IN GRAINED

Bespoke Joinery, Furniture & Kitchen Fitting

Tree of Life Coffee Table: Staved Oak with Walnut Inlay

*This is a bespoke, one-of-a-kind piece. The table you receive is the exact one shown in the images. Due to the handmade nature of the inlay, each commission will have unique characteristics.

Watch the making process

ÂŁ650

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A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship: The Tree of Life in Oak & Walnut

This stunning round coffee table represents the pinnacle of my woodworking journey. The base is constructed from a staved oak worktop—individual segments of solid oak carefully joined together to form a perfect circle. This traditional staved construction creates a beautiful radial grain pattern that draws the eye inward toward the centrepiece: a hand-carved Tree of Life inlay.

The Tree of Life is carved from rich, dark walnut—a wood prized for its deep chocolate tones and striking grain. I carved the design by hand, following the organic flow of branches, roots, and leaves. The carved recess is then filled with clear, high-grade epoxy resin, which is sanded and polished to a flawless, glass-like finish that sits perfectly flush with the oak surface. The result is a table that feels both ancient and contemporary—a functional heirloom that will be cherished for generations.

The Staved Oak Construction

Staved construction is a demanding technique that requires precision and patience. I start with solid oak worktop offcuts—high-quality prime oak with gorgeous grain. Each segment is cut at an exact angle, then edge-glued to form a near-seamless circle. Once the glue has cured, the tabletop is sanded flat, and the circular shape is refined on my router table. The result is a waste-free, visually striking top where the oak grains radiate outward like the spokes of a wheel or the rays of the sun.

The base is crafted from matching solid oak, with turned or splayed legs depending on the design of this particular piece. The entire table is finished with multiple coats of hard-wax oil, which protects the wood while leaving a natural, tactile surface that feels warm and alive to the touch. Spills wipe away easily, and the finish can be refreshed with a simple application of wax oil every few years.

The Tree of Life: An Ancient Symbol

The Tree of Life appears in cultures across the world—from Celtic mythology to Norse legends, from ancient Egypt to Buddhist cosmology. It represents connection: between earth and sky, between past and future, between all living things. The roots dive deep into the underworld, the trunk stands firm in the present, and the branches reach toward the heavens. When you gather around this table with family and friends, you're encircling a symbol of unity, growth, and shared history.

The walnut inlay adds a dramatic contrast to the pale oak. Walnut has long been associated with wisdom, protection, and abundance—making it the perfect choice for a Tree of Life. The clear epoxy resin preserves every carving mark, every chisel stroke, every detail of the hand-drawn design. Light catches the resin and the walnut differently throughout the day, so the table changes character from morning to evening.

A Bespoke Heirloom for Your Home

This coffee table is currently a one-of-a-kind piece, but I do accept commissions for similar designs. If you'd like a Tree of Life table in different dimensions, different wood species, or a different style of base, please contact me. Each commission takes approximately 4-6 weeks from start to finish, and I'll send you progress photos along the way. This table is built to last a lifetime—and beyond. With proper care, it will be passed down to future generations as a family heirloom.

Because this is a handmade item and the Tree of Life is carved by hand (not CNC), each piece is genuinely unique. The one you see in the photos is the one you'll receive. If you order a commission, your Tree of Life will be similar but will have its own distinctive character—branches that curve differently, roots that spread in their own pattern, a walnut grain that tells its own story.

Product Specifications:

  • Materials: Solid oak (staved construction) with walnut inlay and clear epoxy resin
  • Finish: Hard-wax oil (natural, matte, water-resistant)
  • Dimensions: Approximately 500mm diameter x 450mm height (varies slightly)
  • Tabletop thickness: Approximately 26mm
  • Inlay: Hand-carved Tree of Life from solid walnut
  • Weight: Solid and substantial (approx 5-10kg)
  • Made in: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, UK
  • Care: Wipe spills immediately. Avoid direct sunlight. Re-oil every 1-2 years with hard-wax oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the epoxy resin food-safe?

Yes, the resin is non-toxic and food-safe once fully cured. However, this is a coffee table—not a chopping board. I recommend using coasters and avoiding hot pans directly on the surface.

Can I commission a similar table in a different size?

Absolutely. I take commissions for bespoke tables. You can choose the diameter, height, wood species, and even a different inlay design (Celtic knot, spiral, custom initials). Contact me via the Contact page for a quote. Lead time is typically 4-6 weeks.

How do I care for the epoxy inlay?

The epoxy is highly durable and scratch-resistant. Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or anything that could scratch the high-gloss finish. Over time, the epoxy will remain crystal clear—it won't yellow like cheaper resins.

Do you deliver this table or is it collection only?

I can arrange delivery via a specialist furniture courier for an additional fee (typically ÂŁ40-60 depending on location). Collection from my Hebden Bridge workshop is free and you're welcome to see other pieces while you're here. For the specific listing table, delivery will be discussed after purchase.

What's your returns policy for furniture?

For ready-made furniture like this table, you have 14 days to cancel after receiving it, as per UK Consumer Contracts Regulations. Return shipping is your responsibility unless the item is faulty. For bespoke commissions, the 14-day cooling-off period doesn't apply once work has begun. See our full Returns Policy for details.

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