This live-edge coffee table has a large wood oval marking that gives it a distinctive appearance. Using turquoise colored epoxy, the cracks and open voids were filled and sanded to create a smooth surface. The table was finished with tung oil and then with a satin polyurethane coat to provide a protective layer.
The Story of this project
On a trip south of Austin and north of San Antonio, I came across the Swift Pecan sawmill. I picked out this slab of wood because the internal wood markings were so unique. I had never worked with pecan wood before, and just had a feeling this piece would be a perfect choice for my first project with this wood. .
Where to Use
This table makes a statement of both beauty and utility. Whether used as an accent table in an office or a coffee table in a salon or living room, it will quickly become a focal point of a room. At 4 feet in length and 21 inch deep the table provides ample surface area. The turquoise color of the epoxy works well with almost any color of walls, chairs, sofas, rugs and wall decor.
A room with lots of natural light will make the piece stand out even more.
The Process
The project started by removing all loose bark from the outer edge of the wood. I then carefully gouged out the loose wood from the surface of the wood. This was followed by smoothing both live edges and sanding both the top and bottom of the wood to reveal the grain of the wood.. At this point I choose which side would be the primary/top side.
I sealed the bottom and sides of the wood with sealing tape in preparation for pouring the epoxy. I choose to tint the epoxy turqouise as I felt it would bring out the color of the wood and highlight the natural wood colors and grain.
Once the epoxy was poured and cured, I resanded both the top and bottom surfaces and prepared them for finishing.
I choose to use two protective coats of satin polyurethane. Finally, I applied a coat of wax and buffed it to a nice sheen.
