I am new to this forum and only do minor woodworking--stripping older family dressers, tables or doors. I have reviewed several previous posts on this issue, but it looked like there was no hope regarding my situation.

I obtained a 9'x4' "potting" table that wife would like to use for an outdoor dining table. Although I initially thought it was oak (heavy), I am sanding it and it now appears to be European Ash. The table is from an English boarding school library (tag on the underside of the table). Although it is heavy, hard and strongly built, European Ash is not a durable wood for outdoors.

Before this revelation, I was planning to sand it down, stain (semi-transparent)then seal it. However, it may not be worth it now. The table will be on a flagstone patio with a tree acting as a natural umbrella in New Jersey. The table will get a little morning sun and a lot of early afternoon sun before it is shaded.

Any ideas how I can use this table as an outdoor dining table?

Thanks in advance for any advice,

Schroads