We make both in our Essex workshop. A traditional live edge table keeps the natural outer edges of the slabs visible, while a resin river table normally uses two slabs with their natural edges facing inwards and resin poured between them.

There are practical differences as well as visual ones, particularly when it comes to sunlight, finish and choosing a design you’ll still be happy with years from now. This guide explains the differences and where we’d recommend each option.

What is a live edge table?

A live edge, sometimes called a waney edge, is the natural outer edge of the tree retained on the finished tabletop rather than being cut perfectly straight.

It’s the edge style we use on a large proportion of our bespoke tables. Because the shape comes from the original tree, every slab is different. Some have a relatively subtle edge while others have considerably more movement.

You don’t have to use a live edge on every side. For example, a desk against a wall can have a straight rear edge and a live front edge. On dining tables, the two end-grain edges are normally finished with a small chamfer.

What is a resin river table?

A resin river table is normally made from two solid timber slabs with their natural edges facing inwards. The space between them is then filled with epoxy resin.

The resin can be made in virtually any colour, from clear or neutral tones through to blues, greens, metallics and much stronger colours.

We make the resin design around the individual slabs rather than trying to produce an identical pattern each time, so every finished tabletop is different. Once the resin has cured we finish the whole top with multiple coats of Osmo high-gloss oil.

Live edge vs resin river tables: side-by-side comparison

Practical differences between live edge and resin river tables

Direct sunlight

One thing we always discuss with customers considering a resin table is where it will be positioned.

Epoxy resin isn’t particularly resistant to UV light. Prolonged exposure to strong direct sunlight can cause it to yellow or change appearance over time. This is well documented by epoxy manufacturers including West System, who also note that where sunlight exposure is limited a coloured epoxy will hold up for years.

For a dining table in a normal room this generally isn’t something we’d be overly concerned about. If the table is going into a conservatory or directly beside large south-facing windows, however, we’d want to know before recommending a resin design.

Natural timber also changes colour with age and exposure to sunlight, although this is part of the normal ageing process of wood.

Timber movement

Resin doesn’t stop solid timber from moving.

Whether a table has a resin river or not, the timber will still respond to changes in temperature and humidity. That’s why the condition of the slabs before we start building the table matters.

We use kiln-dried timber and check that the moisture content is 8% or below before starting the build. A resin river should never be used as a way of compensating for timber that hasn’t been properly dried. Our guide to why solid wood tables split and warp explains this in more detail.

Cleaning and everyday care

Day to day, the two are looked after in the same way. Wipe up spills promptly, use mats or trivets under hot dishes, and keep the table away from direct heat sources such as radiators and log burners.

Choosing a resin colour

Resin gives you far more freedom with colour, but we’d recommend thinking about the room long term rather than matching the table too closely to a current paint colour.

Neutral, black, smoke and subtle metallic resin colours are generally easier to accommodate if the room changes later. A bright blue, green or other strong colour can look fantastic, but it will inevitably become a much bigger part of the overall design.

If you’re unsure, send us a photograph of the room and we can suggest a few options.

Resin-filled cracks and natural features

A full resin river isn’t the only way to incorporate resin into a solid wood table.

We can also use resin selectively to fill natural cracks, voids and areas of burr within the timber. This keeps the overall appearance predominantly natural while highlighting features that already exist in the slab.

It works particularly well with character French oak, pippy oak and heavily figured or burr timber. Resin can be kept subtle or used in a contrasting colour depending on the finished look you’re after.

How much does a live edge or resin river table cost?

The price depends primarily on the timber species, dimensions, slabs selected and the amount of resin work involved.

As a general guide, our bespoke solid wood tables range from around £2,000 to £10,000+, with particularly large or rare single-slab tables costing more.

Resin work is priced according to the individual design, so if you’re deciding between the two, we can quote the same table as both a traditional live edge and a resin river design.

Our bespoke tables are handmade in our Essex workshop and typically take around 4 to 5 weeks to complete. Delivery is free and our own team installs the table where you want it.

Which should you choose?

Choose a traditional live edge table if you want the timber itself to be the main feature, prefer a natural appearance, want a matt finish, or the table will receive a lot of direct sunlight.

Choose a resin river table if you want to introduce colour or contrast, like a high-gloss finish, or want the resin to form a major part of the table’s design.

Consider resin-filled natural features if you like the appearance of a predominantly solid timber table but want to highlight cracks, burrs or other character within the slabs.

If you’re unsure, send us the approximate size you need and a photograph of the room. We can show you suitable timber and examples of previous tables before you decide. If you’re still choosing a wood, our French oak vs English elm guide compares two of our most popular choices.

Frequently asked questions