Outdoor Tabletop: Third Time’s a Charm

I built this outdoor table almost eight years ago, back in September 2018, and it’s been a bit of a journey ever since.

The day the table was finished: painted legs and apron, with a teak oil finish on the Sapele wood top.

The base of the table has held up incredibly well. For the apron, I chose Sapele, which has proven to be a great option for outdoor use. The legs, supplied by Van Dyke Restorers (a sponsor of the project), are made from red oak, three boards laminated together. Now, red oak isn’t exactly known for thriving outdoors, but with a solid approach, primer, paint, and nylon domes on the feet to keep them off wet surfaces, they’ve held up surprisingly well. Nearly eight years later, they’re still going strong. They could probably use a fresh coat of paint this fall, but overall, no complaints.

The tabletop, though, that’s where things got interesting. If you want to build this, you can read my other blog: Build a Dining Table – FREE Design Plans

For durability against sun, wind, and rain, I like TotalBoat Gleam Spar Varnish Gloss and Thixo Epoxy. Use this link for a discount on your TotalBoat Order!

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Attempt #1: Sapele + Biscuits + Oil Finish

My first top was made from Sapele. I joined the boards using biscuits and Titebond II wood glue, then finished it with Danish teak oil. While the oil gave it a beautiful, natural look, it just didn’t provide enough protection. Within a year, exposure to the elements, sun, rain, wind, snow, and its location near Barnegat Bay took a toll. The wood cupped, and the joints began to separate.

The Sapele apron fits into the red oak table leg with a mortise-and-tenon joint.

The tabletop is being glued together with biscuits and Titebond II wood glue.

The table legs and apron are painted.

 

Attempt #2: Red Grandis + Dominos + Epoxy

The tabletop fails at the glue joints.

For round two, I switched to Red Grandis, another solid outdoor choice and a bit more budget-friendly. This time, I stepped up the joinery using Dominos and Thixo Epoxy. Unfortunately, I stuck with the same Danish Teak Oil finish, and that turned out to be the weak link again. Before long, the top failed just like the first. Within a year, it looked more like a potato chip than a tabletop.

The next tabletop is made of Red Grandis, and the boards are glued together with TotalBoat Thixo epoxy and Dominos.

Setting the Dominos.

Finishing the top with Danish teak oil.

My brother helps me attach the new tabletop.

A close look at the table with the new Red Grandis top.

 

Attempt #3: Back to Sapele + Varnish Finish

A photo of me using a straightedge to help illustrate the slight cup that the tabletop developed from being outside in the rain, wind, and sun.

For the third attempt, I went back to Sapele but kept the improved joinery, Dominos, and Thixo Epoxy. I also added a decorative thumbnail edge profile for a bit of character.

For this third attempt at the tabletop, I’m adding a decorative profile to the edge using a thumbnail bit in the router.

This tabletop is made out of Sapele, and I joined the boards together with TotalBoat Thixo epoxy and dominoes.

The biggest change? The finish.

On this third attempt, the big difference is the finish. This time, I used TotalBoat Gleam spar varnish.

An important thing to remember when using this finish is to use the gloss finish first. Even if you want a satin finish, apply four coats of gloss first for better protection against weather and UV exposure. Your last coat can be satin if you desire a satin finish.

My brother Will gives me a hand attaching the new tabletop and positioning it on the deck. You can see my mom in the background, overseeing the project.

This time, I used TotalBoat Gleam spar varnish, and it made all the difference. A key tip here: start with gloss. Gloss varnish offers better UV and weather protection than satin. Even if you prefer a satin look, apply the first four coats in gloss, then finish with a satin coat.

 

Maintenance Matters

No outdoor finish is truly “set it and forget it.” Each spring, I lightly sand the surface with 320-grit sandpaper and apply a fresh coat of varnish. It’s a simple routine that goes a long way.

We use a tablecloth in the summer to help protect the finish against the sun, and a vinyl cover over the table during the off-season.

Now heading into its fourth year, this tabletop still looks great. When not in use, we keep it covered with a white tablecloth to help minimize sun exposure.

This is my nephew’s birthday celebration, and a good example of how the table is used throughout the season. The table is not precious; it’s made to be used — not abused, but not something people need to be overly careful around. All outdoor finishes require maintenance, and any dings or scratches the tabletop gets throughout the season will be taken care of next spring when the table receives another coat of Gleam spar varnish.

This table sits on my mom’s deck down the Jersey Shore and has become a centerpiece for family gatherings over the years. It’s held up through a lot, and now, it’s ready for another season by the bay.

Thanks for reading. See you in the next one.