When crafting a wood-slab table, incorporating C-channels is akin to adding backbones to the piece. These fittings, also known as tabletop stiffeners, use 1 3/4" long expansion slots to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood with humidity changes, reducing the chance it will warp or sag over time. They eliminate the need for traditional apron framing, so only the slab shows, permitting a more contemporary design.