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NFT: Woodworkers/carpenters: turning inside table to outdoor

TurdFurguson : 3/7/2018 11:02 am
We have a dining room table that we want to turn into an outdoor picnic table. The table is pretty ordinary, not overly decorative, and comes with a bench made from the same wood. Look up steps online its saying to sand the entire surface and paint with a polyurethane coating/sealant to weather proof. Any other steps or tricks for this I might not find online?
Not ideal....  
Ryan : 3/7/2018 11:09 am : link
depending on the species and construction of the table. At a minimum sand it down and put on 2-3 coats of spar urethane. If there's a way to disassemble it to get to any hidden surfaces that may be entry points to moisture all the better. If it's a not made form a species that resists rot then you'll need to be diligent about keeping up the finish.
Obviously  
idiotsavant : 3/7/2018 11:48 am : link
Very often there is a laminate layer.

If so. Bad idea.
Outside you want solid.  
idiotsavant : 3/7/2018 11:55 am : link
Typically no glue at all unless your dealing with epoxy and cedar or white oak ect. Which is very unlikely for a dining room table.

You can build new with cheap construction grade solid cedar and bolts or screws (deck screws) Pick Nick style easy.

Even pine. With gaps between the planks, so it can dry well, will last a while. Type of wood or ability to dry out at joints (not laminated) is more a thing than a coat of poly.
It has never worked for me.  
Boy Cord : 3/7/2018 1:15 pm : link
Just like making an indoor cat an outdoor cat because your kids wanted a puppy.
Even on antiques from pre-plywood  
idiotsavant : 3/7/2018 1:25 pm : link
You have, at times, a veneer layer.

Basically a peeled log to give the appearance of what would have been a solid single plank cut from a giant perfect tree part.

Nowadays same. You might have a veneer layer over a composite board of some type. Not for outdoors at all.

Not same as plywood exactly which typically made from peeled logs also but all laminated into a cohesive product in a factory. Whereas old veneer last layer in a shop situation and might be over glued solid wood rather than peeled layers.
Would marine varnish work?  
exiled : 3/8/2018 1:12 pm : link
I mean, if you don’t care too much about the table, it may last a handful of years even with outdoor paint. I’ve done that. Visit a boat supply shop. But if the table is has any longer-term value to you, definitely don’t leave it outside.
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