Step 18: Position the Tabletop on the Base

Mark Powers positions the hypertufa tabletop on top of the table frame
Photo: Wendell T. Webber
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Center the tabletop on the base; its weight will hold it in place. If you like, add sedum or another plant that thrives in shallow soil to the recess. Over time, the tabletop will lighten in color, while the cedar base will weather to a handsome gray.
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    Tools List

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    • miter saw
      miter saw
    • jigsaw
      jigsaw
    • drill
      drill/driver to assemble the form.
    • utility knife
      utility knife for cutting the foam.
    • aviation snip
      wire snips
    • mixing tub
      mixing tub to make the hypertufa mix.
    • masonry hoe
      hoe
    • Natural-bristle chip brush
      chip brush to spread petroleum jelly on the interior of the form before casting the tabletop.
    • finish hammer
      hammer
    • pneumatic finish nailer
      pneumatic nail gun

    Shopping List

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    1. 1x4 scrap lumber for the form.

    2. cedar 1x4s for crosspieces and stretchers.

    3. cedar 1x2s for legs and support blocks.

    4. 1¼-inch and 2-inch deck screws

    5. perlite Get two bags.

    6. peat moss Get one large bag.

    7. portland cement Get a 47-pound bag.

    8. acrylic fortifier for the hypertufa mix, to prevent cracking. 9. ¾-inch rigid-foam insulation

    10. petroleum jelly or cooking spray to coat the interior of the form.

    11. ¼-inch hardware cloth

    12. plastic sheeting to cover the form while the tabletop cures.

    13. polyurethane glue, such as Gorilla Glue.

    14. 1-inch brad nails

    15. dust mask and protective gloves