Source
r/woodworking•
badmalloc

How to join a table top to the frame?

Hey guys, I need your help! I'm going to build my first table. It's going to be a very basic, small end table.

Something like this: http://www.houzz.com/photos/2292641/The-Parvus-table-traditional-home-decor-chicago

I plan to put a small (but wide) tenon on each of the rims (aprons? what are those pieces called) with matching mortises on each leg. Then I'll have a flat "frame", the top of the legs and rims. So my question is this: how do I attach the table top? Just gluing it on there seems awkward. Maybe drill some holes clean through the rims and screw into the bottom of the table top?

A few google searches didn't yield much info.

Thanks.

Posted Jun 4, 2016, 8:51 PM UTC

38
jakkarth•

You need to attach it in a way that accounts for wood movement. I'd suggest table top z-clips or similar Here are some links about wood movement and table top attachment:

Glue and screws are the wrong approach.

5
AMillionMonkeys•

It's good that you asked. Pick one of these:
http://www.craftsmanspace.com/knowledge/17-ways-to-fasten-a-tabletop.html

3
lurkattwork•

I've always gone with screws on countersunk holes along the apron.

I'm am always worried that one day they will fail. Lately I have been doing my breadboards with oversized dowel holes.

Should I expect any failure?

1
AMillionMonkeys•

Yeah, you need to elongate the screw holes in the apron so the top can expand and contract. Countersinking just makes it so the screw head is flush. But some kind of cleat or z-clip is preferred.
If the humidity in the room the furniture is in is very steady you won't have any problems, but it tends to change throughout the year.

2
IAmTheBADASS•

I just started using the tabletop z clips things for my stuff.

It works well, but is a sonofabitch to get in there. I recently made a big dual cabinet for trash and dogfood, and putting the clips in with an enclosed cabinet was such a hassle.

2
lurkattwork•

I think I am going to change up my tactics, Typically my stuff is in climate controlled areas but in Michigan the humidity changes drastically through the season.

Think I may change to the Cleat with slotted hole idea.

1
IAmTheBADASS•

Even with a climate controlled environment wood will still move.

1
badmallocOP•

Wow, I'm glad I asked. This is great info, thanks. I think I'll try a dovetail block. But we'll see.

1