We had a patio table that measures 56" x 36". Sadly the glass broke and I'd like to try replacing the top with cedar boards. Any ideas on how to go about this? I want to use 1x4 cedar boards for the top, with 1/4" gaps between, but can't quite figure out a way to attach them. I know I'll have to build a base underneath the boards, but can't quite figure it out. Has someone done something similar? Also, do the boards on tables always run lengthwise? Running them in that direction with waste a lot of wood.
Laura
Tsu Dho Nimh
Sun, 05/01/2011 - 20:08
What material is the table?,
What material is the table?, and did the glass leave an opening or was it covering something else?
No, you don't have to make the boards run lengthwise.
derangedhermit
Tue, 05/03/2011 - 17:44
patio tabletop
If the tabletop glass was sitting on or in a mteal frame or lip that ran around the outside of the top, there is no need to attach the new top. Just make a new top out of your cedar, slightly larger, and set it on top of the existing frame.
Say you decide on 64x44. Put two 64x4x1 cedar boards on the floor (standing on edge, the 1" side), with 37" between them. Screw all the 44" top boards into these. Put the whole thing on the table base.
Make sure the existing base is strong enough to support the weight of the new top, that all connectors are tight, and that the whole thing isn't likely to tip over.
Cut the ends of the two bottom boards at an angle \====/, so the bottom corners don't bruise or scratch anybody. If there was a hole for an umbrella, start putting the top boards there, and cut the hole out of the edge of two boards, not the center of one.