Removable tabletop- best joint to use?

Garathon

I'm looking for some woodwork related advice:

We need to increase table space so I'm planning to put a new top on an existing Ikea table we have. I want it to be removable however. It's going to be about 5'X5'. Because space is an issue, I'm going to make it two 2.5' X 2.5' sections.

It will fit over the current table and be held in place by making a frame of 2X2 which will be sized to the current table top- my question is what's the best way to deal with where these frame sections meet (i.e. middle of new tabletop)? There's not a huge amount of material to work with, and I want it that if pressure is applied to the ends of the table, the middle won't lift & whole thing collapse... however this will need to be 'collapsed' after use

I'm thinking either:
a simple half lap joint (the cut to be opposite on both sides
butt the two pieces of 2X2 together and have dowels between
finger joints,
half lap with dowels?

Given the size, which would be the better option ?
Should I get enough material to try each out or prototype it first?

Right2Write

The butt joint with dowels might be the easiest? Would your half lap joint not just separate? What thickness is your table top and what are you making it out of? If thickness of table allows and you wanted to be fancy you could cut a tongue and groove joint with router, table saw etc.

I've used standard tongue & grooved floorboards for bench tops and shelving in cupboards. Not a bad option as the timber quality can be quite good in them. You can clamp and glue these quite well together to make a wider section and also maybe in this instance use the t & g to allow the removable joint.

Garathon

Thanks that's actually a good idea- I've used T&G flooring before to make sides for a chair so might try that.

I had thought about using MDF or any similar sheet (somewhere 8 to 12mm to keep from warping as there'll be little support underneath and people will lean on it.

My idea for the half lap joints was that I'd alternate them, and unless all pressure was to one side they'd hold each other but testing it small scale today doesn't look good

Calahonda52

What size is the existing table?
Will it be covered by a cloth?