I recently built a table with a top of 2x6s wrapped with a 2×2 collar. I’ve been building in my shop which has a greenhouse-like roof and where things can get quite hot and muggy (working on that). After sanding and staining, but before applying a clear polyurethane, the joints in the collar have expanded leaving a gap between the collar and the slab in the corners at nearly 1/8″.
Do I disassemble and fix the expansion in the joints to close up those gaps before sealing or can I anticipate the joints reducing back down once the table is in the house?
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I think by the way you described you constructed the top, you will have more expansion and contraction than other construction methods. Have you have already glued this together? If not disassemble and use other methods that better control and hide the wood movement you will always have. No finish sealing the wood will stop it. Also I fix this some were else than your greenhouse shop.
What kind of wood are you using?
I think you're describing the expansion/contraction issue backwards. More than likely your "slab" has contracted (shrunk) due to a loss of relative humidity. Unless you modify your construction allowing your slab to expand and contract without a "collar" surrounding it, this will be a non-stop seasonal event.
Thank you for your feedback. I'm still learning; this is my first larger project and the first where expansion like this has caused issues. I'm working on getting outta that greenhouse, but it's the only space I have for now, unfortunately. Thanks for responding!
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