Pocket-Joint an Outdoor Cedar Table Top?

[D S]

I am just about to start a project to build an outdoor cedar patio table. 

 

I have 1x6 cedar boards which I will use to make a frame for the table top (5' x 3.5') and another 1x6 across the center to allow for boring a hole for an patio umbrella.  I plan to put 1x2 slats to fill in the remainder of the table top space.  

 

I am not sure if I should pocket-hole screw the 1x2's to the edge frame or attach them so they 'float' and move with the changes in weather from hot - wet - freezing.

 

If I screw them solid - will the changing weather crack them and pull apart??

 

Thx for your feedback. 

[James P. Cottingham]

I would "float" them 'cause the changing weather and humidity would cause cracking and splits. I've read one book that suggest if you retract the Kreg screw a quarter turn, this would allow the board to expand and contract without extra stress. I've never done that so I can't say if it works or not.

Another thing to do is make sure you have gaps between the boards for the same reason and also to allow water to run off the boards.

[D S]

Thanks James, yes I already planned for gaps.  Maybe I will give the 'back off the Kreg Screw a bit' - a try.

 

Thx

James P. Cottingham said:

I would "float" them 'cause the changing weather and humidity would cause cracking and splits. I've read one book that suggest if you retract the Kreg screw a quarter turn, this would allow the board to expand and contract without extra stress. I've never done that so I can't say if it works or not.

Another thing to do is make sure you have gaps between the boards for the same reason and also to allow water to run off the boards.

[Frank Hu]

I'm planning to build a cedar patio table using 5/4x6 boards without frames. what Kreg screws are you going to use for outdoor furniture?

[James P. Cottingham]

For outdoor use, you should use stainless steel or Blue-Kote.

[Ken Darga]

DS,

Affix a 6'' x  6'' x 1-1/2'' wood stock to the underside of the board, so as to give the umbrella additional support.