In modern interior design, extraordinary and exclusive interior items are increasingly being used, capable of attracting all the attention of the people present in the room. Such an original interior solution includes tables decorated with epoxy resin.
You can do this interesting thing with your own hands, turning an ordinary piece of furniture into a true work of art.
Epoxy resins are not used in furniture production pure form, since the magical qualities of epoxy appear as a result of its contact with a special hardener. By changing the ratio of these two connected parts, you can obtain a composition of different consistency. Depending on the specific purposes for which it will be used, these may be:
- liquid essence,
- viscous or rubbery substance;
- solid;
- high strength base.
The process of manufacturing any furniture with decor using epoxy resin involves coating a wooden base with this polymer and thoroughly polishing the product after the resin has hardened, resulting in a product with high wear resistance. The correct ratio of ingredients will depend on general properties the entire composition. Using the wrong amount of hardener can significantly reduce the strength of the finished product, as well as its resistance to impact. environment And household products. Therefore, when preparing the mixture for work, it is so important to follow the ratios recommended by the polymer manufacturer, Most often these indicators are 1:1.
According to the method of use, epoxy resin can be hot-cured or cold-cured. When creating pieces of furniture at home, the second type is most often used.
Compared to conventional tables made of natural wood, tables with epoxy resin treatment have whole line advantages:
- When dried, the resin composition has practically no shrinkage, holds its shape well, retains its original color, does not deform and is not subject to mechanical damage;
- exclusivity of each product and limitless design options;
- the ability to use various additional materials for decoration (coins, tree cuts, shells, stones, starfish, etc.);
- the ability to add multi-colored dyes to the mixture, including phosphorescent paints;
- impermeability to moisture and dampness;
- excellent tolerability chemicals cleaning.
The main disadvantage of these tables is that they are very high price products. To cover one copy, depending on the size and shape of the product, it can take up to several tens of liters of polymer substance. Another possible unpleasant drawback is the presence of air bubbles that form in the epoxy mixture as a result of non-compliance with instructions and technologies during production.
The very first and one of the most important stages in preparation wooden structure before pouring with epoxy resin - thoroughly remove dust and all other contaminants from the surface of the wood. After which the surface of the table that will be poured must be primed. If this is not done, then the resin, absorbed into the porous wood, will form air bubbles that will spoil appearance products.
Only after the preparation stage is completed is it prepared required amount mixtures of epoxy resin and hardener. At this stage, the most important thing is strict adherence to the proportions specified in the instructions for use. IN ready mixture depending on the chosen design, dyes or additives can be added decorative materials. Next, the resulting mixture is applied to the prepared wooden surface.
If the countertop has a specific design made of additional materials, then they need to be placed on the table surface before pouring. Moreover, lightweight materials such as wine corks or shells, must first be glued to the surface in accordance with the intended pattern. It is necessary, so that when pouring the mixture they do not float, thereby turning a thoughtful composition into a disorderly and uninteresting structure. If unwanted air bubbles appear during the pouring process, they can be removed using a hair dryer by directing a stream of hot air to the problem area.
The mixture will begin to set within fifteen minutes, but the final stage, namely grinding the product, can only begin after the resin has completely hardened. It is advisable to keep the product for a week, since after this period it will be fully established and ready for use.
After sanding, it is advisable to coat the product in several layers. protective varnish. This will prevent the release of toxic substances into the atmosphere, which may be contained in small quantities in resin compositions.
To create a table with original table top decorated with epoxy resin, you can take absolutely any type of tree, including various fragments, sawdust, splinters and even sawdust, the main thing is that everything, even the tiniest particles of the future tabletop, are thoroughly dried. Antique and rough wood looks amazing in epoxy resin. For decoration, you can also successfully use sea and river shells, pebbles, dried herbs and flowers, coins, and other inclusions that can give the product special originality or a specific theme. And by mixing luminescent dyes with epoxy resin, you will create a magical glow effect.
