Thread: Red gum outdoor table

don't use sleepers, they are sopping wet and will warp, twist and crack out of all proportion, in the end the top will look like c@#p

Hardwood generaly takes about a year per 1" to dry so if they are green they are going to shrink for the next 4 years approx. What area of "Australia" are you in? If you let us know one of us will surley know a local supplier who will be able to get you some decent timber at a reasonable price.

Thanks for the feed back, so even though they are kiln dried and "bone dry" as the guy said will they still be a problem. Im in adelaide and have been around to a few timber places. Originally i was thinking about a red gum slab but after speaking to a few different people who have had problems with them splitting a few years down the track i thought the dried sleepers might be the go, also there is a big cost difference between the two. Cheers

It depends if the sleepers have been sitting outside in the weather or are stored under a shelter.

I'd say if you want that rustic out doors look, go for it. But if you want a clean, tidy modern look, take claw hammers advice and get decent timber.

Even if the wood is dry to start with it will take in moisture if it is left outside. Glued m&t joints will also suffer if exposed to the elements. In a covered in veranda setting then things are not so bad. I hate to say this but for a true outdoor situation treated pine is the go and keep the joinery simple with gal bolts and screws. If you are after a true rustic look then the sleepers will do but there will be lots of movement so avoid glue. The frame can be done with through tenon and wedges. This will make it easy to knock down for moving. Leave gaps between the top boards. A decking oil finish would be the best option. After a few months outside it will be very rustic.
.Regards
John

For a start, redgum sleepers are not kiln dried, so that'd be your first mistake and the second mistake would be buying what Bunnings would class as Kiln dried Timber that'll be suitable for what you want to do. Go to to reputable dealer if you're after Kiln dried Timber because Bunnings do not sell timber in the sizes you're after that is Kiln dried period.

What style of table and size are you after?

If you can give us a idea of what you're after, then we can maybe give you an idea of what you can use and what timber to use.