Epoxy knife block from reclaimed wood

In this project, I show step by step how I made an epoxy knife block. I started with a rough piece of firewood and turned it into a finished epoxy knife block in our kitchen. You can follow the full process: preparation, pouring, sanding, coating, and the final result.

Making an epoxy knife block from reclaimed wood had been on my ideas list for a long time. I enjoy giving materials that look ready for the fireplace a second life. So this piece of wood did not become firewood. Instead, with epoxy, it became a unique knife block mounted on our kitchen wall.

The inspiration came from our family holiday in Le Portel, Northern France. From the campsite and cliffs, we looked out at the old sea fort, visible and reachable only at low tide. The contrast between sand and water, and the waves hitting the rocks, stayed with me. I wanted to preserve that memory and make it tangible in this project.

Materials and choices for this epoxy knife block

Dry hardwood (oak) as the base
Clear casting epoxy (Let’s Resin)
Sand for the beach and seabed base layer
Blue alcohol ink shades
Ocean White resin pigment (Dipon.de High Performance Liquids & Pigments)
Neodymium magnets
Two-component adhesive
Concrete plywood and packing tape for the mold
Hooks for wall mounting

From reclaimed wood to an epoxy knife block

In the photos below, I walk you through the full build process of this epoxy knife block, from preparing the wood and building the mold to pouring, finishing, and wall mounting.

For the resin, I used Let’s Resin epoxy. I mixed real sand into the base layer to create the beach effect. Then I built water depth with blue alcohol ink shades. For the foamy waves, I used Ocean White resin pigment. Layer by layer, this created the sea-inspired look.

I built the mold myself from concrete plywood and lined it with packing tape so the cured epoxy would release cleanly. On the back side, I drilled evenly spaced holes for neodymium magnets and fixed them with two-component adhesive so the knives stay firmly in place.

Finally, I mounted the knife block to the kitchen wall with sturdy hooks. A piece of firewood got a second life, and at the same time became a lasting memory of a beautiful family trip.

This is where it started: a rough piece of wood I wanted to give a second life.

Then came a lot of sanding, and even more sanding.

I fully cleaned the plank: loose wood pieces and dust were removed with a Dremel and compressed air.

For the knife block, I built a custom casting mold in concrete plywood.

I first taped the mold so the block would release easily later. Then I sealed everything to prevent leaks.

First I poured the base epoxy layer mixed with sand. Then I added blue shades to create the sea effect.

The hardest step came next: shaping the waves with a heat gun and alcohol spray to create cells.

When the layers were almost dry and still slightly tacky, I poured a final clear epoxy layer to protect the scene.

I drilled holes for neodymium magnets and glued them into the block with two-component adhesive.

Then I screwed sturdy hooks into the block to mount it on the wall.

The view of the Le Portel cliffs and fort now hangs in my kitchen forever.

More epoxy reading
Do you want to make your own DIY epoxy knife holder? Also read which epoxy yellows the least, how to prevent amine blush, and which epoxy resin to choose for each project.