Slab - a cut from a tree trunk, the edges of which remain untouched finished product. The term was borrowed by the carpentry industry from the stone industry. Initially they were called slabs monolithic slabs, which were obtained by cutting stone blocks. In the woodworking industry, slabs are called a solid longitudinal cut of wood - an array that excludes gluing and other types of joints.
The exposed section demonstrates the unique natural structure of the material - color transitions, small knots, natural growths - suveli and burls. When processing the slab, the natural cut lines are preserved - the free geometry of the slab follows the natural curves of the tree trunk. The edge is not only not leveled, but its natural original relief is also emphasized.
More often, slabs are made from the lower part of the tree - it is distinguished by its large width and increased strength. Cuttings in places of bends and branches of the trunk are especially valued. The thickness of a wooden slab is usually 5-15 cm. The most impressive are slabs made from solid wood species - elm, oak, larch, walnut, poplar, acacia, mahogany, ebony, rosewood, teak, wenge, merbau and others.
The material is used for the manufacture of unique designer furniture and interior items: massive tables, kitchen countertops, chairs, benches, bedside tables, bar counters, shelves, headboards, shelving, window sills, lamp bases. The production of products from slabs is separated into a separate design direction Live edge - “living edge”, “natural edge”. It implies an emphasized miraculousness and an emphasis on the uniqueness of wood.
Today on furniture market“slackomania” is observed. Interior items made from slab create an atmosphere of native closeness with nature, which is why they are extremely popular among residents of megacities. Live edge elements look organically in loft and eco interior styles. They are also used as accents in minimalist, eclectic, rustic and ethnic interiors.
Particularly popular are the combined tables made in the Live edge style, made of slab and figuratively cut glass or a layer of epoxy resin, called “flowing river”. Slab tables look extremely impressive in the interiors of offices and meeting rooms, as dining, coffee and magazine models.
The author of the idea is furniture designer from the USA Greg Klassen. When creating the tables, he used waste from sawmills and construction sites - wood with defects that did not meet standards furniture production. He turned the apparent disadvantages of the material into advantages. Complex glass patterns imitated river beds with ornate banks and crystal clear water.
Each river table is unique. It is logical that the price tag in this case is also exclusively “cosmic”. However, the master never hid the technology for making his masterpieces, so the table-river became public property. Almost anyone can do it if desired.
Stages of making a table from a slab of wood with filling
Tool preparation
To make a river table from solid wood with your own hands, you don’t need professional equipment and skills. You will need:
- manual frezer;
- tabletop a circular saw;
- eccentric sander;
- electric drill.
Material selection
A slab of elm or elm is especially popular as a base - it is durable, does not rot, can be processed well, has a dark brown core, light bark and a moiré wood texture. The residual moisture content of the massif should not exceed 10%. Pre-heat-treated wood acquires an even richer and brighter shade.
The cheapest resins - such as ED-20 - are difficult to work with, viscous, and have a yellowish tint. A good value for money epoxy - Cristal two-component cold-curing compound: colorless and optically transparent. Due to the low viscosity of the composition, bubbles come out of its volume on their own.
The resin can be given any color using special tinting pastes. However, it is not recommended to choose compositions based on water based, as they promote the formation of bubbles.
Wood preparation and processing
Depending on the functions of the table, determine the size and make a sketch. The slab is milled, after which the tape grinder carefully sand the marks from the cutter and polish. The natural curvature of the edges is preserved as much as possible.
After that manual router with a special carriage, the slab planes are aligned, which will be installed parallel to each other. At this stage, the largest irregularities are removed and boards of the same thickness are obtained.
Afterwards, formwork is made from a sheet of chipboard. The joints of materials are coated with transparent silicone sealant so that epoxy does not flow between them. To prevent the resin from getting onto the outer surface of the tabletop, the edges of the slabs are glued with masking tape.
