A previous custom woodworking project we completed for our clients involved a decorative epoxy table with a pinecone inlay. The table features a custom wood pedestal base and hand polished finish. This project incorporates many custom woodworking methods, as well as wood stain matching and finishing. Our project creatively utilizes leftover wood and milling remnants from a craftsman style door we had previously constructed. Hickory Heart specializes in unique creations catered towards your vision and home aesthetic. We deliver the highest quality of work in a timely manner with a personalized attention to the details.
When we initially began design concepts for this furniture, we had a large amount of thin Douglas Fir remnants from our craftsman style door we had previously built. These were leftover from our stave core construction from the door and would generally not be usable in most applications. Utilizing epoxy resin and a custom clamping jig we created a decorative curved detail for the pedestal base by forming bent laminations. Bent laminations are a custom woodworking method used to create arches and curved sections of wood. The method utilizes a form, glue, clamps, and very thin strips of wood. We always put forward our best effort to reduce our impact on the environment. Our goal is to reuse materials as much as possible and try to offer creative approaches to minimize the amount of waste generated.
While the bent laminations for the pedestal were formed we began work on the tabletop. The tabletop is constructed from reclaimed Santos Mahogany, an exotic hardwood native to Brazil. Santos Mahogany features warm rich colors, beautiful grain figure with great durability and strength. With the sections of wood being limited in size we chose a round design also complementing the spiral staircase where the table would be located. For maximum stability each layer was cross laminated together to create a uniform piece. After the rough millwork was completed we prepped the table for the pinecone inlay by attaching a plywood base. A pine cone inlay was set into the cavity, on to the epoxy stage of the project!
Epoxy resin is a great accent to the natural beauty of wood with limitless design possibilities. For this project our clients chose a bright green accent color. Two similar shades of green mica pigment are mixed to create additional depth and texture to the liquid resin. With the tabletop being a robust 2.5″ thick we use a deep pour epoxy, as most epoxy resin cannot be poured more than 1/4″ at a time. Our choice of product for deep pour epoxy is Wisebond Deep Pour Epoxy. It has an easy 1:1 mixing ratio, slow cure time, and virtually no odor. Some of the previously used brands had a more noxious odor, did not hold pigment color as well, and cured too quickly. After the curing of the initial pour we mill our tabletop in our slab flattening jig to create a perfectly flat tabletop. A full 2″ bullnose cut along the edge of the tabletop to complete the round design.
After our final sanding we apply our finish coat of epoxy. Our preferred product for the final epoxy coat is TotalBoat Table Top Epoxy Resin. TotalBoat features a thicker epoxy coating, quick dry time, and industry leading UV protection. UV protection is critical with epoxy resin, as sunlight causes epoxy resin to yellow or amber. Additionally a UV resistant topcoat finish adds additional protection, but as indoor furniture it was not necessary in this project. It is best to use environmentally friendly finishes whenever possible, or the lowest VOC options. Epoxy is DIY friendly, however the manufacturers instructions must be followed exactly to achieve the proper results!
Due to multiple species of wood used, custom wood finish techniques were needed to create a uniform appearance and color. We specialize in almost all aspects of custom Carpentry and Woodworking. Whether it is framing, flooring, general or custom finish work, or millwork. We have extensive experience in all phases of residential carpentry. Additional services include replicate existing features, create a custom new build, and offer design solutions to help your vision become a reality. With experience working with most readily available wood species we create a unique finish for your work, or duplicate an existing finish for repairs.
