Underneath Support Around The Hole Question (Table Build)

Biff_Tannen

So I built a table a few weeks ago for my medium egg and am not very pleased with it. I rushed the whole process and eyed a bunch of stuff without using clamps or levelers. At first glance I supposed the table looks alright but there are some problems with the wood bending where the hole for the egg was cut, as well as the end which makes them look very uneven. Additionally I am not thrilled with the stain color that is on the original table. I went in and bought the first thing I saw which was actually "deck stain" instead of a finer finish. I have decided to build another table and put more time and effort into getting the correct measurements and whatnot. So far I have the main frame built and everything is leveled out perfectly but wanted to get some advice before continuing with laying the boards down. 

Do I need to construct a wooden circle underneath in order for the boards to not bend? I have seen some tables that have it, and others that don't. I was thinking about just adding another 2x4 support beam a little bit closer to the edge of the hole to secure in more and keep it from bending. Will that be enough or is the full circle a must? I have provided some pics below to reference what I am talking about.

Pic # 1 - Original Table

 

Pic # 2 - New frame (so far) 



Pic # 3 - Example of extra 2x4 I was planning on doing



Pic # 4 - Example of rounded underneath support in question 

dldawes1

I have not built a table yet, but if I do, the last picture in your post with the added support under the edges of the table top would probably be the way I'd go.

Toxarch

Put in some diagonal supports to cut the corners around the egg like in the last picture. That should support the boards and keep them from warping. I would leave a little more space between the egg and the 2x4 than what is pictured.

Biff_Tannen

Toxarch said:

Put in some diagonal supports to cut the corners around the egg like in the last picture. That should support the boards and keep them from warping. I would leave a little more space between the egg and the 2x4 than what is pictured.

Ok thanks! So for the diagonal supports, would I just have to cut an angle in the end of the 2x4? The reason I ask is because I got all my wood pre-cut this time when I purchased it.

nolaegghead

That would be ideal but you could just toe screw them in with some long screws and it would be fine.

Hungry Joe

Your table and build look fine. Your choice of lumber could have been better if that is pressure treated lumber for the top. If it is, pressure treated has a bad habit of warping.


Can you just buy some cedar and replace just the top? That would last just as long.