Resin river tables are so named because they look like a river is running through the wood. These stunning and unique tables usually feature two pieces of wood connected by a resin "river" or a single piece of wood with a large enough crack to resemble a river.
They sometimes feature a live edge that only adds to the natural and beautiful aesthetic in many cases and, because of the design process, no two resin river tables are the same.
But are resin river tables durable?
Since the resin appears to be the main thing holding the table together, you likely want to know how well it will hold up to daily wear and tear, especially with something like a dining table that gets used daily.
Are Resin River Tables Durable?
The short answer is yes.
Wood tables on their own are pretty durable. It is little wonder that you can still find wooden tables that are hundreds of years old and still as stable as the day they were built.
But resin is also an extremely durable material, meaning you can have a gorgeous table that will last you for years by combining the two.
A properly-made resin table is resistant to heat, chips, scratches, stains, bacteria, and nearly anything else you try to throw at it.
To start, the resin can withstand up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so when you are handling hot dishes, you'll have a hard time finding a dish that will hurt a resin table.
One of the downsides of pure wooden tables is that the wood can stain over the years. The resin of a resin river table seals in the wood and makes the entire table very easy to clean and stain-resistant. Any spills take a simple wipe to clean up.
How Do You Maintain A Resin River Table?
Unlike traditional wood tables that need refinishing every now and then to maintain a strong coating, resin tables don't need to be refinished.
The resin doesn't wear away and won't need to be recoated over the years to maintain its durability and glossy shine.
To maintain your resin river table, you only need to use mild soap. Avoid harsh cleaners, scouring pads, polishes, and waxes at all costs.
If you find you need something a little more powerful than a soft rag and a mild dish soap, then a paste made from baking soda and water will get the job done.
Instead of using wax to maintain the shine of a resin table, we recommend using just a tiny amount of mineral oil. You won't need a lot to keep your table sparkling.
Exactly How Strong Are Resin River Tables?
Resin is a trustworthy material. It is at least as strong as the wood the table is made of, if not more.
When the table is being made, the resin forms a strong bond with the wood, sealing the entire thing together as a single entity. When your river table is properly made, you will have a hard time finding a weak spot in the joins between resin and wood.
Realistically, if your table is going to break, it is more likely that the wood portions will crack long before the resin portions do. This tends to be true no matter the thickness of the table in question.
To prove that river resin tables are extremely strong, they have been shown to handle weights of over 900 kgs with no problems. To break one of these tables, you would likely need to drop it from a height or have something extremely heavy dropped on it.
The Bottom Line
The combination of durable hardwood and glossy resin makes resin river tables among the most durable table options. You would be hard-pressed to find something that can hold up against more wear and tear.
Unless you are in the habit of dining with elephants your table will likely last for the rest of your lifetime if properly maintained.
Use the help of an expert when selecting or designing your resin river table. And use the proper maintenance recommendations. If you do so, your resin river table has the potential to outlast the rest of your furniture.