D.I.Y. outdoor timber table

[Yorky88]

[Jason]

Fantastic job @Yorky88. Great to see you back on Workshop and sharing such a terrific project. I'm sure this will inspire other community members. Did you come up with the design yourself?

Jason

[Yorky88]

Thanks Jason 👍🏻

Yeah I hope so. Yes I did come up with the design myself however it's not it's not completely original. I got some ideas from online but all the measurements are completely my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this build because not only was it a great challenge but I also got to do half of the build with my dad which was awesome. I also got to show off my handy work and skills. So that was cool.

however I am looking for advice on the best way to finish the table. I need to stain or varnish it but I also want to feature the cracks in the wood but I don't really know where to start or the best products to use so any help from anyone would be great. Cheers 

[Jason]

I'm sure some of our keen woodworkers in the community would be happy to assist with advice on finishing the table @Yorky88.

They include @Wayne, @AndrewJones, @She_Skills, @darylhewston, @Brad and @Rusty-Saw.

Jason

[MartyH]

Will it always be an indoor table @Yorky88?

You might get some help from this post about a coffee table: https://www.workshop.com.au/t5/Getting-Started/timber-finish-for-coffee-table/m-p/11646

[Yorky88]

It will be undercover but on my back patio as my new outdoor setting as I'm getting rid of my glass top outdoor setting. So it will be effected by the elements still.  

[darylhewston]

 @Yorky88

Beaut work mate.  Personally I would leave the natural look, however there are so many stain colours nowadays you can pick whatever you fancy.

Wrt protection, maybe look at a marine grade polyurethane.  This will help against the weather but also the amount of tinnies that will be placed upon ones masterpiece.

Cheers

Daryl

[Yorky88]

Cheers @darylhewston yeah I definitely would like to keep the natural look I do love it. I'll probably go down that line of the marine grade polyurethane thanks for that👍🏻. What is the best way to apply polyurethane to get the best smoothest finish? 

Cheers

[darylhewston]

@Yorky88

Spray is the way to go.  If you don't have a gun then roll and finish off by using a fine grade brush, similar if you are using gloss enamel.

If you have any offcuts, maybe try a sample first to see how it will look.

You will probably need at least 3 coats, sanding lightly in between.

[Yorky88]

Ok awesome thanks @darylhewston I'll give spraying a go thanks mate.