After this, the river “bed” is primed with a thin layer of epoxy. Thus, they close the pores and stabilize the wood. The resin is prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
To prevent air bubbles from forming in the voids, epoxy is poured in small doses - layers ~1 cm thick every 24 hours. If air bubbles form on the surface, they are heated construction hairdryer and they burst. The gelation time of Cristal epoxy is 60 minutes, complete polymerization is 1 day, complete curing is 5 days. After this, the formwork is dismantled.
At the final stage, the tabletop is sanded with a step-by-step reduction in grain size - from P40 to P320. Before final grinding and polishing, the legs are screwed to the product. Finishing sanding of wood - P600 grain, resin - P1500. After this, the wood is coated with protective oil, usually in 2 layers. Its shade is selected taking into account the type of wood and the color of the “river”. After drying, the tabletop is rubbed with lint-free textiles.
Loft style table made of slab oak and epoxy
The cost of the finished table will depend on the chosen material (beech, oak, elm) and will average 50-70 thousand rubles. Budget ones can be viewed in our catalogue.
It is difficult to imagine an interior without the usual table. This is an integral part of any environment and an important functional element. Currently, river tables with an extraordinary design have become widespread.
Materials
There are a lot of materials that can be used to create such an interior item. The main component is wood. Glass and painted epoxy are used to simulate water in production. Designs with a glass top and epoxy are spectacular, creating a feeling of ephemerality and purity, thanks to the alliance of a thick, rough cut of wood and a transparent glass cutout.
The most durable and effective method of making a river table is to pour tinted epoxy resin into the cracks of the wood.
Application of the slab
To create unique designer furniture, chips, planks, and scraps of wood are used. Ideal option are longitudinal cuts of untreated wood, called slabs. In its production, exclusively valuable wood species are used. Often such countertops are made from Caucasian oak, elm, and ash.
These saw cuts attract attention due to their uniqueness and natural beauty.
To make a river table, a natural edge is left, preserving the bark and natural irregularities. The more unusual and intricate the natural defects and lines are, the more interesting the result. All natural curves and imperfections imitate the peculiar flow of the river; all that remains is to insert glass, cut along the contour, following the curves of the wood in a bizarre and intricate way.
The perfect combination natural and industrial design gives birth to a river table, the dominant feature of any interior and a practical piece of furniture.
In the interior
This design will become bright accent interior in loft style. Its industrial spirit is emphasized by a tabletop with luminous “water” cavities. To make such a table, glued wood assembled from strips is used. The more different the chips and pieces of wood are, the better.
It is important that there are more gaps, cracks and holes between them. This will make it possible to fill them with tinted blue epoxy with the addition of luminescent powder.
The tabletop looks most impressive in the twilight (the powder added to the resin glows in the dark). Doors can also be decorated in this style. They will make a stylish duet with the table.
White oak tables with glass can be used as dining tables. They will fit harmoniously into the rustic and modern design. The loft style model is appropriate in ethnic and colonial interiors. Its closeness to nature is emphasized by details made of stone and wood.
She started with furniture restoration work, then switched to interior items from wooden pallets, and now I’m interested in making furnishing elements in the loft and live-edge style - the team has assembled all designer fashion, including hit wood and glass countertops. We tell you how they are produced and how to catch the current trend.
From restoration to production
The emergence of a full-fledged carpentry shop in the restoration workshop became a natural stage in the development of Lemon Oak. For renovation, it was often necessary to produce parts of furniture dear to the customer’s heart that had been lost over time. Then the team caught the trend for interior items made from pallets, or pallets. The mini-factory is still engaged in it today and still approaches the choice of material with pedantry that is not typical for this direction. For example, they do not use raw materials that served as containers for transporting petroleum products or household chemicals. “Wood absorbs odors. I think it’s not very pleasant to sit on a sofa that exudes the spirit of powder,” explains the head of the company, Alexey Nikolaev.
