Outside project with Iroku

[Skeety]

Hi Guys,

After reading a thread on here re an outside table I have the hardwood ready to replace the plastic side tables on my Grillzebo.

The timber finished size will be 360mm x 1500mm and currently it's in 2 lengths at 180mm x 1550mm. It's 25mm thick.

I'm planning to use either 8 or 10mm dominoes with pocket holes to joint it along with Titebond III. The question I'm asking after reading about expansion and warping would be should I rip the boards in half? And if so how should I orient them prior to jointing?

I have plenty of clamps etc.

Sorry for the dumb question but new to this stuff

Cheers,

Jon.

 

[RobinBHM]

I had to google 'grillzebo' -I assumed it was some fancy BBQ make.
I see its actually a gazebo for a bbq-obvious really

I would look at the end grain of the boards first, if they are by chance 1/4 sawn (the growth rings will be perpendicular to the 180mm sides), then glue in 2 bits. Otherwise it may be worth ripping them in half and assemble Growth rings alternately. Although you could argue that more glue lines is more opportunity for delaminating in the future -as they are flat shelves which are gonna bit hit by rain and sun.

 

[Myfordman]

AFAIK, Dominos are not suitable for outdoor use.

 

[Skeety]

AFAIK, Dominos are not suitable for outdoor use.

Why not? They are Beech hardwood? They are not ever likely to see moisture anyway due to the Titebond III.

Sorry, just re-read and didn't want to come across as argumentative, just wondered why they are not suitable.

Cheers,

Jon

 

[Skeety]

I had to google 'grillzebo' -I assumed it was some fancy BBQ make.
I see its actually a gazebo for a bbq-obvious really

I would look at the end grain of the boards first, if they are by chance 1/4 sawn (the growth rings will be perpendicular to the 180mm sides), then glue in 2 bits. Otherwise it may be worth ripping them in half and assemble Growth rings alternately. Although you could argue that more glue lines is more opportunity for delaminating in the future -as they are flat shelves which are gonna bit hit by rain and sun.

Thanks

The grain looks like it radiuses through the boards, sort of like these bits are from somewhere between the core and bark of the tree. Will try and take a pic

Cheers,

Jon.

 

[RobinBHM]

Beech is not rot proof so maybe not recommended outside. However, dominos or biscuits used for joining boards are only really acting as alignment aids, stopping the boards sliding on the glue. Once the glue has set the dominos, arent actually doing anything. They are well protected from the weather.

Festool do actually do an external domino Sipo.

 

[Giff]

I have used Iroko outside in several projects. It is stable, when it's stable ! That may sound stupid but I have ripped different boards, bought at the same time and some are true and other ping apart immediately after the stresses are released and unless they are being screwed or joined will stay like that. Also I think that the kiln dried Iroko has too low a moisture content for immediate outdoor use and it is better to have it outside (undercover) for a while before dimensioning. As for the dominos either use the (very expensive) Sippos, or soak the beech ones in wood preserver and then dry them, or make your own out of Iroko. Geoff

 

[Benchwayze]

For outside use, make your own domino biscuits from exterior grade ply. Much stronger too because of alternating grain.

Why not make a garden table using decking for the top. Leave a space about 5mm between each board. I know it can be knotty, but careful selection at the DIY or sawmill can provide some good lengths. It looks fine and shouldn't rot.

HTH

 

[RogerM]

For outside use, make your own domino biscuits from exterior grade ply. Much stronger too because of alternating grain.

Why not make a garden table using decking for the top. Leave a space about 5mm between each board. I know it can be knotty, but careful selection at the DIY or sawmill can provide some good lengths. It looks fine and shouldn't rot.

HTH

............ or use some iroko offcuts to make some doms so the domino is rot proof as well.