You can read the back story in a 2010 Cottage Life piece. And yes, I’ve been working on this thing for two years. This weekend we sat round it to eat, finally.
The supporting structure came out interesting.
I put ten coats of varnish on the top; it’s going to spend some time out in the rain.
I think it looks nice, and it’s friendly and welcoming to sit at. My only real regret is having made it only six feet long; more would be better.
There were some errors, but the effects are cosmetic not structural; it’s solid as a rock. To see them, you have to get down on the deck and peer up at where the braces meet the supports. And if I catch you doing that I’ll kick you.
Comment feed for ongoing:
From: Chris Little (Jul 30 2012, at 09:09)
10 coats of varnish .... Well, I suspect I now know why the finish on our deck doors isn't holding up.
Did you use marine grade varnish?
PS The table looks great. Be proud.
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From: Tony Fisk (Jul 30 2012, at 16:24)
Ten coats of varnish.
... and all those exposed looking bolts!
Presumably galvanised!?
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From: Tim (Jul 30 2012, at 23:06)
For those who care about finishing techniques: Yep, polyurethane spar varnish, semi-gloss. That sucker’s encased in plastic.
All the nuts & bolts & washers are either galvanized or stainless.
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From: Emil (Jul 31 2012, at 04:37)
Nice! Just a note: the link to the plans in the original entry seems to have rotted and died. :/
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From: Shane (Aug 26 2012, at 14:21)
This seems to be the latest URL for the plans? http://www.handymanclub.com/projects/articletype/articleview/articleid/5415/picnic-table-project-plan
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