Craftsmen not only use ready-made pallets, but also assemble them themselves, after which they are sure to be sanded and coated with Italian paints - durable and without the characteristic amber. Alexey admits that the price of one item in his company is higher than the market price. You can buy a sofa made from pallets from handicraft workshops for 5,000 rubles. At Lemon Oak, this will cost 11,000 rubles, excluding upholstery - it is ordered separately, and the price ceiling in this case is 15,000 rubles. Such objects are still popular among commercial spaces - cafes, hookah bars, and less often - among private customers who understand how such furniture can be integrated into home space. One of these clients was a famous Samara architect, for whom they put together a large corner sofa.
Lemon Oak constantly studies the market, and the result of one of these studies was the launch of a line of loft-style furniture - today only the lazy do not engage in it. True, the start came at a time when the Internet had not yet been flooded with such offers. However, Alexey still insists on exclusivity. “I come up with the design together with the designer and the client - it’s a team effort. If the customer comes with a photo of the finished product, we still redo everything - no copies,” the general director voices his position. The situation in the competitive market is difficult. Alexey complains that many people trust students or non-professionals who do it cheaper, but the quality of their products leaves much to be desired. Loft is loft, but a “raw”, uncouth look and “raw” work are two different things. At Lemon Oak, according to the manager, they don’t allow themselves to do the latter.
How to make a table with a river
You can make a table with a glass river in the middle from any wood, the craftsmen are sure. Most a budget option- pine. However, there is one disadvantage to which many turn a blind eye, and some do not believe in it until the very end.
The point is that pine secretes resin, and at one point your table may become “myrrh-streaming.” The plus for which the customer is willing to endure this amber madness is the price: an average-sized table will cost about 30,000 rubles.
Glass, too, at the request of the client, can be anything, but by default its thickness is 4-5 millimeters. "Lemon Oak" uses tempered glass. Firstly, at such a thickness it is super durable. Secondly, even if the unexpected suddenly happened, it would not break into large pieces, but into small ones - like a car. The palette is wide. One of the last orders - Coffee table with blue glass.
In general, the process of making such an item differs little from the production of an ordinary table. At the final stage, when everything is assembled, a stencil is made along the contours of the array, then a template is made, according to which a panel of the necessary parameters is made in a glass workshop. This is where the fun begins. Alexey says that in his lifetime the glass has never stood up as it should - the craftsmen always have to adjust the inner edges of the array to the manufactured surface. No glue is used - everything is held together due to a precise fit. They even transport the item assembled.
Favorite instrument
Alexey knows by heart all the processes that take place in the workshop, but admits that he is first and foremost the manager and ideological center of Lemon Oak. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t make anything worthwhile out of the boards. At the stage of forming the equipment fleet, he, as an experienced manager, trusted the professionals - his craftsmen.
Tables have always been considered an integral part of the interior and occupied almost a dominant role, since we need them not only as an interior item, but also as a very convenient surface that serves as our workplace.
An object: Glass Rivers And Lakes Flow Across Beautiful Tables
Country: United States of America (Washington)
Design: Greg Klassen(Greg Klassen)
Size: 52x19x33
Glass rivers on your table
They are different forms and sizes, in our time there is an immense amount of materials from which they are made, but wood plays the dominant role. Glass Rivers And Lakes Flow Across Beautiful Tables Beautiful Tables. A very intriguing name that gives free rein to our imagination. This is the table of Washington artist and furniture designer Greg Klassen, who created this stylish table, through which the river flows. A perfect combination of natural and industrial forms. Most tables are made of maple, sometimes with the addition of walnut or birch bark. The river flowing along the table is made of glass, and the legs are made of steel. 
Truly unique furniture is hard to find, Greg Klassen is a man who designs and creates all of his pieces from start to finish. For the convenience of your home, tables with glass rivers are designed different sizes; in proportion to the size of the tabletop, rivers flowing through the table change shape and size. A perfectly cut layer of glass covering the river allows it to remain 100% functional, although at first glance it looks too pretty to be useful. Desk surfaces with imitation water and amazing texture will bring you pleasure from work; water you can confidently rely on). 
