trend, they're beautiful works of interior furniture and striking artwork all in one. So with just a bit of careful planning and smart woodworking skill, you could create your very own high value, hybrid timber talking point from home. Defined by an eye-catching blend of natural wood textures and mesmerising swirls of epoxy resin, these wonderful projects are truly timeless... but where do you start? At Woodshop Direct we're looking at just one of the central components, giving you a few tips and tricks for making sure you choose the right timber, how to prepare it and how to avoid a few common problems that you might encounter when your wooden materials finally meet the resin.

What Timber Should I Use For A Wooden Epoxy Resin Table?

The best material to use for an epoxy resin table is typically the flattest piece of live edge wood you can find - such as Yew, Elm, Oak or Black Walnut - that has been properly air dried so the moisture level is below 20%. It can take up to a year to properly air-dry wood but when left to dry out properly and thoroughly, it reduces the risk of movement and creates a more stable and reliable material to use on your table project. You could alternatively use a piece of professionally cut timber and saw-in your own curving design but most choose to opt for the characterful live edge for a more unique and natural finish.

Preparing Your Wood

First the live wood is sawn down the middle, then flipped, so the live edges almost touch, just like this beautiful black walnut and black resin idea below. The wood surfaces should then be sanded down and inspected for any softwood or evidence of rot which should be chipped away accordingly. Following this, clamp your wood materials to a workbench and use an angle grinder on the curving live edges. By sanding these down, you're creating a perfectly smooth surface for the epoxy to adhere to with a minimal risk of bark, wood knots or other grain abnormalities splitting away and impacting the outcome of your final product. Although it can be very tempting to leave the bark on your piece of live wood for visual appeal, it needs to be removed and sanded as to not affect resin adhesion later on. Next, fill and seal the natural edges and imperfections with a fast-drying epoxy. Wood is a naturally porous surface, meaning moisture will naturally pass through over time. Applying a thin resin coat to the wood and letting it cure will be the last and also one of the most crucial wood preparation steps before you begin pouring and applying your decorative epoxy, creating a sealed and reliable material to work on.

Will My Epoxy Resin Bond To The Wood?

Epoxy resin is very effective at adhering to wood and virtually all other materials. A thinner resin will percolate the wood's natural pores and make the sticking process more effective whereas thick and syrupy resin creates a suitable surface layer.

What To Do If Your Resin Is Shrinking...

If your resin is shrinking too much while curing, it's likely that you're using a cheap or poor quality resin. Epoxy resins can react differently when applied to different woods, so when in doubt, use a scrap or sample piece of wood to test against the resin or hunt around for a high quality, well-trusted product to achieve the best results possible.

What should a shed be placed on?
What should a shed be placed on?

Sheds can be built on the following type of foundations: Concrete floor. Concrete piers. Compacted gravel. ... Concrete Shed Foundations The build...

Read More »
Why should you sleep with your feet uncovered?
Why should you sleep with your feet uncovered?

According to a spokesperson for the National Sleep Foundation, when you stick your foot out, the arteriovenous anastomoses allows more heat to...

Read More »

Do epoxy tables scratch easily?

Pro Marine Supplies Table Top Epoxy is resilient, but can still be scratched by sharp or rough edges. Because of its nature, scratches on epoxy are generally unnoticeable. It is still highly recommended to use a cutting board just as with any other countertop if you are preparing any food on the surface.

Scratches:

Promise Table Top Epoxy is resilient, but can still be scratched by sharp or rough edges. Because of its nature, scratches on epoxy are generally unnoticeable. It is still highly recommended to use a cutting board just as with any other countertop if you are preparing any food on the surface. For the longest life, this product must have coasters and placemats used at all times. Pro Tip – If you have used Promise Epoxy Resin for an item that will be used (such as a tumbler, coaster, serving tray, tabletop, etc) Please wait at least 3 days before putting that item to use, as it can scratch much easier before the full cure is completed. Your project will probably feel hard to touch after 12 hours but it is VERY important to wait for the full 72 hours to put your item into use. Epoxy will continue to harden over the next few months, so be sure to still be gentle with your countertops!

Heat Resistance:

When putting extremely hot items on it. It cannot be treated like granite or tile in regards to heat. The peak resistance after 100% curing in a couple of months is about 135°F. We highly recommend using coasters and placemats at all times or else hot plates or cups might leave a slight imprint on the surface. Never put a hot pan or skillet from the stove or oven directly onto the epoxy! Caution when using products containing a red dye or other colored dyes as they can stain the epoxy.

Can you live in a Home Depot Tuff Shed?
Can you live in a Home Depot Tuff Shed?

5 days ago The problems with living in a shed from Home Depot are numerous. To start, Tuff Shed itself advises against using its products as homes....

Read More »
Can you use PVC for underground electrical conduit?
Can you use PVC for underground electrical conduit?

PVC conduit is often used in underground and wet location applications where electrical cables need to be protected. Because it's UV tested and...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What is the most wind-resistant shape?
What is the most wind-resistant shape?

Home Shape According to research, home's with square floor plans (even better is octagonal or hexagonal plans) that have a multiple-panel roof with...

Read More »
What is barn paint?
What is barn paint?

Barn Paint is a water-based paint coating which is ideally suited to provide protection to exterior wooden, metal and plastic cladded buildings....

Read More »