Hey everyone, I’m in the process of building a coffee table out of red oak and 1” square tubing. I haven’t figured out how I’m going to attach the top to the base, and was hoping someone could give me some tips. I know I need to account for wood movement, but unsure of the best way to go about it. I’ve included some pictures of the look I am going for, and open to any idea you all may have. Thanks!
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Does the wooden slab sit inset to the metal frame or on top? Are you wanting the wood slab to be removeable? There’s lots of ways to go about it.
If you have any actual blueprints that would be very helpful
As a general rule you basically drill a hole through the top of the metal frame where you want the screw to go into, clamp your top down to the frame, then use the holes you’ve already drilled to put pilot holes into the wood. As long as you make your holes just a little bit bigger than the shaft of the screw, that will be able to account for wood movement
The slab will sit on top of the metal base. I don’t have any blueprints yet, as I’m kind of winging the build. I was thinking about welding some flat iron on the corners of the frame, drilling either holes or slots, then using some sort of screw/fastener to attach the slab. Thoughts?
I build a lot of metal framed/industrial furniture and what you just said is exactly what I do. I usually add a couple down the rails of the frame for extra support/mounting points.
Either drill through the frame as Zach mentioned or you can add flat strap welded to the frame with holes in it.
As some would say 6 ways one way half a dozen the other.
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