Epoxy Resin Design Project: I Couldn’t Find a Table, So I Built One

Project Goals:
A very specific table was needed for a kitchen renovation project with the following requirements:

  • Flexibility: With little counter space, a counter-height table was needed so that the table could double as counter space and dining.

  • Limited Space: With no dining room and limited kitchen space, measurements had to be concise and fit as many seats as a typical kitchen table.

  • Budget: To keep costs low during a budget remodel, this piece would need to be DIY-friendly. A custom wooden table was out of range.

  • Unique: As the centerpiece of the kitchen, it was essential to create a unique piece of furniture that tied together the rest of the elements of the room.

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Process

After some research extensive research of wood and countertop slab costs, DIY table examples, custom leg options and costs; a search of reclaimed wood options led me to the discover of epoxy resin. A newer trend of woodworkers is to fill the crevices on coffee tables with blue tinted epoxy, creating a beautiful, unique design invoking water flowing through the wood. Follow-up research confirmed this solution was within budget scope and that painting countertops is also a common use; supporting the product’s quality and food-safe applications.

Based on reviews and product research, I narrowed my final epoxy resin down to two similar products: both FDA-approved, 100% transparent, and budget-friendly. I tested mixing the epoxy resin with different types of paint (a mix of oil and acrylic) on a test surface first. The test failed to dry and measurements had to be modified. Once the table was constructed to the very specific measurement needed for this kitchen, the final epoxy was poured.

Budget Breakdown: Table

Epoxy, Custom Steel Table Legs, MDF: Approximately $300
(For comparison: a 72” custom reclaimed wood table with similar legs on Etsy for $1000)
Savings: $700

Budget Breakdown: Stools

Budget-friendly stools were also purchased: 3 with backs and 3 without that could tuck underneath easily on the food prep side of the table. These were spray painted midnight blue to match the color scheme.
Set of 6 + Spray Paint: $210
(For comparison: colorful counter-height stools with backs from Industry West: $235, total $1,410)
Savings: $1200

Final Image: Resin design was requested in triptych canvas format for a large-scale art piece.