I'm in the process of restoring a very old outdoor table (picnic type) for my son. The table was originally built by my father about 50 years ago. I was surprised by how good the condition of the wood was, but it did show signs of age. It was well weathered and cracked on the weathered side.
I completely disassembled the table and ran all boards through my planner. Then I decided to epoxy all sides of each board (I'm using Total Boat Table Top epoxy), this has been very time-consuming. I plan to coat the top and sides of each board with TotalBoat Halcyon varnish to slow the UV damage. I'm open to suggestions.
Originally the boards were nailed together, I will be using outdoor Torx head screws when I reassemble. Also I will be predrilling before putting the screws in.
A few of the boards were fastened together using 1/4" bolts, about 3 1/2" long. I'd like to use Hex Drive Socket Cap Bolts or similar. The big question is "Does anybody make them for outdoor use"?
When completed the table will sit outside in the direct sunlight. We live in Oak Island thus the salt air, sun, and rain will be a challenge.
One obvious question is "Why not just build a new table using pressure-treated wood or Red wood"? I did as my son but he wanted something that Granddad built. He has fond memories of using the table when he was much younger and visited Granddad and Grandma
Since starting the project I have discovered better epoxy but I already have the Total Boat and will stay with it.
I completely disassembled the table and ran all boards through my planner. Then I decided to epoxy all sides of each board (I'm using Total Boat Table Top epoxy), this has been very time-consuming. I plan to coat the top and sides of each board with TotalBoat Halcyon varnish to slow the UV damage. I'm open to suggestions.
Originally the boards were nailed together, I will be using outdoor Torx head screws when I reassemble. Also I will be predrilling before putting the screws in.
A few of the boards were fastened together using 1/4" bolts, about 3 1/2" long. I'd like to use Hex Drive Socket Cap Bolts or similar. The big question is "Does anybody make them for outdoor use"?
When completed the table will sit outside in the direct sunlight. We live in Oak Island thus the salt air, sun, and rain will be a challenge.
One obvious question is "Why not just build a new table using pressure-treated wood or Red wood"? I did as my son but he wanted something that Granddad built. He has fond memories of using the table when he was much younger and visited Granddad and Grandma
Since starting the project I have discovered better epoxy but I already have the Total Boat and will stay with it.