Extra long outdoor table

[Drk00]

My wife has requested an outdoor table capable of seating 10-12 people. I’m thinking about 11’ or so and about 32” wide. I am planning on utilizing 8/4 spanish cedar for the build. As a 70 year old doing this by myself I dont want to fight with a huge one piece table top so my initial concept is to build two breadboard end panels and then combine them for the top. I recently viewed an outdoor table Tamara at 3x3 Custom built attaching the boards cross ways to build the topwhich could be another option.
 

My question is, can I span 11’ or so with just four legs on the corners without the skirt and top sagging sometime in the future?  I thnk that if I laminate two 8/4 pieces together to make the side skirts that would work. Or am I going to need to add center legs for support?

 

If anyone has any expierence in building an extra long table like this I would appreciate any input you might have.

 

Thanks.

[wtnhighlander]

Will this table be exposed to rainfall? If so, I recommend NOT gluing the top up as a panel. Individual boards, with gaps between, help avoid standing puddles of water.

As for supporting against sag, you might consider angled supports (gussets) from the legs to the top ad a means of reducing the total span, without adding legs.

Google 'sagulator' to find a helpful tool for calculation the amout of sag to expect from your material and dimensions.

[Mark J]

1 hour ago, Drk00 said:

As a 70 year old doing this by myself I dont want to fight with a huge one piece table top so my initial concept is to build two breadboard end panels and then combine them for the top.

I totally get this.  If the two sections are also removable that would also make them easier to refinish when necessary. 

[Von]

+1 to breaking up this top. I am currently dealing with some 8'x11"x2" oak lumber, and that is at the upper limit of what I feel comfortable handling by myself. Also, if you have a planer, its capacity often suggests your maximum board width.

+1 for separate boards so let water run through.

11' is a long run and I don't think I've seen many tables that long. My instinct is you'd want some extra support.

[Tpt life]

Most 11’ tables are leaf extended. This leaves counter balanced weight for the overhanging ends, and beamed sliding guide supports for the permanent ends. If you can find one of those tables that you like, you can do the math for the support locations, and apparent weight of the base. 

[Beechwood Chip]

There's this kit to give you some ideas.  They sell different size slides for longer tables.

[gee-dub]

LOML wanted the same thing.  I went with two tables.

I went with some commercial tables since I was having trouble getting some of the new bedroom furniture done fast enough.  They have worked out well.  I guess I should have waited to take the picture until after I cleaned them off for the party today 

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

On 11/1/2025 at 8:32 AM, gee-dub said:

LOML wanted the same thing.  I went with two tables.

That was going to be my suggestion as well. Even if you build this giant table, moving it is going to require a crane and work crew. I'd go with two and put them together for larger groups. 

[Mark J]

They could be designed to bolt/clamp together to keep them stable and the tops level.

[B1rdhunter]

9' 6" x 36" out of white oak. I don't think another foot and a half would be a problem. It does have a three inch skirt to complete the base with 4.5 inch square legs.

[Coop]

Beautiful table!!! 

[B1rdhunter]

Thanks Coop

[Coop]

My wife mentioned that she would like to have a 7’ or so for our patio that will fold up next to one of the two walls. I think it’s a Pinterest thing. Should be interesting

[treeslayer]

Absolutely beautiful table sir well done! I am curious about the clock in the background I’m assuming you made that as well 

[B1rdhunter]

I did make the clock from Marc's plans on TWW

[Drk00]

Looks like I need to scale things down a bit. My wife insists on one solid table. She will accept seating for eight but prefers ten. Looks like B1rdhunters 9’ 6” is in the ball park. Probably shoot for 10’. How thick are your table top and skirts?

[B1rdhunter]

I used 8/4 stock and finished out to 1 3/4" by 3" for the skirts. The top is also 1 3/4" thick . I have zero experience with spanish cedar. 11' would not be a problem with this oak, I'm fairly certain that you could have a barn dance on it.

[B1rdhunter]

If I were to build it again I would make it 40 inches wide instead of 36.

 

[dwilliam]

For an 11’ outdoor table, four corner legs alone will almost certainly allow sag over time, even with 8/4 Spanish cedar. Laminating two pieces for the skirt helps, but adding at least one or two center legs or a stretcher support is strongly recommended. Breadboard ends are a good idea to stabilize the top, and a crosswise attachment method can also reduce movement. Center support will save long-term headaches.