Hey everyone! I have a lot of 1x6 cedar boards and I'm considering using them to make a tabletop for my kitchen table. I'm wondering if using them as is will provide enough thickness, or do I need to stack them to reach a thickness of about 2 inches? I know cedar isn't the best choice since it's a softer wood, but I'm eager to work with what I have, especially since I have about 60 boards on hand and need a new table.
3 Answers
The thickness really depends on your table's design. Typically, a 1-inch thick tabletop should work structurally, but it might look a bit off depending on how it's proportioned. Just keep that in mind when planning your design!
I would be careful using cedar for the tabletop since it's really easy to dent. You might want to reserve the cedar for outdoor projects instead. It's great for durability in the elements, but indoors it might not hold up as well.
Cedar is indeed softer, which means it can get damaged easily. While you could use it, I recommend layering your boards for added strength and better appearance—aim for about 1.5" to 2" thick. Just keep in mind that planing might reduce that thickness after finishing. Also, expect to use a decent amount of glue for those layers.