Nature, shaped into something timeless.

Every great river table begins with the right piece of wood. Live-edge slabs preserve the natural contours of the tree, giving each table its unique character. Since these slabs are not commonly available through regular timber suppliers, ready-to-use pieces can be expensive.

At Chikati River Tables, we source wood from local sawmills and carefully select slabs with the right grain, natural edges, and character for our designs. This hands-on approach helps us work with beautiful Indian hardwoods while keeping our furniture more accessible, especially when using expensive woods such as teak.

Once selected, the slabs are brought to our workshop for gradual air-drying, which can take several months depending on the wood's condition. We allow moisture to escape gradually and monitor the wood's readiness before use, helping reduce the risk of cracking, warping, and other defects.

Every creation begins with an idea. Once the wood selection is complete, we arrange the slabs to create a balanced and complete table design. We carefully consider the grain direction, natural edges, alignment, proportions, and overall appearance before finalising the layout.

This is one of the most important stages of the design process. The right selection and placement of the wood can bring out the best possible look in the finished table. We also plan the dimensions, shape, resin colour, table structure, and legs according to the intended space and your preferences.

Matching a customer's reference design is not always straightforward because every piece of wood is different. Natural variations in grain, colour, shape, and character mean that each table must be designed around the wood available, while staying as close as possible to the desired look.

Getting every detail right before the pour matters. The prepared wood is arranged to create the desired river design, and a suitable mould is built and sealed.

Alignment, dimensions, and positioning are carefully checked to prepare for the resin pour.

Resin pouring requires close supervision and suitable environmental conditions. Temperature, humidity, and weather can all influence how the resin behaves.

Depending on the resin system, pour depth, and design, the resin may need to be poured in multiple layers rather than all at once. Each layer may require around 24 hours or longer before the next pour, and some designs require four to five layers or more.

Safety is essential throughout this stage, with appropriate protective equipment, ventilation, and strict adherence to the resin manufacturer's instructions.

Every pour brings the design closer to life, but this stage cannot be rushed.

Once the resin has cured sufficiently, the slab is carefully flattened and shaped to achieve the required dimensions and an even surface.

Excess material is removed, revealing the complete wood-and-resin design.

Sanding is one of the most time-consuming and important parts of the process. The same table may need to be sanded for several days, gradually working through the required grits to refine the surface, smooth the transitions between wood and resin, and prepare it for finishing.

There are no shortcuts at this stage. Rushing the sanding process can affect the final appearance, feel, and quality of the table. Careful, consistent sanding is essential to achieve the desired look, and every step of the process must be followed with patience and precision.

My approach to finishing is inspired by the techniques I learned in Canada. Rather than applying the same finish to every piece of wood, I focus on bringing out its natural colour, grain, and distinctive patterns.

Using carefully selected finishing products and techniques, I aim to preserve the character of each slab and create a finish that complements both the wood and the resin.

For me, finishing isn't about making every table look the same. It's about highlighting what makes each piece unique.

We design the legs differently for every table, selecting metal or wood according to the customer's requirements and the overall design.

Once the legs are ready, they are carefully attached to the table base, ensuring a secure fit and a balanced appearance.

The final details bring everything together. The completed piece is inspected for its appearance, finish, stability, and overall detailing before it is prepared for delivery.