Shuffleboard table - Formica vs. solid maple playing surface?

"Randy A" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I am planning to build a shuffleboard table, and I am considering putting a
>Formica (or similar) laminate on the playing surface instead of making it
>solid hard maple. Has anyone built or played on one with a Formica type
>surface? Is this a bad idea?
>
> Durability and flatness is my primary objective.
>
> Thanks,
> Randy

I would love to have one! Sadly, I could never convince my lovely bride I
need one.
As for building one, I would think if a laminate surface was better, the
original ones would be made that way.

Dave

"Randy A" wrote:

> I am planning to build a shuffleboard table, and I am considering
putting a
> Formica (or similar) laminate on the playing surface instead of
making it
> solid hard maple. Has anyone built or played on one with a Formica
type
> surface? Is this a bad idea?
>
> Durability and flatness is my primary objective.

No good reasons for the following except my belt & suspenders approach
to things.

I'd build the table using a 2x4 construction lumber frame covered by a
piece of 3/4" plywood, then covered by a piece of 3/4" MDF, then
finally laminate a piece of counter grade laminate to the MDF.

Very heavy, but "hell for stout" as the old German used to say.

Lew

"Randy A" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I am planning to build a shuffleboard table, and I am considering putting a
>Formica (or similar) laminate on the playing surface instead of making it
>solid hard maple. Has anyone built or played on one with a Formica type
>surface? Is this a bad idea?
>
> Durability and flatness is my primary objective.


The Formica will be as flat at the surface that you flue it to. It will
wear.