Outdoor Table

[lewisc]

Here's my completed outdoor table. I started a thread asking some advice but figured I'd chuck the final pictures up here.

https://www.woodtalkonline.com/topic/30620-outdoor-table-advice/

The frame went together fairly quickly and easily. I used 10x50mm dominos and batten screws (probably shouldn't admit that) for speed. A couple of stopped housing joins were cut by hand so I did brush up on some hand tool skills.  Any screw holes were filled with builders bog and the frame was painted with exterior house paint.

The base timber was H3 treated pine that I picked up quite cheap - I kind of forgot how soft pine is.  Recycled timber (messmate) was used for the top. Even though it was much cheaper (probably about a third to half the price) than new timber, it was a fair bit of work and worry to prepare it. It was sold as de-nailed but I found one left in. I probed everything with a scribe and waved a magnet over the top. I don't think I'll be doing that again. It was finished with an oil-based exterior poly.  Those Incra rules with all the holes for a mechanical pencil are worth their weight in gold. Absolutely a breeze to mark and measure things with.

If we get a few years out of it, I'll be fine with that. It's not a project that I loved doing. I'm happy with the final result but wasn't super excited about it.  The main thing is my wife is exceptionally happy that we have an outdoor table to use for Christmas Day.

Also, check your dog holes every now and again.

 

 

[Mark J]

31 minutes ago, lewisc said:

 

Also, check your dog holes every now and again.

Apparently Australia has spiders for that.

The project looks like it came out great and on time.  What's not to like.

[RichardA]

Ya done good Lewis.  When are you coming stateside again?

[treeslayer]

Looks great @lewisc, please tell me that’s not a funnel web spider, I hear they are not to be messed with. 

[wtnhighlander]

Great work! Maybe the recycled timber was a pain, but it turned out very nice.

[lewisc]

8 hours ago, RichardA said:

Ya done good Lewis.  When are you coming stateside again?

Thanks Rick. It’s funny you should mention that, we were just talking about it.I’d like to come back next year. So much too see over there. One of our ideas is to visit a few BBQ restaurants in Texas and do a bit more road tripping around. 
 

@treeslayer Not that I know of. I’m pretty sure it’s called a black house spider. Not really dangerous but still makes the hairs stand on the back of my neck. 

Thanks for your comments. The one thing I’m really pleased with is the sizing. The bench seats are a perfect height for the table top. 

[Coop]

Great looking Lewis and just in time. What kind of store sells the leg pads.

Land in Houston and we’ll treat you to some good bbq and then send you to the Austin area to continue your search! 

[RichardA]

4 hours ago, lewisc said:

Thanks Rick. It’s funny you should mention that, we were just talking about it.I’d like to come back next year. So much too see over there. One of our ideas is to visit a few BBQ restaurants in Texas and do a bit more road tripping around. 
. 

You know that you're more than welcome to drop in at any time here.  You might want to see Yosemite if you come during late Spring and Summer here.  Winter there is deadly cold.

[Mark J]

10 hours ago, K Cooper said:

Land in Houston

OR you could just come to Chicago where all forms of BBQ from Memphis to Mongolian are represented.  

[wtnhighlander]

I've tried BBQ from cost to coast...calling it 'Memphis style' or 'Texas style' does NOT make it the same, trust me!  

[lewisc]

13 hours ago, Mark J said:

OR you could just come to Chicago where all forms of BBQ from Memphis to Mongolian are represented.  

I remember driving to Chicago from Berrien Springs in January and it being the scariest driving experience I've been in. It wasn;t the smartest idea driving at night and it felt like a blizzard outside. We just sat behind a bunch of trucks and hoped for the best. Walking around Chicago was the coldest I've ever felt. Beaniue, gloves, thermals, merino wool jumper, down vest, down jacket and a wool overcoat and I still felt cold. Maybe Spring would be a good option.

@RichardA Will do. We didn't get enough time out your way last time. 

@K Cooper Sounds like a plan.  The pads were cut from a tile of 8mm thick rubber with the square pattern you see on the leg. I can't find the exact product online but this was similar https://www.bunnings.com.au/moroday-400-x-500-x-6mm-adhesive-rubber-mat_p4000015. The one I bought was quite firm but still cut easily with scissors to the size I needed.  Bunnings is our version of Home Depot.