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Home Improver Guide 9
TIMBER BAR-B-QUE TABLE & SEATS

Introduction | Sizes & Quantities | Species | Grade | Hardware | Instructions

INTRODUCTION
Illustrated is a strongly constructed bar-b-que table and combination seats.  The design has been planned so that no joints are required.  The whole assembly is held together by non corroding galvanised bolts and countersunk head screws.

Your timber stockist will be able to advise on suitable available timber.  However, be aware that the timber you choose should be durable in outdoor conditions (see Species).

We also recommend that all components receive one coating of water repellent primer, or pigmented stain, or exterior furniture finish, before assembly.

Your table will last for many years with little maintenance.   It will last even longer if it is regularly re-coated with stain or exterior furniture type coatings.

TABLE 1

TIMBER SIZES & QUANTITIES
REFER FIGURE 1
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SPECIES  back
Hardwood, Cypress and Treated Softwood are all suitable.

• Hardwoods are in the main naturally durable.  However,  sapwood should be limited or CCA treated.  Tannins from some species may stain  clothing if the furniture is used when damp.
• Cypress is light and easy to use.  However, all  sapwood should be limited, coated with preservatives and positioned so that it faces down.
• Treated Softwood is light, easy to use and long lasting.

GRADE  back
For best outdoor performance ask for appearance grade timber free from loose knots, gum veins, resin pockets and end splits.  All timber should be supplied dressed on four sides (DAR).

HARDWARE   back

• HARDWOOD

16/75 x 8mm galvanised cuphead bolts, nuts and washers, or  galvanised batten screws.  70/75 x 5mm galvanised or brass countersunk head wood  screws.

• SOFTWOOD (Cypress and Treated)

16/100 x8mm galvanised cuphead bolts, nuts and washers or  galvanised batten screws.  70/75 x 5mm galvanised or brass countersunk head wood  screws.

FINISH  back

• Selected exterior finish - timber stains or paints for garden  furniture as recommended by the manufacturer.

INSTRUCTIONS   back

Cut four legs (A) 900mm long from 100 x 38mm DAR hardwood or 100 x 50mm DAR softwood. ( see figure 2.)

Cut legs to shape and mark as shown in Figure 3.

Cut two top rails (B) 750mm long from the pieces of hardwood 100 x 38mm x 2.4m (100 x 50 mm x 2.4m softwood). Also cut piece (C) 900mm long for top cross bar. See Figure 4.

Mark out pieces (B) as shown in Figure 5.

Cut two seat rails (D) 1500mm long from 100 x 38mm DAR hardwood (100 x 50mm DAR softwood). Mark out pieces (D) as shown in Figure 6.

With the marked legs, top rail and seat rail, assemble two end frames as sketched in Figure 7.  Use nails to hold the frames together when final adjustment to position is made.

Drill 9.5mm holes to receive galvanised bolts, nuts and washers.  Insert and tighten bolts to produce two rigid frames.

Cut and mark two seat lengths (E) 1500mm long from 100 x 38mm DAR hardwood (100 x 50mm DAR softwood).  See figure 8.

Prepare screw holes in parts (E) and rail (D). Locate screw holes in part (E) so that screws will enter on central line of seat rail (D) as indicated in Figure 8.

Assemble the two frames and cross bar  (C) 900mm long, together with the two seat lengths as shown in Figure 8.  Use two screws at each fastening point. (Hint: The framework can be loosely assembled using a galvanised bullet head nail at midpoint of each joint, then the secondary holes for screws can be drilled in position and the screws should be countersunk.

Cut two bracing pieces (F) 750mm in length from the timber piece 75mm x 38mm x 1.5m. Mark brace using a carpenter's mitre square (or equivalent) and cut to shape (see Figure 9).

Attach braces in position.  Locate one brace on each side of  the central cross bar and fasten in position with one screw through seat rails and two screws through each brace into the cross bar. See Figure 10.

Cut the remaining timber into 1500mm lengths for seat boards and table top boards. Mark boards as described in Figure 8.

Screw fix four more seat boards to seat  rails (D), countersinking all the screw heads.

Screw fix eight table top boards to top  rail (C), countersinking all screw heads. (See Figure 11.)

Information sourced from TRADAC Home Improvement Guide.
(Timber Research and Development Council)

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