At Vinogradofff, every project we take on tells a story. But our latest creation has truly pushed the limits of our craftsmanship. Meet the “Map of the Caribbean”, a stunning spalted maple and epoxy river table unlike anything we’ve done before. From concept to completion, this project was our biggest build yet, involving months of planning, teamwork, and over 200 litres of resin.

From Inspiration to Design

It all began with the vision of a table that would capture the essence of the Caribbean. The client wanted something large, striking, and unique. As soon as we saw the spalted maple slabs, we knew they would be perfect for a design that mimicked the topographical lines of islands surrounded by deep blue waters. One of our team members, who hails from the Caribbean, even shared how the region’s breezy, moderate climate inspired the look and feel we wanted to convey with this piece.

Preparing for the Challenge

Working on a table of this scale required significant preparation. The first step was rebuilding our epoxy bench to support the size and weight of the table. Once that was complete, our team carefully selected and prepped the maple slabs, ensuring every edge and surface was clean and ready for the massive resin pour.

Because this was our largest epoxy project to date, we had to develop a careful plan to avoid common issues like bubbles or uneven curing. This involved pre-sealing the wood, setting up an army of fans to maintain temperature control, and using torches to remove bubbles in a process we jokingly call the “fires of hell.”

Pouring Over 200 Litres of Resin

The centrepiece of this project was, of course, the resin pour. We divided the process into multiple stages to keep everything manageable. The first day focused on creating a giant blue pour, mixing, degassing, and pouring carefully across the table. Over the next few days, we continued adding more epoxy layers, ensuring a flawless finish that would highlight the natural beauty of the spalted maple.

For many of our team members, this was their first time working on a project of this size, so every step required attention, precision, and collaboration. Our team formed a “conga line” of mixing, degassing, and pouring that lasted hours, but the results were absolutely worth it.

Sanding, Finishing, and Detail Work

Once the epoxy had cured, the real challenge began: flattening, sanding, and finishing a piece this large. Our lead finisher, Cole, spent several days meticulously sanding each side, moving from coarse to fine grits, and applying multiple coats of Osmo satin finish. The goal was to make the table shine while preserving the depth and transparency of the resin rivers.

Meanwhile, Doug and our team designed custom legs using ambrosia maple, inspired by photos and refined through careful planning. Each component was precisely cut, glued, and assembled to ensure the table was both beautiful and structurally sound.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Handling a table of this scale required coordinated teamwork. Moving the table through the shop, running it through the planer, and sanding without causing damage was a feat in itself. At times, it took six people working together just to flip or lift it safely. Our videographer, Daniel, captured every moment, showing not just the table but the passion and dedication of the team behind it.

Shipping and Delivery

Once complete, we carefully packaged the table for its journey to the client in the United States. The table’s base was designed to be detachable, and the entire piece was wrapped in foam and secured in a sturdy plywood crate. It was thrilling to see it leave our shop, knowing months of hard work had resulted in a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

A Table That Tells a Story

This table isn’t just furniture—it’s a work of art. The intricate blue epoxy rivers, the warm tones of the spalted maple, and the inspiration from the Caribbean islands make it a statement piece that will bring life to any space. For our team, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved with careful planning, teamwork, and a passion for craftsmanship.

At Vinogradofff, we believe in letting your home grow with pieces that tell a story, spark conversation, and endure for years to come. The “Map of the Caribbean” river table is a perfect example of that philosophy in action—a combination of art, engineering, and love for woodworking that we are incredibly proud to share with the world.