Making a Live Edge River Table

Article 121: Making a Live Edge River Table

By: A Woodworker Who Believes Nature and Resin Can Coexist Beautifully

Live edge river tables combine natural wood slabs with colored resin for stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces. This guide outlines how to create a small coffee table-sized version.

Materials

• 2 bookmatched live edge slabs (walnut or maple), 1.5" thick, approx. 18" × 36"

• Epoxy resin (1–1.5 gallons)

• Pigment powder (metallic or solid)

• MDF or melamine for mold

• Clear finish (polyurethane or conversion varnish)

Tools Needed

• Router + flattening sled

• Clamps

• Table saw or track saw

• Orbital sander

• Torch or heat gun (for resin bubbles)

• Mixing containers and sticks

Steps

1. Build the Mold

   • Create a leakproof melamine mold larger than the slab footprint. Seal seams with silicone.

2. Prepare Slabs

   • Square inside edges and remove bark. Seal wood with thin epoxy coat.

3. Place and Pour

   • Secure slabs in mold with space between. Mix and pour epoxy, using pigment for color. Use torch to remove bubbles.

4. Demold and Flatten

   • After curing (~72 hours), remove and flatten both sides using router sled.

5. Sand and Finish

   • Sand from 80–400 grit. Apply a durable finish.

6. Attach Legs

   • Metal hairpin or hardwood trestle legs work well.

Sketch – River Table Top

Top View:
|~~~~~     ~~~~~| ← live edge
|               |
|    [RESIN]     | ← epoxy river
|               |
|~~~~~     ~~~~~|