Born from Fire: The Happy Accident Behind This Alligator-Themed Epoxy River Table

At Crafted in Florida, every build tells a story—but this coffee table has one that nearly went up in flames.

What started as a routine epoxy river pour turned into a nerve-wracking close call that almost burned down the shop. The result? A stunning, one-of-a-kind alligator-textured epoxy table with a look as wild as its origin.

Watch the full build below 👇

---

From Mobile Bar Scrap to River Table Star

This project actually began with leftover cedar from a mobile bar build I made a few months back. I had just enough of this beautifully grained slab to carve out a river channel and build a compact modern coffee table—ideal for someone looking to bring natural texture and color into a clean interior space.

To keep things cost-effective and straightforward, I made the epoxy mold out of MDF wrapped in packing tape. (Pro tip: you don’t need melamine or fancy forms—just seal the seams with caulk and apply a paste wax release to avoid any epoxy disasters.)

---

A Simple Miscalculation That Nearly Sparked a Fire

Here’s where things got dicey.

When I calculated the epoxy volume, I mistakenly entered “1/2” rather than “.5” in the calculator. The calculator must have read that as “1”. That error caused me to pour double the amount of epoxy I needed. If you’ve ever worked with epoxy, you know what happens when it cures too fast: extreme heat, potential cracking, and, in my case, a dangerously close brush with combustion.

I caught it in time—thanks to fans, ventilation, and elevating the mold—but not before the heat left behind a wild texture in the resin. The result? A natural alligator skin pattern that couldn’t have been planned better if I tried.

---

Embracing the Florida Wildlife Vibe

Born and raised in Florida, I took one look at that green texture and knew what I had to do: lean into the accident and turn this piece into a tribute to Florida’s most iconic creature.

The second pour of Total Boat Thick Set Epoxy went smoothly—this time a clear coat to preserve that alligator texture beneath the surface. From there, it was business as usual: flattening on the CNC, drum sanding, straightening edges, and softening corners with a light roundover.

---

The Finishing Touches That Set It Apart

I always emphasize finishing both the top and the bottom of every table. That’s key to preventing future movement due to moisture changes.

For this build, I used General Finishes water-based lacquer, which brings out the cedar’s grain and lets the green river shine through like a window into Florida swampland.

Once that cured, I polished the epoxy to a glassy finish—smooth to the touch and visually rich from every angle.

---

Designed to Last—and Turn Heads

I added threaded inserts for a solid, functional leg attachment and gave the final product one last polish before stepping back.

The result? A bold conversation piece that blends nature, mishap, and craftsmanship into one unforgettable table. It may have started as a mistake, but it ended as one of my favorite pieces to date.

---

Want a Custom Epoxy Table Made for You?

At Crafted in Florida, we specialize in custom epoxy river tables, live edge builds, and one-of-a-kind pieces that bring Florida’s natural character into your home or office.

👉 Interested in commissioning a piece like this? Reach out here and let’s build something truly unique together.