BurlinsonbyDesign

Woodworking · September 2023

Live Edge American Cherry River Table

Bridging Nature and Design

Finished American cherry river table with an amber epoxy inlay and walnut connector strips, in a living room
Completed
September 2023
Species
American Cherry
Board thickness
1 3/4"

This solid American cherry river table is a seamless blend of nature and design, crafted to highlight the rich tones and organic beauty of live edge wood. At its heart, a striking amber epoxy center flows between the two cherry slabs, evoking the warmth of a sunlit river while preserving the wood’s natural edges.

To bridge the gap between the slabs, I incorporated solid walnut connectors, carefully positioned to add both structural integrity and visual contrast. These walnut elements form a hidden spine, embedded beneath the epoxy, creating a unifying design that ties the entire tabletop together in a way that feels both intentional and organic.

With its deep, glowing amber hues, smooth epoxy finish, and the natural charm of cherry and walnut, this table isn’t just furniture—it’s a statement piece that brings warmth, movement, and craftsmanship into any space.

In the shop

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  • Sketchbook plans for the river table's trestle-style base
  • River table base leg joinery sketch
  • Cutting the river table's walnut connector strips
  • Fitting the walnut connectors into the cherry slabs before the epoxy pour
  • Mixing amber epoxy for the river table's inlay
  • Pouring amber epoxy into the river table's inlay channels
  • Finished river table tabletop with amber epoxy inlay strips, curing under plastic wrap on sawhorses
  • Sanding the river table's epoxy surface
  • Polishing the river table's tabletop
  • Walnut trestle-style table base and legs assembled, no tabletop yet, standing in the shop
  • River table base joinery detail before finishing

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