SUMMER ISSUE, 2008

Knotted Outdoor Scrap Table

Here is a relatively simple project that makes use of all those bits and pieces of wood you have accumulated from past building projects. You can combine pieces of 2" x 4", 2" x 6", 1" x 4", 1" x 6" etc. into a tabletop pattern that looks great and recycles those useless bits. Similar widths of wood scraps are placed within a frame to create the table surface. When finished with a clear sealer, the many end grains provide an interesting combination of colours and textures.

what's in store

tools

drill 1239-733
mitre saw 1347-037
measuring tape 1049-715
sander 1262-369
hammer 1030-308
clamps (optional) 1022-885, 1023-154 to 190
nail punch 1134-050
square 1070-062
brad nailer (optional) 1282-945

materials

scrap wood bits
1" x 6" cedar, 8 feet
2" x 4" cedar, 8 feet
outdoor wood glue 2020-850
3" deck screws 2183-862
galvanized finishing nails,
1-1/2", 2" 2134-826/835
sandpaper 1230-956
stain (we used WoodShield Best exterior wood stain 1866R715)

Step by Step

Pre-determine the dimensions of your table. Our project is 2 feet by 2 feet.
Cut all scrap pieces to 4" lengths.
"Dry assemble" the various pieces of 4" material for your table area on a flat, even surface, mixing and matching various widths and wood types (pine cedar, spruce). Each of the four corners will be replaced with a 2" x 4" table leg, 18" long. Do not secure these 4 “scrap” corners in step #4.
When you have set out the pattern, transfer the 4" pieces to a flat surface, keeping the pattern intact. You are now ready to build the tabletop, transferring the pieces one at a time, then gluing and securing with finishing nails, or a brad nailer. One outside edge of the table pattern will need to be trimmed to form a straight edge.
Remove the four 2" x 4" corner pieces and install the legs using 3" deck screws and glue.
Measure the exact perimeter of the top, cut the four outside trim pieces from 1" x 6" cedar with 450 mitred corners, and attach using 2" galvanized finishing nails and glue. You can fill any gaps or spaces in the table surface with a natural or colour matching wood filler.
Sand and apply a clear stain to all surfaces.