How to make a wooden side table with a resin river design

Creating a wooden side table with a resin river design is a fantastic project that combines the warmth and natural beauty of wood with the sleek, vibrant look of resin. This guide will walk you through the steps to make your own unique side table, complete with a river of resin that will make a stunning focal point in any room. You don’t need to be an expert woodworker to accomplish this project, but patience and attention to detail will be key to achieving a polished final result.

Materials and Tools You Will Need:

• Wood Slabs: Choose hardwood slabs like walnut, oak, or maple. You’ll need two slabs that will be joined with resin in the middle.
• Epoxy Resin: You’ll need a high-quality, clear epoxy resin for creating the river. Look for resin that’s specifically designed for woodworking projects.
• Woodworking Tools:
  • Circular saw (if needed to cut slabs to size)
  • Jigsaw (for cutting the resin river shape)
  • Belt sander or orbital sander (for smoothing the wood)
  • Wood clamps (to hold the slabs together while the resin sets)
• Resin Pigments: These are optional if you want to add color to your river. You can go for transparent, blue tones or go bold with something like green or red.
• Wood Finish: A polyurethane or oil-based finish will seal the wood and protect it.
• Silicone Mold (optional): If you want to create a perfect river shape, you can use a mold to contain the resin.
• Measuring Tape, Masking Tape, and Brushes: For prepping the surface and applying resin.
• Protective Gear: Gloves, respirator, and eye protection (resin can be toxic and has strong fumes).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Select and Prepare the Wood Slabs

Start by choosing two matching wood slabs that are flat and have interesting grain patterns. The two slabs will form the base of your table, and the resin will fill the gap between them to create the river effect.

1. Flatten the Slabs: If the wood isn’t perfectly flat, use a planer or sander to smooth it out. It’s essential that both slabs are as even as possible to avoid resin leaks.
2. Cut to Size: Use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut the slabs to your desired dimensions. For a side table, a typical size would be around 24” x 18” for the top.
3. Shape the River: Once the slabs are cut, decide where the resin river will go. Use a pencil or chalk to draw the shape of the river on one of the slabs. You can go for a straight line, a winding shape, or something more abstract.

Step 2: Prepare for Resin Pouring

To make sure the resin doesn’t spill out of the sides of the table, you’ll need to create a barrier.

1. Seal the Edges: Tape around the perimeter of the slab with painter’s tape. This will create a seal that keeps the resin contained.
2. Apply a Sealant to the Wood: Before pouring the resin, you should seal the edges of the wood slabs with a thin layer of resin or a wood sealant. This will prevent the wood from absorbing too much resin and ensure a clean finish.
3. Create the Mold: If you’re using a silicone mold, lay it around the area where the river will be, ensuring the sides are tall enough to contain the resin.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Resin

Epoxy resin comes in two parts: resin and hardener. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact mixing ratio, usually 1:1.

1. Mix the Resin: Pour the resin and hardener into a clean mixing container. Stir slowly for about 3-5 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly mixed. Avoid creating bubbles during mixing.
2. Add Color: If you’re using resin pigments or dyes, add them to the mixture. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired color. You can use different colors to create a gradient effect or a two-tone look.
3. Pour the Resin: Slowly pour the resin mixture into the river-shaped area between the two slabs. Be sure to pour in layers, starting with a thin layer and allowing each layer to partially cure before adding the next. This helps to avoid excessive bubbles and ensures a smooth pour.
4. Let It Set: Allow the resin to cure as per the instructions on the packaging (typically 24-48 hours). Make sure the area is dust-free to avoid debris getting into the resin.

Step 4: Sand and Finish the Tabletop

Once the resin has fully cured and hardened, it’s time to refine the table surface.

1. Remove the Tape: Carefully peel off the painter’s tape from around the edges of the slab. You should have a nice, clean boundary around the resin.
2. Sand the Edges: Use a belt sander or orbital sander to smooth out the edges and ensure a seamless transition between the wood and the resin. Start with a coarser grit and work your way up to a finer grit (around 220 grit).
3. Polish the Resin: Use a polishing compound or a fine-grit sanding block to buff the resin surface. This will give it a glossy, glass-like finish.
4. Final Sanding and Cleaning: After polishing, lightly sand the entire surface with a fine grit sandpaper to remove any residual imperfections. Clean the surface with a microfiber cloth to remove dust.

Step 5: Apply the Finish

The last step is to protect the wood and resin with a finish.

1. Apply a Wood Finish: Use a polyurethane, tung oil, or Danish oil to finish the wood. This will give the wood a rich, protective coating. Apply multiple coats if necessary, sanding lightly between each coat for a smooth finish.
2. Seal the Resin: If you want to enhance the shine of the resin, you can apply a final coat of resin over the whole surface for extra durability and luster.

Step 6: Attach the Legs

Now that the tabletop is complete, it’s time to attach the legs.

1. Choose the Right Legs: You can use metal, wooden, or hairpin legs depending on the style you’re going for. If you’re building your own, make sure they are sturdy and the right height for a side table.
2. Attach the Legs: Drill pilot holes into the underside of the table and screw in the legs securely. If you’re using metal legs with a mounting plate, use screws to attach the plate to the bottom of the table.

Final Thoughts:

Making a wooden side table with a resin river design is an enjoyable and rewarding project that will add a stunning, unique piece of furniture to your home. The combination of the natural beauty of the wood and the sleek, glossy look of resin will create a conversation piece that is both functional and artistic.

This is a project that requires some patience, especially when working with resin, but with careful planning and execution, you’ll end up with a gorgeous side table that you can be proud of. Whether you keep it for yourself or gift it to someone, it will surely be a standout feature in any room.

For those looking to expand their woodworking skills and create even more stunning projects, Teds Woodworking Course is an excellent resource with detailed plans and instructions to help you bring your ideas to life. Explore the course here: Teds Woodworking Course.