outdoor table help

[Jcug23]

Hi , I was wondering if anyone can help with some advice. I have a large undercover outdoor area and my partner has purchased me the two photos below , specrite 2400x900x33 brown avacia multi use panel and 2 x rapid steel tube table legs. 

the palm is to use the whole panel for a large table and not cut it. 

can I please get some advice on if I should brace the table , and essentially how best to finish the project for an undercover outdoor dining table please. 
do I need to sand and seal it or the fact it’s oiled and undercover would it be ok ? 

any advice would be great , thanks 

JC 

 

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Jcug23. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a table.

For a table that size, some bracing is definitely a good idea. Even with strong steel legs, a 2400 x 900 mm panel can flex in the middle under weight, so adding a central support beam or cross braces under the panel will help keep it stable and prevent sagging over time. You can attach the braces to the underside of the panel and then fix the legs to both the panel and the brace for extra rigidity.

Since the panel is already oiled and will be undercover, you may not strictly need to seal it again immediately. However, giving it a light sand and a fresh coat of exterior varnish will protect the surface, refresh the colour, and make it easier to maintain in the long term. Be sure to check that all edges are coated too, as these tend to absorb moisture more readily.

Finally, make sure the steel legs are securely fixed and level, and consider adding rubber or plastic feet to protect the legs from any water that might sit on the floor. 

Check out this Outdoor dining table with floating condiments tray by @grazsmith.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Jcug23]

Hi Mitch,

Thanks for your email.

I do have plans to re-finish the table to get a better finish.

I didn't think about bracing though.

Thanks!

Have an awesome 2026!

My next project is not far away.

Cheers,

Graham

[Jcug23]

Thanks for the is Mitchell , 

I have had a look at a lot of the table projects on the site. Due to fact I am a novice and have no idea haha , do you have pictures of how the cross bracing under the panel would look and do you think I should place a rubber spacer between the steel leg and the wooden panel when securing the legs ? 

ans would the central support beam be easier ? 

thanks you 

[MitchellMc]

Any type of timber brace under the table enhances its span capabilities and helps prevent bowing @Jcug23⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You could either do a single 140 x 45mm central brace (Green) or two 90 x 45mm braces (Red). I've created the rendering below to illustrate.

I wouldn't add a spacer between the timber top and the legs, as this could allow movement.

Mitchell

[Jcug23]

Thanks heaps for that , 

ill run with the two 90x45 braces I think. Do you reccomend treated or untreated for those ? 

I was thinking 10gx30mm countersunk timber screws for the legs and then possibly 10g x 65mm countersunk timber screws for the braces ? 

Do you have a better idea ? And can I use a router to round the edge on those panels ? 

thanks again 

[MitchellMc]

Since it will be outdoors, I would use treated pine @Jcug23. Your screw choices are great.

Yes, you could use a router on the edges.

Mitchell