I have a small outdoor patio with an overhanging roof and walls on three sides. I live in N. California where it occasionally freezes in the winter, usually rains in the winter. I would like to build a dining table that is a cut above the usual redwood or teak picnic table but I don't know the best wood to use, how to finish it to best protect against the elements, and what techniques to use to allow for the changes in temperature and humidity. Any experts out there??

 

So what's wrong with native redwood? Personally I think the California Redwood Association might have sometime to say about your negative attitude toward redwood. Clear heart (B & better) old growth kiln dried redwood is very stable, although the cost is high. Choke, cough, eyes popped, "how much per foot"? "Is there a rent to own program"?

The CA. RA URL is http://204.127.238.46/index.html They have plans for a basic picnic table and all the related information. If you have something else in mind (a dining room table for exterior use) look though the links to free woodworking plans within this forum.