Looking to create a stunning standing desk that showcases the beauty of natural wood and epoxy? This incredible project was crafted by Kelley from Waterfall Woodworking. With step-by-step guidance, even beginners can tackle this project and add a unique piece of furniture to their home or office.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Wood slab with a crack
- Tabletop epoxy
- Epoxy pigments (e.g., Violet from Eye Candy Pigments)
- Sanding tools (orbital sander, sandpaper in various grits)
- Oil Furniture Butter
- Uplift desk frame
- Drill with screws or threaded inserts
- Clamps
- Shop vac and air compressor
- Protective gear (gloves, goggles)
Step 1: Selecting the Wood
Kelley started by visiting her local lumber yard to find the perfect slab. She looked for a piece with a significant crack, as she planned to incorporate epoxy into the design. After selecting the slab, she marked the desired length, leaving extra room for cutting the ends post-epoxy pour.
Step 2: Cutting the Slab
With the help of her husband, Kelley clamped a straight edge to the wood and used a circular saw to cut the slab to size. The saw was quite old, which made her a bit nervous, so having assistance was crucial.
Step 3: Preparing the Slab
After cutting, Kelley cleaned up the bark from the live edge of the wood. She prefers to remove any dead bark to prevent it from falling off later. Using sandpaper, she cleaned out any loose pieces in the crack and vacuumed up the dust to prepare for the epoxy.
Step 4: Taping for Epoxy
To avoid making a mold, Kelley opted to tape the entire slab, covering every section of the crack multiple times. However, she later realized that this method was not ideal, as the tape did not hold perfectly.
Step 5: Mixing and Pouring the Epoxy
Next, Kelley mixed the tabletop epoxy and brushed it along the inside of the crack to seal the wood and prevent bubbles during the pour. She used a violet color to match her husband’s favorite shade. However, after pouring, she experienced some leakage.
Step 6: Managing Epoxy Overflow
After a spillage incident, Kelley waited for the epoxy to cure before removing the overflowed parts. She used a Ryobi hand planer to flatten the slab, which was a workout in itself. For a more professional finish, she took the slab to her local lumber yard for flattening.
Step 7: Sanding the Surface
Once the slab was flattened, Kelley filled small cracks with epoxy and began sanding. She started at 60 grit and worked her way up to 220 grit, ensuring a smooth finish. For colored epoxy, she found that 220 grit was sufficient.
Step 8: Applying the Finish
For finishing, Kelley used Walrus Oil Furniture Butter, which she had never tried before but had heard positive feedback about. The application of the finish was a satisfying moment for her as she admired the colors of the wood and epoxy.
Step 9: Assembling the Desk Frame
Kelley partnered with Uplift Desk (you can buy one here) for the desk frame, which was easy to install with clear instructions provided. The frame accommodates desktops ranging from 42 to 80 inches, making it a perfect fit for her nearly six-foot desk.
Step 10: Final Assembly and Reflection
With everything assembled, Kelley expressed pride in her work. This project was one of her largest and most challenging, but she learned a lot along the way. The combination of wood and epoxy turned out beautifully, and the standing desk frame was both sleek and sturdy.
