Mappa Burl Live Edge Entry Table
Completed - 12/24/2025
This custom 8-foot Mappa Burl live edge entry table was one of those “trust the process” projects — wild grain, heavy burls, unpredictable knot holes, and just enough black epoxy to tie it all together without stealing the spotlight from the wood.
Handcrafted in the Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas area, this piece was designed to be a true statement entry table: bold, organic, and completely one of a kind.
The Design
Sculpted Simplicity, Built Around the Slab
This design was driven entirely by the character of the Mappa Burl slab. The long, flowing live edge dictated the proportions, while the base was kept intentionally minimal to let the wood remain the focal point. Although I didn’t end up making the walnut wood legs in the end, we had a starting point to steer the build in the right direction. Subtle tapers, clean lines, and generous overhangs create a table that feels light and modern while still grounded and substantial.
Choosing the Right Slab
Letting the Slab Lead the Design
Selecting the right slab is where every custom build truly begins. This Mappa Burl slab stood out immediately for its heavy burl clusters, flowing grain movement, and natural voids that add depth and character. Rather than chasing perfection, the goal was to embrace the slab’s organic irregularities and choose a piece with personality — one that would age beautifully and tell its story through every knot, swirl, and edge.
Making the Cuts
From Raw Slab to Refined Form
With the design finalized, the slab was carefully cut lengthwise to create two book-matched halves. This allowed the table to maintain visual balance while maximizing the burl character across the full 8-foot span.
Once split, the outer edges were trimmed and refined, squaring and flushing each side to establish clean, straight reference lines. These cuts set the foundation for everything that followed, ensuring the slab was structurally sound, visually aligned, and ready for epoxy work and final shaping.
Sealing the Deal
Locking In the Wood Before the Finish
Before any tinted epoxy was introduced, the entire slab received a sealing coat of clear epoxy. This step is critical when working with highly figured burl. It prevents the black dye used in later epoxy fills from bleeding into the surrounding wood fibers.
By sealing the surface first, the natural color, contrast, and movement of the Mappa Burl are preserved, ensuring clean lines around knot holes and voids while keeping the grain crisp and defined.
Pouring the Epoxy
Filling the Voids, Defining the Contrast
With the slab sealed and prepped, black epoxy was carefully poured into the natural knot holes, voids, and burl pockets. This step brings both structure and visual contrast — locking unstable areas in place while dramatically highlighting the organic shapes formed by the burl.
The deep black epoxy creates sharp definition against the light Mappa Burl, emphasizing the natural movement of the wood without overpowering it. Once cured, these fills become a permanent part of the slab, blending durability with bold, intentional design.
Sanding
Bringing Everything Back to Level
After the epoxy fully cured, the entire slab went through an extensive sanding process to flatten the surface and blend the epoxy seamlessly into the wood. This stage removes excess epoxy, smooths transitions around the fills, and begins revealing the full depth of the burl figure beneath.
Sanding is where the table truly starts to come alive. Textures even out, contrast sharpens, and the slab transforms from raw and rough to refined and ready for finish.
Roughing the Base
Preparing the Foundation
With the slab taking shape, attention shifted to the base and structural support. Precise measurements were taken to locate the Flowy Line base, ensuring proper balance and alignment across the full length of the table.
Threaded inserts were installed to create a strong, serviceable connection between the slab and the steel base. In addition, recessed slots were routed into the underside of the table to house steel C-channel, allowing for seasonal wood movement while keeping the slab flat and stable over time.
Finishing the Underside
Protection Where You Don’t See It
Before the table was flipped and finalized, the underside received the same attention as the top. A protective finish was applied to seal the wood, lock in moisture balance, and provide long-term stability.
Finishing the underside helps prevent uneven moisture absorption, reduces the risk of movement over time, and ensures the table performs as well as it looks — even in areas that aren’t immediately visible.
Applying the Finish
Bringing the Wood to Life
With all structural work complete, the finish was applied to enhance the natural beauty of the Mappa Burl and protect the table for everyday use. This stage is where the grain truly pops, figure deepens, contrast sharpens, and the burl character comes fully alive.
The finish was carefully worked into the live edge and epoxy-filled areas to create a smooth, durable surface while preserving the organic texture that makes the slab unique.
The Final Product
A One-of-a-Kind Statement Piece
The finished table brings together everything that makes custom live edge furniture special. The Mappa Burl slab showcases dramatic figuring, natural voids, and burl clusters along the live edge, all grounded by a bold steel base that adds balance and contrast.
From the black epoxy-filled knot holes to the smooth, durable finish, every detail was designed to highlight the wood’s natural character while creating a functional, long-lasting entry table. No two slabs are ever the same — and this piece is truly one of one.
Couch Coaster (Current Project)
Simple Starting Design to Build Upon Later
Hand-Carved Olive Wood Couch Coaster with Playful Curves and Bold Colors
Discover the charm of this whimsical olive wood couch coaster, expertly hand-carved with playful curves and vibrant hues. Featuring quirky details like unevenly sized numbers and a delightfully tilted design, this coaster adds a touch of imaginative artistry to your living space. The rich, natural wood grain brings warmth and personality, making every coffee table moment a fun and stylish adventure. Perfect for adding a unique, handcrafted flair to your home décor.
Removing the Bark
After the initial design concept, I moved on to stripping the bark from from the olive wood cookie. This will allow for the epoxy to hold onto the edges of the wood and provide a more structurally stable starting point for when I cut the shape.
More Coming Soon…
Upgrade your home with a custom-made couch coaster that blends style, durability, and artisan craftsmanship.
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