I'm building a large outdoor table that's going to be 10 feet long, and I'm trying to decide if I should glue together 20 pieces of 2x4 lumber or go with 5 pieces of 4x6 lumber. I'm leaning towards the 4x6 for design and assembly, but I'm not sure if they'll sag over that length compared to the 2x4s. I'd love to hear any suggestions or experiences you might have!
3 Answers
I'd steer clear of gluing slats for an outdoor table. It’s better to have slats that allow for drainage. Plus, using 1x4s should still give you sufficient durability without the bulk of 4x6s. They get heavy, expensive, and a pain to construct!
Honestly, if you're worried about sagging on a 10' span, I'd be cautious with the 4x6s. Sure, they're solid, but they could definitely sag if there’s weight on top, like a big dinner spread. Maybe think about reinforcing with an extra support in the middle? It could save you a headache down the line!
If you can, consider using 2x6s or 2x8s instead. They give a good surface without being too thick or heavy. You might also want to add breadboard ends for a nice finish!
Great suggestion! I like the idea of breadboard ends to give it a fancier look!
That's a good idea! A central support beam sounds smart, especially if the table's going to get heavy use.