Why 40% Regret Buying Those New Plant-Based Burgers
“I spent £3,500 on a river table that turned yellow after six months, cracked and warped.
Now it’s a garage table.” How not to let this be a disaster.
Mistake 1: Low-Quality Epoxy
Premium UV-resistant epoxy never yellows. Cheap resin will turn amber within months and crack easily. Ask your vendor: “Is your epoxy UV-stabilized?.” Vague answers mean cheap materials.
Mistake 2: Inappropriate Wood Selection
Wood has to be kiln-dried to 6-8% moisture or it will warp after sealing and break the epoxy. Top picks: walnut for drama, oak for steadiness, maple for a fresh appearance. Always verify moisture meter readings.
Mistake 3: Poor Craftsmanship
Good tables have crystal-clear epoxy with no bubbles, reinforced hardwood supports, and true joinery (not just screws). Ask to see in-progress photos. Transparency equals confidence.
Mistake 4: Unrealistic Pricing
A solid 6-foot dining table is about £2,500 to £6,000. Good epoxy (£300-£600) + good slab (£500-£2,000) + 40-60 hours of labour = accurate pricing. Tables under £1,500? Anticipate yellowed epoxy and dank wood.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Maintenance
Epoxy scratches and heat-damages easily. And always use coasters, wipe spills immediately, avoid hot items and never use abrasive cleaners. But another category of table won’t cut it — your fine tables that require professional inspection once a year.
The Smart Buy Checklist
UV-resistant epoxy specified
Wood moisture 6-8% verified
Gallery of Images Shown
Completed works portfolio demonstrated
Written warranty provided
Realistic timeline (6-12 weeks)
Bottom Line
High quality epoxy tables last 20-30+ years. Cheap ones crap out in 2-5 years.
I could hear the regret, echoing.” Invest in quality materials and craftsmanship, or regret it forever.