How to attach stone table tops to metal bases?

[Ditch digger]

I just picked up some 2 inch square tube to make bases for 3 patio tables that will end up having marble or granite tops, if my significant other ever decides what she wants. What would be my best method of attaching them? I was thinkling expoxy of some sorts, any help would be appreciated

 

[wildstyle]

Even silicone would work

 

[Lippyp]

construction adhesive like Gripfill (liquid nails etc) just make sure you get one rated for external use. We attached some concrete panels like hardibacker to a steel joist across the front of my late mother-in-laws garage with Evostik Gripfill probably 20 years ago including upside down and they're still stuck hard on there.

We also used it to attached a heavy stone fire surround to a brick wall.

 

[gte718p]

I recommend nails

 

[duc916]

Granite counter tops are held in palce with 100% silicone.

 

[MushCreek]

What's the matter with gravity? Is it that windy in your area? Seriously, I've seen a number of stone or glass top tables where the top just sits there, maybe on rubber pads. Makes it easier to move each piece separately, too.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You want an adhesive that has some pliability to it. The stone and the steel will expand and contract at different rate when exposed to heat and cold, especially sunlight.

Worst case, drill holes in the stone but only about 1/2 the thickness of the slab. Theses need to be larger than the bolts you are planning on using. Fill with epoxy. After it sets, drill and tap the epoxy. You could even press fit wood dowels.

 

[kd3pc]

3m 4200, if you EVER want to remove it, 3m 5200 if you want it there for ever.

 

[TLCObsession]

3m 4200, if you EVER want to remove it, 3m 5200 if you want it there for ever.

Solid advice.

I used 5200 to some studs I welded up (bolt and fender washer welded together). That way the top bolted on and was removable.

If you use marble, make sure whatever you use is marble-safe. Most silicone has acetic acid in it (vinegar smell) and will discolor marble.

 

[8man]

I used 3/4" plywood, cut about 4" short of the edge of the granite. Used Silicone to "glue" the granite to the plywood and then used short screws to hold the plywood to the top of the table. 15 years ago and it's still holding great.

 

[rsanter]

Silicone is better than epoxy
The silicone is flexible for expansion and if you ever need to separate then you can use a wire to cut through the silicone

Bob

 

[RivennHewn]

Sika and forget it

 

[brucey]

Just a suggestion but run the bead of silicone on the side of the cross braces

ie like a large fillet weld

You can cut it much easier and remove the top if you are dealing with Large slabs / Weight

 

[joe49]

I like gravity also. But would use silicone with saran wrap over it to prevent any point load on the stone.

 

[Ditch digger]

Thanks for the tips guys, I scored some 3m 4200 from work today. As for the gravity idea heavy drinking and loose tabletops don't mix I know from experience.

 

[Kevin54]

I was going to say to make a metal angle frame around it and set the marble or granite inside on a few dabs of silicone here and there. That way you could easily remove the marble or granite. Make the angle frame just a little shorter than the thickness of the stone, then bevel the stone around the edges.

 

[brucey]

Watch out for the old angle iron frame a and drop it on some silicone beads trick

Near impossible to get it out again and the lovely dirt track where all the food crumbs can gather in a classic bug trap

The wife will hate you for it and You will have to clean it out

(yes I made that mistake )