How to build a dining table using Specrite panels?

[lauramariewoott]

Hello, I am wanting to build a dining room table and bench using specrite panels. Will I need to include any type of bracing to support the table or is it OK to simply screw the legs into the pannel? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @lauramariewoott,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It really depends on the specific components you are planning to use and the size of the table. If there is a large span between the legs and they are not connected in any way, then bracing it with timber is definitely a good idea. This will help support the load applied between the legs and prevent bowing in the centre of the bench and table.

Being a dining table, I imagine there will be a fairly decent span between the legs on both your table and benches, so it is likely in your best interest to add some bracing.

Adding a rectangular brace made of Porta 42 x 42mm 1.2m DAR Square General Purpose Pine to the underside of the panels should a good option.

If you could advise the specific panel and legs you are planning to use, I would be happy to make some recommendations on how best to plan your build. 

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[lauramariewoott]

Hi Jacob, thank you for your reply. I’m planning on using the Specrite Merabu panel 2400 x 900 x 33 (I’m planning on trimming the length to make it 1800mm long) for the table top with the rapid home 70 x 73.2 x 6cm steel cross legs, I’ll use a smaller version for the bench seat. I also plan on using the same specrite merabu panel for the bench seat but only 405mm in width and I will also cut it down to have a slightly shorter length than the table. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @lauramariewoott,

For longer panels, Rapid Home advises moving each leg in 300mm from the end of the panel. 

Using a thick panel like you've chosen and moving the legs in so the weight in the centre of the table and benches is better supported, you should be fine without bracing.

Keep in mind that once you've put your table and benches together if you find they are a bit springy, you can always retroactively install some bracing. You can use 42 x 42mm Merbau Screening screwed together with 65mm Timber Screws and attached to the underside of the table or bench with the same screws.

See the below example of what you could do with the table if you find it is not as solid as you wished.

  

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[MikeTNZ]

Hi @lauramariewoott,

I personally think that with that sort of span between the legs of this table, you are still going to need some sort of bracing between the legs, if any significant weight is put on the table, to prevent the legs "splaying out", and to be fair, with that sort of span, it would not take a lot of weight for that to happen, this is how physics works, unfortunately.

What I would do, is get some 25mm x 3mm aluminium flat section and fit these in a "criss-cross" manner on both sides of the legs, as you look at the table from it's longest length.

I hope that this advice has been helpful, if you require further help, by all means, let us know, we're more than willing to help you out.

Cheers,

Mike T.

[lauramariewoott]

Thanks Mike, I think I will err on the side of caution and go with that option. 😊