I’m planning on making a farmhouse table and I would really like to include a built in slate trivet, 10-12″ x 36″ running down the center of the table.
Being my first piece of furniture, I’m not sure if it would be a good idea because of expansion and contraction. It doesn’t feel like an original idea, but I’ve found very few examples, so maybe it’s more of a headache than it’s worth to combine different materials.
Thoughts?
Replies
How long is the table? Is the slate going to run lengthwise? I would build the top either as one piece with a wide channel down the middle to lay the slat into or build it with a rabbetted hole for the slate to set down into. You can add cleats across the opening to help support the slate. In either case, though, I wouldn't attach the slate to the wood and I'd leave a small gap all the way around to allow for some seasonal movement of the top.
Thank you! I'm planning on a five foot table with both the wood and slate running lengthwise.
If you pin the boards next to the slate and direct the expansion outwards you can get pretty tight to the slate. If the slate is not as thick as the lumber use plywood under it rather than solid lumber to avoid seasonal movement below the slate.
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