How to transform backyard twigs into a polished designer table
In short: What looks like a collection of random tree branches can become a high-end piece of furniture. Using a mix of industrial steel, MDF, and epoxy, master makers demonstrate how to encase natural textures within a sleek, modern frame.
In a collaborative build for the 'Build It' series of Ask This Old House, host Kevin O’Connor and maker Jimmy DiResta demonstrate the construction of a 'sliced twig' table. The project relies on a structural foundation of 3/4” round bar stock steel and angle iron. The process begins by welding the angle iron into a frame, with 16” lengths used for both the frame components and the round bar stock legs. To ensure the tabletop fits perfectly, the corners of an MDF insert are ground down to accommodate the welded joints.
The aesthetic centerpiece of the table is created using wood slices harvested from branches found in DiResta's backyard. These branches, varying in diameter, are cut into small slices using a band saw. To create the 'sliced' effect, the MDF is recessed at least 1/4” within the metal tray, leaving a cavity for the wood. The gap between the MDF and the metal frame is sealed with hot glue before a generous layer of 2-part epoxy is poured over the surface to encase the wood.
Finishing the piece requires precision and multiple curing stages. After an initial two-hour cure, the epoxy surface is sanded smooth using both a belt sander and a palm sander. A second layer of 2-part epoxy is applied with a paintbrush and left to cure for 24 hours. The metal components undergo a chemical transformation as well; the legs are cleaned with acetone and treated with a chemical blackener, then protected with a spray-on lacquer. While the materials like steel and MDF are common at home centers, the final result is a sophisticated fusion of organic and industrial elements.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sliced Twig Table with Jimmy DiResta | Build It | Ask This Old House
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