Wifes 50th Birthday present on Hold ! Which product to "Finish" Jarrah Outdoor Table

[Simon Fraser]

I am building a Jarrah Outdoor Table for my wifes 50th Birthday.
Hopefully finished by her 60th!
The table has large Jarrah footing plates that will support the table.
The Plates/Feet are approx 800mm X 400mm in size and will sit directly on concrete.
Once the table is positioned it will be difficult to move because of the overall weight so consequently I want to seal the Plate/feet against contact water etc.

I am totally lost as to how I can achieve this as there seems to be so many products
relating to Garden Furniture and Decking. Example: Cabots Aquadeck.

Another thought was to lift the Plates/feet with rubber stoppers to elevate the plate
and allow airflow. I actually attempted this on a large piece and thought!
"Would the stoppers support and equalise the weight". A little mad but I drove the car onto the plate to see how far the rubber stoppers were squashed. Basically if they supported the car hopefully the table weight would be satisfactory.

Any thoughts and assistance would be sincerely appreciated.

[rrobor]

End grain sitting on concrete is never good, I think I would do a bit of experimenting with rubber matting bonded to the foot with something like that bitumen paint for the inside of water tanks or a contact adhesive. Once that is done Id use a hard burnishing oil. like Organ Marine oil or China wood oil. On Jarra the instructions on the can dont quite work as its for softer more porous woods, so the more coats and the more polishing the better the finish

[Tung tied]

Hi Simon,

While I'm keen on oil finishes, I think something like aquadeck is a good thing. I've just used it on a merbau front fence with the understanding that it should last a good 2 years.
The more outdoor protection you can get, the better.

Cheers

Bryan

[Simon Fraser]

Thank you for your assistance and suggestions.
I was also considering a rubber matting but wonder if I will have the same problem.
Water penetrating between the matt and the jarrah.

Consequently the idea of rubber stoppers which would allow me to "Oil" and protect the feet and still allow air flow and hopefully keep water penetration to a minimum.

My only concern is whether the rubber stoppers would support the weight distribution.

I am new to the Woodwork Forum and don't know if I can forward a picture that may assist with solving the problem.

Again . . . sincere thanks for all your suggestions.

[orraloon]

An easy option is to just place a few thin pavers under to elivate and stop the thing sitting in pooled water. I say thin because otherwise the table height will have to be adjusted in the design. Also some good water resistant coating on the foot.
Regards
John

[paul k]

Hi simon .

Better late than never , using conveyor belt rubber which is 10mm 12mm thick will do the trick . An idea for you to look at is a product called COLOURGAURD by Timbachem , it is a oil finish specificly made for jarrah and the darker coloured timbers. Many of our outdoor furniture makers use it . As any outdoor furniture it will need maintenance , can't get away from that one , Just check it out on the web .

Cheers , Paul

Don't procrastinate to long just do it !!!!!!! you will be amazed at the results.

Why a closed forum , just asking

[hammeredmoore]

i tend to agree with brian oils are good but will not solve your water penatration problem you need a better product like aquadeck to seal off the end grain. cheers.

[Simon Fraser]

Thank you to everyone that has offered advice and assistance.

A particular thank you to Paul . . .
Don't procrastinate to long just do it !!!!!!!
My wife's sentiments EXACTLY.

Hopefully I have the table finished before her next birthday and we can both
enjoy a few laughs over my Procrastination with a few good Reds!

Again - Many thanks everyone - Simon