Outdoor table top

[Ronn W]

A friend wants to mamke an outdoor table 42" x 60".  Not Fancy.  I am thinking white oak.  Either varnish or exterior stain.  My question is:

Should we glue up the top to be a solid top (say, 7-6" boards) or would it be smarter to leave a small space between the boards to avoid movement problems and warping?

[Coop]

Personally, I I think an outdoor table looks more outdoorsy with a space between the boards. It also allows for better drainage and solves the wood movement. Unfortunately, it leaves more wood surface to re-surface when that day comes. 

[wtnhighlander]

What @Coop said. In fact, I lean toward designing it specifically for outdoor use. Simple joints that are not likely to break with expansion & contraction, minimal continuous surface area so rainwater doesn't pool on top, and no finish. White oak may not be the best choice for the 'unfinished' look, since it stains easily, but with no finish applied, maintaining the finish is quite easy! 

[Mark J]

Wouldn't cedar be a better choice than white oak, especially if it will be left unfinished?  

If it is to be finished, I wonder if the table might be designed/constructed to be disassembled for easier re-finishing?

[drzaius]

For a table top, I'd prefer white oak to cedar. It's so much tougher and it stands up to weathering well. Ipe would also make a great outdoor table top.