Here is a photo of four tables, numbered 1-4
Number 1 and 4 have no rails and the tops appear to be solid wood (#4 might be veneer but that is unimportant if true).
Tables #2 & #3 also appear to have solid tops; table 3 has end rails; I would guess that table #2 does not. The top of table #3 overlaps end and side rails and is notched around the legs so the legs stand a bit proud of the top.. ________________
My questions are, what's holding the tops to the ends in tables #1, #2 & #4 and how is seasonal wood movement in #1, #2 and #3 being handled? In #1, I could see top clips to handle movement but I can't see that they would make a very strong (non-wobbly) connection of top to sides.
The top of table #3 could be attached conventially (with clips) but what's keeping seasonal movement of the top from pulling the end rails away from the legs since the top abuts the legs?
Thanks for your comments.