Are you looking for a break from holiday-themed projects? Let’s dive into a satisfying DIY furniture build! If you enjoy woodworking, experimenting with epoxy resin, and adding a unique handcrafted element to your home, this DIY Resin-Coated Inlaid Wood Desktop is the perfect weekend project.
A while back, I shared a design board for my son Sean’s bedroom. At 15 years old, he’s been incredibly patient as I’ve tackled various home projects before finally getting to his space. While he was set on navy walls, he gave me free rein to incorporate creative elements into the room. Together, we designed a practical and stylish space featuring a custom DIY inlaid wood desktop, perfect for schoolwork and projects.
The Design Plan
Since Sean’s bedroom is relatively small, I wanted to build a functional yet stylish workspace. The idea was to construct a wall-mounted desk spanning across a storage cabinet and a tilt-out hamper (inspired by this this great DIY by Corey at Sawdust 2 Stitches). The desktop itself needed to be wood-toned, visually interesting, and durable, with enough space for Sean to spread out his books, laptop, and supplies.
When I found out that the November Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest theme was Showstopping Tops with ETI Envirotex, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to create a resin-coated, inlaid wood desktop with a beautiful glossy finish!
What Is the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest?
If you haven’t heard of it, The Fab Furniture Flippin’ site’ Contest is an exciting monthly challenge created by Evey at Evey’s Creations and hosted by Scottie of Saved By Scottie, Christie of Ritzy Parties Inc., Jessica of My DIY Envy, and this month’s guest host, Sheri of Hazel & Gold Designs. Each contest has a different theme, a dedicated sponsor, and a panel of judges. This time, the contest was sponsored by ETI Envirotex, known for their high-quality pour-on epoxy resin that’s available at most craft stores.
DIY Resin-Coated Inlaid Wood Desktop: Step-By-Step Process
Step 1: Creating the Desktop Base
To start, I used a piece of plywood, which I cut in half with a circular saw. After trimming the two sections, I joined them together to create a long and narrow base for the desktop.
For additional stability, I added 1×2 trim around the perimeter of the bottom and built up the edges to create a tray-style design. This framework helped contain the inlaid wood pieces and ensured a smooth epoxy pour later.
Step 2: Crafting the Inlaid Wood Design
I wanted a herringbone-style pattern for the desktop, so I carefully cut pine boards at a 45-degree angle and dry-fitted them before adhering them to the plywood base with Liquid Nails. Each board was individually measured, cut, and positioned for a tight, seamless fit.
For the corner pieces, I marked rough cuts and adjusted them using my saw. The key to getting a clean look was ensuring each board aligned properly before securing them in place.
Step 3: Sanding and Staining
Once all the boards were in place, I filled any gaps with stainable wood filler. Sanding was crucial to achieving a smooth surface for the resin pour, so I took my time with this step.
For the stain, I started with Minwax Weathered Oak, but it looked a bit too light. To enhance the warmth, I mixed 70% Weathered Oak with 30% Provincial Stain. This combination created a rich, natural wood tone that looked perfect for Sean’s space.
After letting the stain dry for a couple of days, I vacuumed off the excess sawdust and prepped for the resin pour.
Step 4: Preparing and Pouring the Epoxy Resin
Since epoxy resin is temperature-sensitive, I initially planned to do this step in the garage. However, with the cold weather setting in, I had to move the desktop into Sean’s room and set it up over a plastic drop cloth.
After watching several YouTube tutorials (seriously, about 77 of them!) and reading the Envirotex Lite instructions thoroughly, I felt ready to go. My mom even came over to help because let’s be real, working with resin can be intimidating!
Here’s how the resin process works:
- Mix equal parts of the resin and hardener in a bucket with marked measurements.
- Set a timer and stir briskly for two minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a second bucket and stir for another minute to ensure proper blending.
- Carefully pour the resin onto the desktop, spreading it evenly using craft sticks and a foam brush.
Step 5: Eliminating Air Bubbles and Curing
Once the resin was spread, millions of tiny bubbles appeared on the surface. To remove them, we used handheld lighters and lightly waved the flame across the epoxy. The bubbles popped instantly, leaving behind a smooth, glass-like finish.
The epoxy required several days to cure completely. Initially, the surface felt a little tacky, but after 48 hours, it hardened into a durable, glossy finish that beautifully enhanced the wood grain.
The Final Setup
The desktop is now mounted on a wall cleat, with black plumbing pipes as front legs for an industrial touch. The final step will be building the base cabinets to complete the workspace.
Sean and I are painting his room this weekend, so stay tuned for a room makeover update!
Final Thoughts
This DIY Resin-Coated Inlaid Wood Desktop turned out to be one of my favorite projects! The combination of stained wood and high-gloss epoxy adds a unique touch to Sean’s workspace. Plus, using scrap wood made this project budget-friendly.
If you’re interested in more furniture transformations, check out these projects on Shine Your Light!
Many thanks to ETI Envirotex for sponsoring this contest and providing their incredible Envirotex Lite epoxy resin. If you’re a blogger and want to participate in a future Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest, you can contact Evey at info@eveyscreations.com.
Explore More DIY Projects:
- Vince Lombardi sign via Freestyle Mom on Etsy
- City Map via synplu on Etsy
- Striped Duvet & Sham
- Plug-In Wall Light
- Lidded Basket
- Striped Curtains
I hope this inspires you to try your own resin-coated inlaid wood desktop DIY. Have fun building, and let me know if you take on this project!
