"Greg Guarino" wrote in message
...
We've had thoughts about finally revamping our back yard. Life has
recently thrown us a curve that may delay that (again), but I'll ask
anyway.

I'm thinking primarily of an outdoor dining table; simple, farmhouse
style. I'd like it to be over-large, but I'd also like to be able to put
it in a shed for the winter, so I'd probably build two normal-sized tables
instead, with removable legs.

So firstly, is this a stupid idea? Will I simply be building myself a
neverending project; one that will need refinishing every year or two? We
live in NY City; a pretty "versatile" climate with high humidity in the
summer, and of course, rain. The table would sit on concrete. We'd keep
some sort of fabric awning/umbrella over it, but nothing that would truly
keep it from the elements, (except in the winter).

If it's not stupid, what sort of wood should I build it from? Are there
perhaps plastic "cups" that are designed to protect the bottoms of (say)
4x4s where they would touch the ground? If I were to use metal fasteners
(for the legs, plus possibly pocket screws elsewhere), would those be
problematic over time?

How pretty do you want it? If it were me, I'd make it with PT lumber and
paint it; that would be IMO the easiest upkeep. Next best - again, IMO -
would be a prettier wood and oil; yes, you have to redo the oil now and then
but it easy and fast and it will easily last one season, probably more.
When I was living on a sail boat I made all the blocks and belaying pins
from teak, finished with oil and they were still fine when I moved off 10
years later.

As far as leg protectors, you already have some suggestions. Another is
large rubber corks. I am going to use them when I get to making my sofa
tables, not for protection but to level...

1. drill holes on legs

2. recess T nuts or threaded inserts in holes

3. bolt corks to a wood round slightly smaller than hole, recess bolt head
and nut

4. screw cork and attached wood round intto holes in legs

The wood round really isn't needed, I am using it simply for appearance.

2. bolt