Underneath Support Around The Hole Question (Table Build)

Biff_Tannen · July 2015

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

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/2m/31aw3bvqq1wv.jpg

Pic # 2 - New Table Frame (So far)

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/qy/2m1tzfdrn6b4.jpg

Pic # 3 - Example of additional 2x4 Support in question (left side)

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/yq/5kft5i5bv7rx.jpg

Pic #4 - Example of rounded support in question

DeltaNu1142 · July 2015

For my table top surface, I added diagonal supports to four sides to create an octagon around the Egg as shown around the holes in your photo #4. This is mostly because all but two of my top boards are cut completely through to make the hole for the Egg--also as in the photo.

For the bottom shelf, I only have front-to-back supports. I added two, one directly under each area where the table nest contacts the surface of the shelf.

I'm an engineer and I've never created anything that wasn't overbuilt. Cost and aesthetics be damned, if I build something, you're going to be able to drive a truck on it. In this case, it's just a 2x4 frame with 1x6s, but it's solid. Nothing bends. See the link in my signature for photos.

ChrisgrillsSTLMO · July 2015

I put a support beam to the right and left of the hole, but not a ring. My build is a little different than your since I have the granite sheet on the right that kind of forced me to put in the support to hold that wood in place but I think the beam would be enough to keep things level. I have attached a picture that shows the drill holes for the support beams on the right of the Egg. Hope that helps!

Cheers,

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/xl/fhv8iyfbtvmi.jpg

Skiddymarker · July 2015

Have not had a table in over four years, but the concept of an octagonal support is ideal. The idea is to support the ends of the top boards so it does not have to be a true octagon, A simple polygon with the number of sides required to support the top boards is what you need rather than try and ensure the top boards are also symetrical. Don't think you will see much warping with a 2-3" overhang.

Underneath Support Around The Hole Question (Table Build)

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