First he built the table frame
Set side rail with 2 ½” pocket hole screws, secure to legs.
Then he built the table top borders.
Cut border pieces with 45 degree corners – measurements outside to outside. Then secure to table frame.
Side borders length – 78 5/8”
End borders length – 37”
(don’t be confused by this photo, it was taken after adding the next two steps!)
Next – Flip table and set upside down.
Using scrap from side rail width cut, secure scrap pieces to underside of top borders (these will be used to hold the middle table top insert pieces)
Now turn the table back over and cut middle table top inserts one at a time to fit custom lengths. Secure to scrap rails underneath. If possible, do not leave gaps between inserts. As the treated lumber dries gaps will come naturally.
As a final step, Use 3” flat corner braces on underside of corner to keep 45’s flat.
We’ll wait until at least fall to stain the table. We look forward to enjoying many summer nights around our table!
During the ACQ and CA pressure treating process, wood becomes saturated with a chemical solution carried in water. After this process, the wood takes several months to dry. Be aware that there may be some shrinkage and warping as the lumber dries out. In addition, it may be necessary to wait anywhere from three weeks to six months prior to staining or painting, depending on the climate where you live and the treatment process the wood has undergone.
Page One – Tools and Materials
This is so beautiful! Someday, when my patio is built, I want a table like this!
Great idea!!! Another option, if you have access to a sawmill, is to ask them if they have any scrap lumber they don’t need. (This usually works better with small towns and such…)
Yes Sam – That is a great option! They are harder to find but a great resource for anyone who likes to build things!
Just quoting here “build and repurpose furniture for themselves and family.” As soon as he is done making awesome furniture for that new grandbaby – am I next in line?
I think it’s a great idea. Do you have problems with food crumbs getting in the cracks? Are they wide enough for crumbs to fall through?
My favorite is how many ways you repurposed the old table.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jendi – The table has been built for about two weeks, as we expected, the lumber is drying nicely and there is about an 1/8 inch space between each board now. Plenty of room for crumbs and spills to go through. We used a rubber mallet to force the last board in when we built it, so they were very tight to begin with, it’s amazing to see the space open up now, but we planned it that way – nice to see a plan come together as we hoped!
We’ll have to post the photos of the other pieces. I’m very happy with the results of the repurposing, and hope to do more!
Awesome idea! And great price…love it!