I’m building a large kitchen table out of soft maple and it will be painted, it’s 42″ x 90″ with the grain running the 42″ length.It will have a large center pedestal base with a separate apron along the edges. What’s the best way to attach the apron to allow for wood movement?
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I have to ask. You are going to build a table that is almost 8' wide and 4' long. Do you expect some movement issues here? Because they're going to be a big problem for you. Unless you're putting in leaves for an expanding table, there is no good reason to run your grain direction as you propose. You can cut the movement issue in half by running the grain the long way and not the short.
The purpose of aprons is to hold table tops flat and to provide, usually, structure between legs. For your table I would forgo an apron and use battens screwed to the bottom of the top. Several battens with slots for screws to try to hold your top flat might suffice to keep things flat. If you must use an apron, then provide slots into the top of the apron about 1/2" down from the top edge. Wood buttons or metal table top fasteners can then be used to try to hold the top flat while allowing for movement.
Gary Rogowski
http://www.northwestwoodworking.com
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