Still undecided on table build

SaltySam

Initially I wanted to do a concrete top for my table, but then I got the second egg.  I'm not sure I want something that heavy.  I've decided to do cedar.  

Rough dimensions will be 6.5' long, 2.5' deep and the table top will be waist high. I have a couple questions:

1) will the 6' span be strong enough to support two larges? Each egg will be situated about 8" from the left and right side to maximize table space in between. 

2) I planned on doing 1x4" or 1x6" planks length-wise for the top, with about 1/8" space between planks.  I know cedar moves.  Which direction does it move? With the grain or perpendicular to it?

3. Does cedar take stain well? 

4) after staining, does spar urethane cover stain well?

thanks for the help

Proser

I would put a support leg in the middle at least ( I tend to overbuild so two would be better than one)

Use 2x material for the top, no more than you need it will be worth it

cedar tends to shrink and swell on the width of the boards

Sikkens makes a good product for cedar.  Finish with spar urethane on the top 3-5 coats

HeavyG

Really depends on the size/type of lumber your lower support shelf (the one that the eggs will rest upon).

This can help you figure it out: http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm

henapple

Cedar won't move if it's secured properly and finished. Pressure treated will warp. 

henapple

Oh....be sure to put the grain circle up

johnkitchens

I think mine is 7 ft long.

SaltySam

@johnkitchens that is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. How big are your casters? Also, what is underneath your eggs? Is that just ceramic tile, or are those granite slabs?

thanks everyone else for the tips.  I'll check out Sikkens. Also, thanks @HeavyG for the calculator. All this stuff is really helpful

johnkitchens

SaltySam said:

@johnkitchens that is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. How big are your casters? Also, what is underneath your eggs? Is that just ceramic tile, or are those granite slabs?

thanks everyone else for the tips.  I'll check out Sikkens. Also, thanks @HeavyG for the calculator. All this stuff is really helpful

That is 3/16" plate steel. I will have to measure the casters. 

SaltySam

Did you buy it like that, or did you paint it? Sorry if that's a dumb question...I'm not familiar with plate steel, where to buy it, etc. I assume it's rustproof.  

That at table is beautiful. Do you keep it covered? 

johnkitchens

SaltySam said:

Did you buy it like that, or did you paint it? Sorry if that's a dumb question...I'm not familiar with plate steel, where to buy it, etc. I assume it's rustproof.  

That at table is beautiful. Do you keep it covered? 

Not a dumb question at all! I like helping guys here. 

We use a lot of steel at work. I had them cut and paint these pieces for me. As long as the paint stays on it will be rustproof. If you want to use steel any local fabrication shop can help you out.

Thank you for the compliments on my table. I don't keep it covered. It is on a porch so it doesn't get rained on unless it is a blowing rain which isn't that often.
 
This is my other table that I use for storage.