Hi there, I'm making an oak coffee table and have a few questions. First off, this is my first real project with solid wood and second, I'm not using a real plan, it's from a picture and my own sketches. I thought I'd get that out of the way so you'll know that I don't know much. What I'm concerned about is wood movement and how to compensate for it. I'll describe it the best I can. The top consist of two long rails going across the length and three short rails across the width. Inside of these rails will be two panels. ____________ l l l l l l l _____l______l
It will look sort of like the crude picture above. The rails are all 4"wide and the panels (3/4" oak, laminated) will be 12" x 16". The overall size will be 3' x 2'.
What is the best way for me to construct this top that will allow for movement? Maybe a tongue & groove where the panels float in the frame? I'm open to any suggestions here and appreciate any help you can pass along.