Resin tabletops and river tables are among the most premium and high-value resin furniture pieces in India today. From luxury homes and cafés to offices and hotels, resin river tables offer a unique blend of natural wood and modern resin design. While they look complex, resin tables can be made successfully with the right resin, preparation, and patience.
This guide walks you through how to make resin tabletops and river tables step by step, even if you’re transitioning from small resin projects to furniture-scale work.
What Is a Resin River Table?
A resin river table is made by placing two slabs of wood side by side with a “river” of resin flowing between them. The resin can be
- Clear
- Tinted
- Metallic
- Deep blue / green
- Marble or smoky
The result is a one-of-a-kind tabletop where no two pieces are ever the same.
Materials & Tools Required
Materials Checklist
- Deep Pour / Casting Resin (for thick river sections)
- One Resin (for topcoat and shallow pours)
- Live-edge wood slabs (teak, mango, acacia, walnut)
- Silicone sealant
- MDF or HDPE board (for mould)
- Release tape or mould release
- Pigments / metallic powders (optional)
Tools Checklist
- Measuring buckets
- Mixing paddles
- Heat gun
- Level
- Orbital sander
- Sandpaper (80 to 2000 grit)
- Polishing compound
- PPE: gloves, mask, goggles
Which Resin Is Best for Tabletops & River Tables?
Deep Pour / Casting Resin — For River Sections
- Designed for thick pours (20–100 mm)
- Slow curing prevents overheating
- Excellent clarity for rivers
- Reduces cracks and bubbles
One Resin — For Topcoat & Finishing
- Strong surface finish
- Smooth glossy coat
- Ideal for sealing wood & final layer
Never use fast-curing art resin for thick river pours — it will overheat and crack
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Resin River Table
Step 1: Prepare the Wood
- Dry wood completely (moisture <10%)
- Remove bark and loose fibres
- Sand edges and surface
- Seal cracks and knots
Sealing wood prevents air bubbles during pouring.
Step 2: Build the Mould
- Create mould using MDF or HDPE
- Seal all joints with silicone
- Apply release tape or mould release
- Level the mould perfectly
A leak-proof mould is critical.
Step 3: Seal the Wood (Seal Coat)
- Apply a thin coat of resin on wood edges
- Let it cure
- This prevents bubbles in the final pour
Step 4: Mix the Resin
- Measure resin accurately
- Mix slowly for 5–7 minutes
- Avoid whipping air into resin
For coloured rivers, add pigments after proper mixing
Step 5: Pour the Resin
- Pour resin slowly into the river channel
- Pour in layers if thickness exceeds resin limits
- Use heat gun lightly to remove surface bubbles
- Do not rush this step
Step 6: Curing
- Allow resin to cure fully (24–72 hours per layer)
- Maintain room temperature at 24–28°C
- Protect from dust
Large tables may take several days to a week to fully cure
Step 7: Demoulding
- Remove mould carefully
- Trim excess resin
- Inspect for defects
Step 8: Sanding & Finishing
- Start sanding with 80–120 grit
- Gradually move up to 2000 grit
- Apply final resin topcoat or polish
This step gives the table its mirror-like finish
Popular River Table Design Ideas
- Clear resin river
- Ocean blue river
- Smoky black resin
- Metallic gold veins
- Wood + transparent resin
Cost of Making Resin Tables in India
Approximate Cost Breakdown
- Resin: ₹6,000 – ₹20,000
- Wood slabs: ₹8,000 – ₹30,000
- Consumables & tools: ₹3,000 – ₹8,000
Selling Price
₹35,000 – ₹1,50,000+ depending on size & design
Profit Margin: 150–300%
Care & Maintenance Tips
- Clean with soft cloth
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Do not place hot utensils directly
- Re-polish after long use if needed
Are Resin Tables Worth It?
Yes — resin table tops and river tables are luxury furniture pieces with high perceived value. They are ideal for:
- Premium homes
- Cafés & restaurants
- Office conference rooms
- Hotels & resorts
Final Verdict
Making resin table tops and river tables requires planning, patience, and the right resin — but the results are unmatched.
If you follow proper wood preparation, use deep pour resin correctly, and finish patiently, you can create high-value, professional-grade resin furniture that stands out in India’s growing interior design market