Do I need to fix the gaps in this wood panel?

[Jen_Andrew]

A friend gave me a wood panel (length 1120mm, width 605mm, thickness 26mm) that I was thinking of making into an outdoor table by adding premade steel furniture legs and finishing in an outdoor oil coating. I left the wood under my awning and when it rained, it still got very wet. I took it inside but since then, I noticed at about 3 or 4 spots there are very thin gaps  in the panel where the individual wood "slats"have been glued together (see photos). These gaps are full thickness, with the longest one being about 6-7cm. Do I need to fix/fill in these gaps? If so, how?

[Ready2go]

Hi Jen_Andrew

the glue in these panels are not usually made for outdoor use so I'd be wary of where and how I'd use them for outdoor furniture. having said that, if it is a free panel, then you don't have too much to loose.

you can fill the splits with a number of products from wood filla, sawdust and PVA to lacquer or even epoxy resin but there is no guarantee that other splits won't form. 

definitely give it a good coat of outdoor oil or varnish- there is a water-based one at Bunnings that is rated for outdoor use and is really easy to use. 

Also, brace the underside of the panel so it is less likely to warp in the weather. I've had a similar panel cup nearly 50mm in one afternoon. 

I hope that is helpful- would also say, most of the staff in the paint section of Bunnings are usually quite knowledgeable and would be able to help you choose the coating. 

would love to see your final product too

[Jen_Andrew]

Thanks Ready2go. I've got some PVA so I might give that a go. I'll pop into Bunnings and get some coating this weekend.

How would you brace the underside of the panel btw?