I'm relatively new to building outdoor furniture, but I'm gearing up to create a patio table using Ash wood that's been air drying for the past two years. It's been planed to about 1-1/8" thick, and while I'll be keeping it covered as much as possible, I know the Midwest weather will cause some seasonal movement over time. I'd love to achieve a clean aesthetic without showing a lot of screw heads. Am I being unrealistic by thinking I can use half flap pin joints and dowels exclusively, or should I accept that some metal fasteners will be necessary? Also, does anyone have a preferred apron leg design for this kind of project?
4 Answers
I’ve had good luck with un-pinned half laps that have lasted for years. Just ensure your design accommodates for outdoor use. And yeah, I’ll hide screws wherever possible!
To get that clean look you're after, traditional joinery with glue in the right spots is key. Just remember to design with the seasonal wood movement in mind, and that should help your project hold up well over time.
While it's hard to say without a full design, I've found that counter boring screws and using wooden plugs can help you maintain that sleek aesthetic. It gives the appearance of dowels instead of screws on the surface. It’s definitely an option to consider!
I completely agree with using proper joinery techniques, but if screws are a must, go for stainless steel ones, and countersink them for a neater look. Just remember, screws should primarily hold the pieces together without relying on them for structural support. A good housing or dado joint can definitely benefit from a screw for extra stability!