Patio Table

[poolhound]

Hey there folks not posted here for a while but am just planning a new project and could use some advise.

I am looking to build a wooden table for my patio. Size is not finalized but at least 6foot long and capable of seating 8.

My question is what should I build it from that will be not to tough to work with and wont break the bank. FYI I live in Arizona so it will need to put up with some heat.

Thanks

Jon

[JR]

Redwood. Don't finish it, let it age gracefully.

[footprintsinconc]

i was going to say redwood as well.

however, i would be tempted on using a sealer so that it can be cleaned, washed and wont take stains from food or utensils on the table. i think it would also help when washing off dust that accumulates on stuff outside.

good luck.

[JR]

...however, i would be tempted on using a sealer...

Unfortunately, I have all sorts of experience with outdoor redwood furniture. I have not found anything that will protect the wood for more than a year. Which means you're stuck refinishing it every spring.

IMO, unless you're really intent on a fairly nice finish and its attendant labor, you're better off learning to like the natural redwood as it ages.

YMMV

[poolhound]

I take it you mean the basic redwood that you can pick up in HD.

With all the dust we get here in AZ + the food issue my first instinct would be to treat it.

Jon

[JR]

I take it you mean the basic redwood that you can pick up in HD.

Yep. If you don't find something suitable there, check out a lumber yard, looking for clear redwood.

With all the dust we get here in AZ + the food issue my first instinct would be to treat it.

Yeah, it's a tough call. I'm not suggesting you don't wash it, mind you. Just that if you want it to look like it has a finish on it, it's going to take work. Thomson's Water Seal is reported to be practically useless. Polyurethane will crack and peel. I've got BLO on a bench right now, and that's not too bad, but I've resigned myself to annual or even semi-annual maintenance.

JR

[cabinetman]

Hey there folks not posted here for a while but am just planning a new project and could use some advise.

I am looking to build a wooden table for my patio. Size is not finalized but at least 6foot long and capable of seating 8.

My question is what should I build it from that will be not to tough to work with and wont break the bank. FYI I live in Arizona so it will need to put up with some heat.

Thanks

Jon

Cost wise you could use pressure treated lumber. Suitable species that will hold up outside include: Redwood (as suggested), Cypress, Cedar, White Oak, and Bamboo. If you choose to use a finish, pure Tung oil works pretty good with several applications, and is easy maintenance. IMO, film finishes, like spar varnishes don't hold up well, and are a PITA to maintain.
.

[jackellis]

I don't like redwood that much because it's soft, but it does well outdoors and you absolutely need to treat it for a couple of reasons. First, so you can wash off the Arizona dust. Second, because UV is pretty hard on everything. Untreated redwood starts looking pretty pathetic pretty quickly if it's not stained.

I managed to rehabilitate a redwood picnic table that spends all of its time uncovered, outdoors at 6000 feet simply by staining it again after it had been neglected for almost 20 years.

I prefer cedar because I look the look and it just appears to be a more robust wood but cedar also needs to be treated, especially if it's left outdoors. Our cedar deck in the same outdoor location as the table needs to be pressure washed and stained about every other year. Moisture has some effect but it's the sun that really takes a toll.

[JR]

I managed to rehabilitate a redwood picnic table that spends all of its time uncovered, outdoors at 6000 feet simply by staining it again after it had been neglected for almost 20 years.

Ah, yes, staining is a whole 'nother thing! Stain suitable for decks or house trim would hold up very well. My mind was wrapped around clear finishes.

JR

[poolhound]

Thanks for the input I will start pricing out various options

Jon