This project was built and designed by Chris from A Glimpse Inside. It features a creative take on epoxy work using a mosaic of hardwood pieces to create a one-of-a-kind coffee table.
Chris’s approach moves away from the typical river table design. Instead, he uses mixed hardwoods and epoxy resin to form an abstract, colorful centerpiece for any living space.
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Why Choose a Mosaic Design?
The mosaic layout adds visual interest by combining multiple hardwoods in an organized chaos pattern. Each piece contributes its own tone and texture, creating a table that’s both functional and artistic.
This style offers flexibility and encourages experimentation with shape, species, and layout. It’s a rewarding challenge for woodworkers looking to try something different from traditional builds.
Selecting Materials
Chris begins by choosing a variety of hardwoods, including cherry, walnut, and Purple Heart. These woods offer contrasting tones that help define the mosaic effect.
The base is made from a sturdy sheet of Baltic birch plywood, stained in a rich mahogany color. This dark background allows the lighter mosaic pieces to stand out.
Shaping and Sanding the Pieces
Each hardwood offcut is cut into irregular shapes and lengths. This randomness is intentional and gives the table its distinctive look.
All the edges are sanded smooth before assembly. This helps prevent any sharp edges from showing through the epoxy later on.
Arranging and Gluing the Mosaic
Before gluing, Chris arranges the pieces on the stained base to get a sense of the layout. This step ensures balance in both shape and color distribution.
He uses quick-drying PVA glue to attach each piece to the base. A T-track system is used as a spacer to create consistent gaps between the hardwoods.
Building the Epoxy Mold
To contain the epoxy, Chris builds a mold around the base using more Baltic birch. The edges of the mold are sealed with house wrap tape to prevent leaks during the pour.
This mold provides a controlled environment for the resin. It ensures a clean edge and makes removing the cured piece much easier later on.
Pouring the Epoxy Resin
Chris uses high-performance resin from TotalBoat for this project. It flows smoothly and fills the small gaps between the hardwood pieces with a glossy, level finish.
The resin is carefully mixed and poured over the mosaic until it fills all voids. The clear coat enhances the contrast between each wood species, giving the table a glass-like appearance.
Sanding and Refining the Surface
Once the epoxy is cured, Chris removes the mold and begins sanding the surface. Multiple grits are used to achieve a smooth finish before applying a final coat of epoxy for added shine.
This careful sanding ensures the surface is perfectly flat and free of imperfections. It also prepares the surface for a protective topcoat.
Adding the Table Legs
Chris sources a set of unique legs from a local salvage yard. These add character to the piece while supporting the artistic look of the tabletop.
The legs are attached using dowel joinery for strength. Once glued and clamped, they form a stable foundation that complements the table’s visual style.
Final Touches and Finish
With the legs attached, Chris does a final sanding to clean up any rough spots. He then applies a protective polyurethane coat to seal the wood and epoxy.
This final finish adds durability while highlighting the colors and grain patterns. The result is a furniture piece that’s both functional and striking.
A Beautiful and Functional Result
Although it started as a coffee table, Chris found the piece worked just as well as a bench for his dining area. The build serves as a conversation starter and showcases a blend of woodworking and artistic vision.
The combination of reclaimed materials, precision joinery, and epoxy detailing results in a project that stands out. It’s a unique build that highlights Chris’s creativity and attention to detail.
Want to Watch the Full Build?
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