At Hamilton Lee Supply, we believe that every piece of wood has potential—even those that others may discard. While much of the wood used in fine furniture design is selected for its uniformity and perfection, we know that there’s incredible beauty to be found in the pieces that are often destined for the burn pile or landfill. By combining the principles of live edge woodworking with the versatility of epoxy resin, we’ve discovered that even the most irregular, cracked, or knot-filled wood can be transformed into stunning, one-of-a-kind works of art.

 

Incorporating epoxy into salvaged wood not only creates visually striking designs but also gives new life to wood that might otherwise be deemed “unusable.” This approach allows you to turn imperfections into focal points, merging natural textures with modern materials to craft truly unique furniture and art.

 

The Epoxy Revolution in Woodworking

 

Epoxy resin has revolutionized woodworking, particularly when it comes to live edge and reclaimed wood. This durable, clear (or colored) substance is used to fill cracks, gaps, and holes in imperfect wood, preserving its natural beauty while adding strength and structure. But epoxy does more than just “fix” wood—it opens up a world of creative possibilities.

 

By combining epoxy with salvaged wood, you can create pieces that tell a story. Each crack and imperfection becomes part of the art, accentuated by the smooth, glass-like surface of the resin. This technique is often used to create epoxy river tables, live edge countertops, and decorative wall art, where the contrast between natural wood and modern resin creates a stunning visual effect.

 

Salvaging the Unusable: Hamilton Lee Supply’s Commitment to Sustainability

 

At Hamilton Lee Supply, we’ve always been inspired by the philosophy that no piece of wood should go to waste. Following in the footsteps of George Nakashima, who believed in honoring the natural beauty and imperfections of wood, we go a step further by rescuing wood that might otherwise be thrown away or burned.

 

Much of the wood we salvage comes from trees that have been felled by storms or development, as well as from offcuts, cracked slabs, or pieces deemed unsuitable for traditional woodworking. While these pieces may have been overlooked by others, we see their potential. When paired with epoxy, even the most “damaged” wood can become the foundation for extraordinary, high-end designs.

 

By using epoxy resin and salvaged wood, we’re able to give these pieces a second life, turning what some might view as waste into art. This approach not only reduces the demand for fresh timber but also helps preserve the natural environment by keeping valuable materials out of landfills.

 

Crafting with Epoxy and Salvaged Wood: A Step-by-Step Process

 

Working with epoxy and salvaged wood requires a combination of creativity, patience, and craftsmanship. Here’s how you can begin transforming salvaged wood into art with epoxy:

 

1. Select Your Salvaged Wood: Choose a piece of wood that, despite its imperfections, has interesting grain patterns, knots, or cracks. At Hamilton Lee Supply, we offer a wide variety of live edge slabs and reclaimed wood perfect for epoxy projects. These slabs often feature natural splits or voids, which are ideal for filling with resin.

2. Prepare the Wood: Clean and sand the wood to remove any dirt or debris. If the wood has significant cracks or holes, consider using wood filler to stabilize these areas before applying the epoxy.

3. Create a Mold: If you’re creating a piece like a river table or epoxy wall art, you’ll need a mold to contain the epoxy while it cures. This can be made from MDF or another smooth material and should be sealed to prevent the resin from sticking.

4. Mix and Pour the Epoxy: Mix the epoxy resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can leave it clear to show off the natural beauty of the wood or add pigments for a more dramatic effect. Carefully pour the epoxy into any voids or cracks in the wood, ensuring an even fill. For river tables, pour the epoxy between two live edge slabs to create the signature “river” look.

5. Let It Cure: Allow the epoxy to cure fully, which typically takes 24-48 hours. You can remove any bubbles that form during curing with a heat gun.

6. Finish the Piece: Once the epoxy is cured, sand the entire piece to smooth any rough spots, then apply a finish to enhance the natural beauty of the wood. The combination of glossy epoxy and rich wood grain will result in a piece that is as much a work of art as it is functional.

 

Why Choose Epoxy for Salvaged Wood Projects?

 

Incorporating epoxy into your woodworking projects not only helps rescue wood that might otherwise go to waste, but it also allows you to create pieces with greater durability and visual interest. Here’s why epoxy is the perfect partner for salvaged wood:

 

Stability: Cracks and voids that might weaken a piece of wood are stabilized and strengthened by the epoxy, ensuring the piece lasts for years to come.

Versatility: Whether you’re working on a dining table, coffee table, or piece of wall art, epoxy allows you to fill gaps and imperfections while customizing the color and finish.

Aesthetic Appeal: Epoxy creates a sleek, modern look that contrasts beautifully with the organic textures of live edge and reclaimed wood.

Environmental Impact: By salvaging wood and incorporating epoxy, you’re not only creating something beautiful—you’re also contributing to sustainability efforts, reducing waste, and making the most of natural resources.

 

Bringing the Beauty of Nature into Your Home

 

At Hamilton Lee Supply, we’re passionate about helping woodworkers and artists create pieces that bring out the natural beauty of wood. Whether you’re an experienced craftsman or a DIY enthusiast, our collection of salvaged wood slabs and epoxy supplies will give you the tools you need to transform what was once considered unusable into stunning, functional art.

 

Visit www.hamiltonleesupply.com to explore our full selection of materials and start creating your next masterpiece. By combining the raw beauty of salvaged wood with the modern innovation of epoxy, you’ll craft pieces that are not only unique but also rooted in sustainability—a true celebration of nature and creativity.

Brad Williams