What timber to use for outdoor table?

egb_00

Hi,

I am building an outdoor high bar table for my apartment balcony. I am interested in buying the 1800x600x18 Specrite Merbau timber panel. However, 600mm is too wide for our balcony (we need 400mm depth max). I have been told bunnings don’t cut below 600mm, and unfortunately we do not have any tools to cut.

The only alternative I can think of is building two tables side by side using 1200x405x18mm panels. Is there any other timber which would be suitable for outdoor use without the need to cut?

We have hairpin table legs we are planning to screw on - similar to the image attached. Our balcony is covered and we can cover the table with tarpe/waterproof cover to help. It is only for a rental so if it lasts 1-2 years this is great.

Any help would be appreciated!

JacobZ

Hi @egb_00,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything in the exact dimensions you are after, and I am not aware of a workaround that doesn't require cutting.

Could you get away with using this 285 x 19mm 1.8m DAR Pine Premium, or would that be too narrow?

Maybe you could take the 1800 x 600 x 18mm Merbau Multi-Use Panel and advertise a job on Airtasker or HiPages for someone to rip it down to size for you? If there's a men's shed near you, they might be able to help out?

The other option is to give cutting it yourself a go. I would be more than happy to assist if you'd like to give this a try.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

egb_00

Hi Jacob,

Thank you so much for getting back to me, I really appreciate it! The 285x19x1.8 pine is great and the dimensions are even better!

Would this be suitable for outdoor use? Our balcony is covered and in the shade but rain can still come in from the side. Is there anything we can buy to coat/protect the wood?

I am a beginner here so any advice is appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

JacobZ

Hi @egb_00,

Without any coating, it would not be suitable for outdoor use, but with a sealer, it will be fine.

My suggestion would be either Exterior Paint in a colour and sheen of your choosing, or an exterior-grade varnish such as this Bondall Satin Monocel Gold Marine Clear Timber Varnish.

This timber comes relatively smooth, but it is still worthwhile to give it a light sand with some 120 Grit Sandpaper before applying your choice of sealer.

Apply 3 coats with a high quality brush or roller, allowing adequate drying time between each coat and giving it a light sand between coats if necessary.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

egb_00

Hi Jacob,

Thank you for your help. I purchased the wood, sandpaper and varnish you suggested. Unfortunately the screws that came with the hairpin legs are too long for the depth of the 285x19x1.8 DAR pine.

Could you please let me know if there is another screw size I can buy for Bunnings to attach the table legs? I have attached the dimensions of the legs for reference - the holes are 6mm. If so, what drill bit size would I need to pre-drill holes for the new screws?

Thank you!

EricL

Hello @egb_00

I suggest bringing the table leg with you to the store and testing the following:

These screws are short and have very sharp tips so will not require pilot holes. My best advice is to not to overtighten the screws to prevent stripping the screw holes. Once you have confirmed that either the 6G or 8G fits you'll know which screw to get.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric