Epoxy River Table Calculator
A river table has two components: the channel fill (deep pour resin) and the tabletop flood coat. This guide helps you calculate both, with volume tables by channel size, a void fill percentage reference, and layer planning for deep pours.
Get a precise river table resin estimate with the free calculator.
Calculate Epoxy Amount →Channel Volume Formula
Add 15% for wood grain absorption: total × 1.15
Measure the channel width at 5 evenly spaced points and use the average. River channels are rarely uniform — this averaging step is critical for an accurate estimate.
Channel Volume Quick Reference
Estimates below are for the channel fill only, before the tabletop flood coat. Includes 15% waste/absorption buffer.
| Table Length | Avg Channel Width | Pour Depth | Channel Fill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft (48 in) | 4 in | 2 in | ~24 fl oz |
| 4 ft (48 in) | 6 in | 2 in | ~36 fl oz |
| 5 ft (60 in) | 6 in | 2 in | ~45 fl oz |
| 6 ft (72 in) | 6 in | 2 in | ~54 fl oz |
| 6 ft (72 in) | 8 in | 2 in | ~73 fl oz |
| 6 ft (72 in) | 8 in | 2.5 in | ~91 fl oz |
| 7 ft (84 in) | 8 in | 2.5 in | ~106 fl oz |
| 8 ft (96 in) | 8 in | 2.5 in | ~122 fl oz |
| 8 ft (96 in) | 10 in | 3 in | ~190 fl oz |
Tabletop Flood Coat
After the channel cures, the full tabletop surface gets a flood coat of table-top epoxy (not deep pour). This is calculated separately based on the full table dimensions.
| Table Size | Surface Area | Seal Coat (1/16") | Flood Coat (1/8") | Both Coats Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 × 48 in | 8 sq ft | ~18 fl oz | ~36 fl oz | ~54 fl oz |
| 24 × 60 in | 10 sq ft | ~23 fl oz | ~46 fl oz | ~69 fl oz |
| 30 × 72 in | 15 sq ft | ~34 fl oz | ~68 fl oz | ~102 fl oz |
| 36 × 84 in | 21 sq ft | ~48 fl oz | ~96 fl oz | ~144 fl oz |
| 36 × 96 in | 24 sq ft | ~55 fl oz | ~110 fl oz | ~165 fl oz |
Typical Total for a 6-Foot River Table (30" × 72")
| Component | Amount | Product Type |
|---|---|---|
| Channel fill (6" wide, 2" deep) | ~54 fl oz | Deep pour casting resin |
| Seal coat (full table) | ~34 fl oz | Table-top epoxy |
| Flood coat (full table) | ~68 fl oz | Table-top epoxy |
| Grand total | ~156 fl oz (~1.2 gal) | Two separate products |
River Table Build Tips
- Seal the wood first: Brush undiluted deep-pour resin onto all exposed wood surfaces and let it tack up before the main fill. This prevents air bubbles from wood grain rising into the pour.
- Build a form: Tape Tyvek tape or wax release film to the underside and edges of the slab to contain the pour. Check all edges for leaks before mixing large batches.
- Level the slab: Set the table form perfectly level — use a long spirit level and shims. Epoxy will find any tilt.
- Pour in layers: For channels deeper than 2 inches, pour in two stages. Wait until the first layer reaches firm gel (not fully cured) before adding the second pour.
- Flood coat after full cure: Wait a full 72 hours after the final channel fill pour before applying the tabletop flood coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much epoxy do I need for a river table?
For a 6-foot table with a 6-inch wide, 2-inch deep channel: ~54 fl oz of deep pour resin for the channel. Add ~102 fl oz of table-top epoxy for seal coat + flood coat on the full 30×72 inch surface. Total: ~156 fl oz (~1.2 gallons) across two different products.
What epoxy is best for a river table?
Use a deep pour casting resin rated for at least 2 inches per pour for the channel fill. For the tabletop flood coat, use a separate high-gloss table-top epoxy with UV resistance. Avoid using deep pour resin for the top coat — it's too soft and not designed for surface applications.
How do I calculate the void in a river table?
Measure the channel width at 5 evenly spaced points along the table length, then average them. Multiply average width × table length × pour depth, divide by 1.805 to get fl oz, then add 15% for wood absorption.