How Much Epoxy Do I Need for a River Table? 3 Key Factors

Creating an eye-catching epoxy river table is all about getting the details right. When it comes to epoxy, getting the exact amount is crucial. So, how much epoxy do I need for a river table? In this guide, Lumber Grand helps you find the perfect balance.

How Much Epoxy Do I Need for a River Table?

When you are wondering how much epoxy do I need for a river table, the answer depends on three key factors: the table dimensions, the wood type, and the pouring depth.

To get an approximate epoxy volume, you can use this simple formula to know how to calculate how much epoxy for river table:

Epoxy Volume (Liters) = (Length × Width × Depth) – (Wood Area)

For example, if you’re making a 48” x 24” table top with a 2” wide river and a 1.5” pour depth:

• Table Surface Area: 48” × 24” = 1152 in².
  

• Estimated Wood Area (assuming 2 slabs, each 10” wide): 48” × 10” × 2 = 960 in².
  

• Epoxy Area: 1152 – 960 = 192 in².
  

• Epoxy Volume: 192 × 1.5 ≈ 1.24 gallons.

Note: These numbers vary depending on the wood's shape, voids, and thickness.

How much epoxy do I need for a river table? Epoxy pouring into a river table mold
Photo: BlackTail Studio

3 Key Factors That Affect Epoxy Volume Calculation

When planning your epoxy river table tops and wondering how much epoxy do I need for a river table, several key factors will influence how much epoxy you’ll need.

1. Table Dimensions

The length, width, and thickness to make epoxy river table are the biggest factors in epoxy calculation. Larger tables require significantly more epoxy, especially if the river section is wide.

• Small coffee table (36 x 18): 0.5 - 1 gallon.
  

• Medium round dining table (29” diameter, 1.5” thick): 1.3 - 1.8 gallons.
  

• Large conference table (96 x 40): 4 - 5.3 gallons.

Different river table sizes and epoxy requirements
Photo: ©andriiafanasiev on Canva.com

2. Wood Type & Its Impact on Epoxy Usage

Wood choice matters more than you think when you are curious about ‘how much epoxy do I need for a river table’! Some woods absorb more epoxy, while others have large natural voids that need extra resin.

• Highly Absorbent Woods (e.g., pine, oak, cedar): Requires a sealing coat before pouring.
  

• Dense, Non-Porous Woods (e.g., walnut, maple, cherry): Uses less epoxy, minimal absorption.
  

• Live Edge Slabs: Often have cracks, knots, and uneven edges that demand extra epoxy.

If your slabs have large voids, cracks, or bark pockets, you might need 30-50% more epoxy than the standard calculation.

Close-up of live edge wood with natural voids
Photo: Lumber Grand
Shop now: Square Wood Epoxy Resin Table Top 15 Inches

3. Epoxy Pouring Depth

The depth of your epoxy pour is another crucial factor in determining how much epoxy do I need for a river table. A deeper pour means more epoxy.

• Shallow Pours (1” deep): Requires less epoxy and is quicker to cure.
  

• Standard Pours (1.5” deep): A balanced amount of epoxy with minimal shrinkage.
  

• Deep Pours (2-3” deep): Requires much more epoxy and takes longer to cure. These deep pours may even require special epoxy designed for thick layers.

Pro Tip: For deeper pours, don’t pour it all at once. Pour in layers, allowing each layer to cure fully before adding more to prevent overheating or cracking.

Epoxy curing process in different pour depths
Photo: WiseBond®

Cost Estimation: How Much Will the Epoxy Cost?

Now that you have answered “how much epoxy do I need for a river table”, the next question is: “how much will it cost?”

Here’s a quick breakdown based on a river table size:

• Small River Table (3 ft x 2 ft): You’ll likely need 1-2 gallons of epoxy, ranging from $60 to $300.
  

• Medium to Large Tables (4 ft x 3 ft or more): Expect to use 3-4 gallons, which will cost you anywhere from $180 to $600.
  

Factors affecting epoxy costs when you need to know ‘how much epoxy need for a river table’:

1. Epoxy resins for river tables or epoxy waterfull tables possess a thicker form and more strength - they generally have a greater cost.
   

2. If pigments or glitter go into your epoxy, higher costs happen.
   

3. About shipping: Epoxy has a lot of weight, so delivery expenses can rise fast, mostly when someone orders from certain sellers.
   

Pro Tip: Buy in bulk if you’re tackling a larger project! It’s one of the best ways to save 10-20%.

Pro Tips for Efficient Epoxy Usage

When working with epoxy and wondering how much epoxy do I need for a river table, being efficient in your usage is key to minimizing waste and saving on costs. Here are some tips from Lumber Grand to help you optimize your epoxy:

• Measure and Mix Precisely: Make certain you measure the resin beside the hardener at the correct proportion, often 1:1, unless the maker tells you otherwise.

• Work in Layers: Pouring the epoxy in layers lets each one harden well - this lessens excess and makes the amount of your pour easier to manage. With deeper pours let each layer harden completely before you add another. That stops the epoxy from moving or making bubbles when you wonder how much epoxy for a river table top.

• Use a Helper: Epoxy is hard to spread even by you, mainly on larger tables when you need to figure out how much epoxy to cover a table. Obtain support to confirm the resin is evenly spread. One person pours while the other uses a spread tool.

• Control Your Environment: Epoxy reacts to temperature and moisture. You should work in a place with a controlled climate, where the temperature is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C) and the moisture level is low. Great moisture can make the epoxy need longer to dry and it can make the finish bad.

• Seal the Edges: Prior to pouring the epoxy, put a narrow layer on the edges of the wood - this keeps air from leaving. It will keep the edges from taking in excess resin - this helps in getting the best finish for the epoxy river table.

• Use the Right Tools: Be sure you have tools when planning your DIY project toavoid making costly mistakes. You may use a heat tool, to eliminate air, a scraper to level the resin and gear for safety, such as eyewear besides hand covers.

Tips to help epoxy coating last longer on wooden table tops
Photo: ©Thaicha on Canva.com

Explore Lumber Grand’s collection of high-quality epoxy resins to bring your vision to life by visiting our blog.

Figuring out how much epoxy do I need for a river table is essential to avoid running out or overspending. Remember to consider table size, wood type, and pour depth when calculating epoxy volume.