How to Make a Resin Table (River Table Style)

Create a stunning resin river table combining natural wood and crystal-clear (or colored) epoxy resin. This project is perfect for intermediate woodworkers and DIYers who want to try resin for the first time.

Materials:

1. Two live edge wood slabs (e.g., walnut, oak)
2. Epoxy resin (deep pour type)
3. Resin pigment (optional: mica powder, alcohol ink, etc.)
4. Mold release tape or HDPE sheet
5. Screws or clamps
6. Sandpaper (various grits: 80 to 400+)
7. Wood finish (oil, polyurethane, etc.)

Tools:

1. Table saw or circular saw
2. Orbital sander or belt sander
3. Mixing buckets and stir sticks
4. Leveling table or workbench
5. Clamps
6. Heat gun or torch (for bubble removal)

Before starting your projects, you should always create an engineering drawing with the desired look, shape, and measurements. Once that is done, create either a prototype or a CAD model to see the parts assigned and what the end product will look like. i made my cad through Fusion 360, which my cad and website will be linked below.

1. Choose two slabs with live edges facing inward to form the "river."
2. Cut the wood to the desired table size.
3. Router the edges for a clean 90 degree cut.
4. Remove any bark and sand the edges.
5. Dry the wood completely (use a kiln or air dry for weeks if needed).

1. Create a box slightly larger than your final table size using melamine, HDPE, or plywood lined with Tyvek or tuck tape.
2. Seal all corners with silicone to prevent leaks.
3. Place the wood slabs inside, live edges facing inward, with the desired gap between them.
4. Clamp or screw the wood in place to prevent floating.

1. Mix epoxy according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Add pigment or colorant, if desired.
3. Slowly pour resin into the river section in layers if it’s too deep.
4. Use a heat gun or torch to remove bubbles after each pour.

For my project, i used food safe resin from amazon. the link is listed here

https://www.amazon.com/Epoxy-Resin-Kit-Table-Top-Countertop-Gloss/dp/B01LYK2NAG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2M1319TGI0GMJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cf7OYvt69hOfAKp929BI-15I20BLyIyLymiRQlxhTKtEsy2ftz1ckSJpFvTh6xUeAdFMtMSlfp6rqAu3Ge1sWnTYvHTcwnD2vyQ2hqoqKb1j-8lkdi7SLed0SS_thnfZh2uMVH6SahMvCNjuypBKGMGBDwX_jJM85oudRpwk_3rxsi103rJxUpdOYHuwxF2dPA7DP3nyPQL2X0b7vbjSxaieWqYn869YwyQ3AhKyinelFKK-inVpARdR-k_6jreCLRWQ3BVbUHnx2V7neU8Nm0bmzT6jaaZ7vXRzeoz9W9Q.BdXklmRWl0vgmnCSa8YwAKHlou1RJeXQwOcCkbrC0Rw&dib_tag=se&keywords=resin%2Bepoxy&qid=1747424508&sprefix=resin%2Bep%2Caps%2C294&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&smid=A16YQ38990R0LH&th=1

1. Allow the resin to cure for at least 24–72 hours, depending on depth and resin type.
2. Avoid moving the mold or disturbing it during this period.
3. Cover with plastic to prevent dust from settling on the resin.

1. Remove screws or clamps and carefully take the table out of the mold.
2. Use a router sled or a planer to flatten the top and bottom.
3. Fill any small holes or gaps with resin or wood filler.

1. Sand the table with increasing grits, starting from 80 up to 400 or more for a glassy finish.
2. Optionally polish with a buffing compound.
3. Apply a wood finish to protect and enhance the wood grain.
4. Let it dry and cure per product instructions.

Here is a video on the steps of sanding and polishing your table top.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=9-WYOK90KNo&si=-uOvlnG0Ov_3z-Vk

1. Attach metal or wooden legs with screws or bolts.
2. Ensure the base is level and stable.

1. You’ve made a one-of-a-kind resin river table! Great as a centerpiece for a living room or office. customize and paint the legs however you please, and enjoy your brand new table