[VTNicholas]

Good day!

I'm running 3/4" oak braces across a 1/2" pine top that measures approx 24 x 18... Is this a bad idea because the pine is going to want to expand across the grain and the oak will prevent that? Should I use pine instead with the grain running in the same direction as the top so they expand together? Does the smallish size of the top make this a non issue?

THANK YOU for your help in advance ...

 

[MNsawyergp]

You can use the oak, but do not glue it to the panel. Use screws and slot the screw hole in the oak so the pine can expand and contract. Tighten the screws just enough to snug the panel to the oak, but still allow for movement.

 

[VTNicholas]

Brilliant but I don't think its possible on this top, I think the top is too thin to accept any reasonably strong fastener. I glued the strips, and I'll be expecting an issue at some point ... I will definitely use your method should i need to do the same thing again ...

Thank you again!

Nicholas