Need Advice Another question that many will have an opinion of

[Ted P]

When solid table or bench tops are fastened to the base, allowance needs to be made for seasonal expansion of the top.
Would one fix the top in the center and allow movement each side of center?
Would one make the top free floating?
Would one fix a side and allow all movement away from the fixed side?

Top is about 26” cross grain.

Ted

 

[Mike Davis]

I attach firmly at the center of each end and use wood L brackets that I make to attach the sides. I recently bought some figure 8 metal plates to try but haven't made a table to test them on.

 

[LeftyTom]

I used Figure 8 fasteners on my latest table builds.

 

[ScottM]

Z clips.

 

[Ted P]

I bought a bag of metal z clips. Intend to use my biscuit jointer to make the slots for the clips. The clips are slightly over bent with sharp edges that I would sand smooth to make float. Probably nitpicking, but just trying to decide if they need to be tight at the center of the top, or float overall

 

[Rwe2156]

I would hold the z clips along the length off the apron about 1/8 - 3/16”. Even though 90% it’s gonna shrink, not expand, it’s a good practice. Personally not a fan, but they will work on a small top like yours.

But to answer your question, you can let it float, but you would fix a top at the front if there is a moulding. Other examples: a solid wood drawer is fixed at the front. A breadboard end is fixed in the middle.

Buttons are my preferred method, especially on large tops. What Scott showed except they are properly called buttons.

 

[CharlieGator]

I use Z clips for securing my table tops to the frame

 

[Berta]

I have used figure 8 fasteners for table tops.

 

[Knuckles]

i have used z clips in a kitchen table i made. no issues yet

 

[pop-pop]

This thread seems like a search for a distinction without much of any difference.

Once one grasps the need to accommodate wood movement and the direction thereof, any of the above suggestions will work. To me, it boils down to personal preference and what’s on hand.