We've had thoughts about finally revamping our back yard. Life has recently thrown us a curve that may delay that (again), but I'll ask anyway.
I'm thinking primarily of an outdoor dining table; simple, farmhouse style. I'd like it to be over-large, but I'd also like to be able to put it in a shed for the winter, so I'd probably build two normal-sized tables instead, with removable legs.
So firstly, is this a stupid idea? Will I simply be building myself a neverending project; one that will need refinishing every year or two? We live in NY City; a pretty "versatile" climate with high humidity in the summer, and of course, rain. The table would sit on concrete. We'd keep some sort of fabric awning/umbrella over it, but nothing that would truly keep it from the elements, (except in the winter).
If it's not stupid, what sort of wood should I build it from? Are there perhaps plastic "cups" that are designed to protect the bottoms of (say)
4x4s where they would touch the ground? If I were to use metal fasteners (for the legs, plus possibly pocket screws elsewhere), would those be problematic over time?