Kreg Owners' Community

is pocket hole connection strong enough for outdoor table rail to leg connection?

I'm going to build an outdoor table with cedar. Something similar to

http://chestofbooks.com/home-improvement/woodworking/Elements-of-Co...

Size of the table top will be about 3'x6'

The legs will be 4x4s and rails will be 2x4s. Table top will be 2x6s with 1/4" gap between boards.

Will the pocket hole connection strong enough to connect the rails to the legs?

Thanks.

Views: 1441

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I would think 3 pockets in the rail would be adequate. Since you are attaching to a 4x4 your screws can be extra long.

I would suggest another method of jointery for the legs and major supporting frame work.  Cedar is too soft to hold a pocket screw in the joints that hold the frame work.  The pocket  screw would be fine for attaching the table top to the frame. The legs to the rails are stressed too much for a butt joint made by a pocket screw.

I would consider using a mortise and tennon joint method to add strength to your basic frame.  It will take some time however the rewards of a long lasting table will justify the time you spend.

I have built an outdoor cedar chair with plans from the Kreg site and have no issues with the cedar being too soft to hold the screws. I think using longer screws into the 4x4 would be plenty strong. Make sure you use the outdoor "blue" screws or the stainless steel ones (a little expensive to me). Also, just be cautious when driving the screws and you should be good to go. Good luck.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Need Help?

For Technical Support, please call 800-447-8638 or send a message. Reps are available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm CST. 

Videos

  • Add Videos
  • View All

Forum

Jig settings for 2 ¾ x 1 ½ boards with 30 degree miters?

I making a hex ring out of 2x4s ripped to 2 ¾ inches wide with 30 degree miters.  What setting on the Jig should I used? 1 ½ is too much.  Thanks.Continue

Started by Patrick Halinski in Kreg Jig® Operation Dec 30, 2023.

40mm Cup Hinge Jig Question

Hi All.....I have the 35mm Kreg Jig hinge drill guide. The guide is great for 35mm Hinge Cups, but I have a speciality 40MM hinge cup to drill.Has anyone adapted the Kreg guide to work with 40mm Forsner drill bits? Or have a guide that works…Continue

Started by Ed Anderson in Beginners' Zone Oct 3, 2023.

Product Reviews

New Kreg 720Pro

I saw the video Kreg put out for this new jig and had high hopes for it.

I purchased one today and am very disappointed with it.

First the docking station is extremely cheap. The plastic is pathetic. A Lego has more…

Continue

Posted by Duke Leon on February 15, 2021 at 9:00pm

Not Pleased With Pocket Hole Construction

Several months ago, I purchased the Kreg K4MS so that I could build the Lego Table as outlined on the companion "buildsomething" web site which exclusively uses pocket hole construction.  I have considerable experience with conventional…

Continue

Posted by Robert Ringel on September 17, 2020 at 1:48pm — 9 Comments

© 2024   Created by KregRep.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service

_