How to Make a Timber Desk with Epoxy Resin Features

There’s something special about building your own desk. It’s where ideas are sketched, businesses are built, homework is done and late nights turn into big wins. When you make it yourself from solid timber, it becomes more than furniture. It becomes a story.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a timber desk using a live edge slab and epoxy features throughout. This project is inspirational yet achievable. We’ll also include alternative tool options if you don’t have access to large workshop machinery.

By the end, you’ll have a handcrafted desk that showcases natural timber, bold resin accents and a durable oil finish built to last.

Step 2: Cut the Slab to Size

Trim the slab down to rough size. A track saw is ideal for this because it gives you straight, controlled cuts, especially helpful on large, heavy slabs. If you do not have a track saw, a circular saw paired with a straight edge guide works just as well.

Cut slightly oversized at this stage. Final trimming will happen later once the resin work is complete.

Safety reminder: Support the slab properly and ensure offcuts cannot bind or pinch the blade.

Step 3: Level the Slab

Flattening the slab is crucial. We used our Woodwizz leveling machine to remove cupping and uneven spots. This creates a consistent thickness and prepares the surface for sanding.

If you do not have access to large machinery, you can:

• Use a hand plane for high spots
• Build a router sled flattening jig
• Use a belt sander carefully to knock down uneven areas

The flatter the slab now, the better your finished desk will feel.

Step 4: Machine Sanding

After leveling, we removed machining marks with our wide belt sander. This dramatically reduces sanding time later and creates a clean surface for better tape adhesion during the resin process.

If using a random orbital sander, start at 80 grit and work progressively through 120 and 180 grit. Keep the sander moving to avoid dips or swirl marks.

Proper sanding now saves hours later.

Step 5: Filling The Features

This is where the desk becomes unique.

We removed the bulk of loose timber or dried resin/sap deposits with a chisel to give the resin something solid to grip to. After that, we used a wire cup wheel fitted to a drill for faster material removal throughout the narrow gum veins.

Step 6: Seal the Underside

Before pouring resin, flip the slab and tape over the underside of each hole or crack. High quality packaging tape works well. Press firmly to ensure a tight seal.

This prevents resin from leaking through and saves a messy clean-up later. Double check edges before pouring.

Step 7: Mix and Pour the Resin

Measure your epoxy resin precisely according to manufacturer instructions. Accurate ratios are critical for proper curing. We used Hammer Roo's All Purpose Epoxy Resin with a combination of a blue and white Black Diamond Pigment.

Mix slowly and thoroughly to reduce air bubbles. Pour steadily into the prepared cavities. Avoid dumping it in too fast.

Step 8: Sand the Resin Flush

Once cured, run the slab back through your sander (or use your belt/orbital sander) to bring the resin perfectly flush with the timber surface.

If using a random orbital sander, begin with 80 grit to level the resin, then progress through finer grits up to 180.

Use an interface pad on your orbital sander to soften all the edges and hand sand around any edges and transitions. This is the stage where the desk really starts to feel premium to the touch.

Step 9: Final Trim 

Now trim the desk to its final dimensions. A track saw makes this easy and precise, but a circular saw with a straight edge guide works just as well.

This final cut cleans up any resin overflow and ensures crisp edges.

Lightly sand all edges to soften sharp corners.

Step 10: Fix Any Imperfections

Inspect the resin closely. Small air bubbles or voids can sometimes appear.

If you find any:

• Carve or drill them out cleanly
• Refill with fresh resin or Starbond CA Glue + Accelerator
• Allow to cure
• Sand flush again

For larger holes we used Rapid Cure Fast Setting Epoxy Resin and for smaller holes we used Starbond CA Medium Thick Glue and Accelerator.

Taking the time to correct small details makes a big difference in the final result.

Step 11: Apply the Oil Finish

Apply your first coat of oil. Osmo Polyx Oil works beautifully on timber desks because it enhances the grain while providing durable protection.

Apply thinly and evenly using a microfibre roller, cloth or applicator pad. Work it into the timber rather than flooding the surface.

Allow it to cure as recommended, then apply a second coat to deepen the finish and increase durability.

Watch the timber come alive as the grain pops and colour intensifies.

Step 12: Attach the Legs and Set It Up

Flip the desk upside down and position your legs evenly. Measure carefully to ensure they are square and symmetrical.

Pre-drill pilot holes if required and secure the legs firmly. Once tightened, flip the desk upright.

Stand back and admire your work.

Plug in your computer, place your chair and enjoy a desk you built yourself.

This project is also highly adaptable. You can adjust slab size, epoxy colour, leg style and finish to match your space perfectly.

If you have been thinking about building your own desk, this is your sign to start. With basic tools, patience and the right materials, you can create something that looks custom built and professionally finished.

And every time you sit down to work, you’ll remember that you made it.

Now it’s your turn.

The Hammer Roo Team