I want to build a tile-topped table for our front-porch. The tile area will
be 36x36 in. I plan a hardwood edge around it. It won't get rained on but
will see large temperature extremes (live in Illinois, we had -27 degrees F
when I first got here, to +100 on some days). Main use of table will be for
eating. I started to read up on this topic using google groups and this
group, but still have some questions.
(1) Tile base: the overwhelming preference seems to be for plywood (rather
than particle board, MDF). However, there are mixed opinions on whether one
needs a cement-type board between the tile and plywood. Any comments on
whether I need this, for this size table? Also, much of the plywood I have
seen at Home Depot, Menards is not exactly flat. How do I deal with that?
(2) Should add some cross braces below the plywood for support, for this
size table?
(3) Expansion/contraction of the wood. Any advice for dealing with this?
Should I make an over-sized groove in the hardwood frame for the tile base
so it "floats" -- but is that not a recipe for cracked grout along the
edges?
Any help appreciated. Thanks! Adriaan
"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Adriaan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> (1) Tile base: the overwhelming preference seems to be for plywood
>> (rather
>> than particle board, MDF). However, there are mixed opinions on whether
>> one
>> needs a cement-type board between the tile and plywood.
>
> I made a grill cart and use MDO, tile right on top. Holding up so far
> with one winter, two summers. Right now it is just covered with a plastic
> tarp for the winter.
>
> MDO is designed for outdoor use.
> --
> Ed
> http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/
Same thing here. I filled the small space between the edges of the tile and
the border (oak) with caulk the same color as the grout. (Almond)
Max
"Adriaan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> (1) Tile base: the overwhelming preference seems to be for plywood (rather
> than particle board, MDF). However, there are mixed opinions on whether
> one
> needs a cement-type board between the tile and plywood.
I made a grill cart and use MDO, tile right on top. Holding up so far with
one winter, two summers. Right now it is just covered with a plastic tarp
for the winter.
MDO is designed for outdoor use.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/