plasma800 wrote:
The table does have some flex to it when you push on it. It's 8'
long by 29 11/16" wide. The top is made of partical board.

It will be sitting out outside. If the table dies after a season or
two, I don't know that I would die.

I was planning on mailing backerboard to the outside edges and using
bullnose tile or cut peices for the sides.

I also considered just framing the aoutside edges with some 2x4 or
something of the sort. Still in planning.

So far it seems that a plywood topper is going to be a great idea
for both rigidity and bite.

For a table that long you will certainly need it - use 3/4" exterior
ply. Framing outside edges with something is a good idea too. Even
better is to also hook a couple of cross pieces between the long
sides...that should firm the top up nicely.

The PB top is junk and any moisture will make it swell and ruin your
work in very short order. If at all possible, replace it. If you
can't, here is what I would do...

1. Cover the PB with plastic - heavy like visqueen - but do NOT staple
it to the top...wrap it over the top and sides (folding the corners)
and staple it to the underneath side.

2. Cover #1 with 3/4 exterior ply. Again, do not fasten through the
top...band with substantial wood, add a horizontal piece attached to
the banding so it extends under the PB and fasten through that up into
the PB & ply. Leave the banding sufficiently high so that it will
also border the tile after you lay it...better too high than too low,
you can always plane it down.

3. At that point you could either add 1/4 or 1/2" cement board and
tile on it using thinset; however, if that will make the top thicker
than desired you could lay the tile on the plywood. Main things are
to assure the top won't flex and keep moisture away from the PB.



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dadiOH
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