Wood Vs. Stainless Steel

LadyGT

I live in middle GA and it is hot and humid. Wooden furniture lasts about two years without being protected from the weather. We do not have a a covered patio so we were thinking maybe going stainless steel. Does the stainless steel tables absorb heat when in use? We do not need a large table just enough space for the essentials while cooking. We have learned not to store anything outside because some sort of bug will find a way into it.

What do you like about one material over another?

DoubleEgger

The SS on my gasser gets really hot from sun exposure and the reflections blind me sometimes.  Wood requires some maintenance. I prefer the wood because maintenance is occasional while the heat is "all the time" in GA. 

WeberWho

I love the look of wood but I can't trust it personally. My neighbor burnt his house down with his grill on a wooden deck.  Nothing like having a family come beat your house door down at 2am screaming to call 911 saying that their house was on fire. Something you can't forget.  Fortunately he and his family were able to get out.  They lost everything but a box of photos of their wedding the fireman were able to retrieve. Scary stuff!

Is Stainless the perfect answer?  No, but would make me sleep a little better at night  

MotownVol

I am also looking for a table.  I have a friend that could build me a nice wood table, but I hate the maintenance I have to do to my deck, and I don't want to add to that, so I am leaning towards a metal or stainless table.  I think a good stainless steel table could last the balance of my lifetime, so that is what I am leaning towards. 

Vegas Eggus

Same issue. My wood table finish didn't last three years despite being covered. 
Stainless is just NOT an option here in Vegas. Know for a fact I'd end up burning myself on it. 
I'm considering granite if I feel like splurging. Otherwise I'll probably figure a way to do a lighter color tile. 

pgprescott

SS tables are nice, but look into the Challenger Carts. Lifetime warranty on the finish and very good fit and finish quality. 

Carolina Q

I wouldn't put an egg on a wooden deck, no matter what kind of table it was in. If you can place it somewhere far enough away from your home, then any table would be safe. If it burns, it's only a table, not a house.

As for stainless being too hot or reflective, perhaps a stainless table topped with ceramic or granite tile is the answer. Just a thought...

LadyGT

The thing is, no matter what we use, spiders, fire ants and cockroaches will find their way onto our table. I hate living in the South due to all the bugs. Hmm, may have to worry about termites too. Lol. I found them in my plant containers on my concrete patio. 

Jeepster47

@LadyGT ... do look at the Challenger tables then.  All doors are sealed against water leakage.  Mine is tight enough that bugs don't stand a chance.

DoubleEgger

Fire proof/resistant paint or paint additive might be an option. I just looked up those Challenger carts online. They are nice but awfully expensive if the actual prices are close to the MSRP. 

Carolina Q

Jeepster47 said:

@LadyGT ... do look at the Challenger tables then.  All doors are sealed against water leakage.  Mine is tight enough that bugs don't stand a chance.

LOL, cockroaches haven't survived this old world for 300 million years by letting some fancy table stand in their way. 

blasting

As a long time woodworker, I truly appreciate the beauty of some of the tables posted here.  That said, I'd rather have my egg up on concrete blocks that have a wood table for myself. 

Wood = one more maintenance item and I'm on a mission to reduce those.

Jeepster47

Carolina Q said:

Jeepster47 said:

@LadyGT ... do look at the Challenger tables then.  All doors are sealed against water leakage.  Mine is tight enough that bugs don't stand a chance.

LOL, cockroaches haven't survived this old world for 300 million years by letting some fancy table stand in their way. 

You're correct on selling cockroaches as in it for the long haul.  But, the table is well sealed.  Compression seals on the doors and RTV on the interior seams.  Besides, like buglers, they're smart enough to go where the pickings are easier.  I'll bet on the cart.

Earshots

I'm partial to stone.  No maintenance or fire hazards.

thetrim

@NPHuskerFL Thinks all you wood table guys are posers!

4Runner

I started with wood and then moved to SS.  I get shade in the morning and then again after 3ish so the SS works great for me.  

MotownVol

Can hot items be placed on the top of the Challenger tables?   Also, do they sell direct or only through distributors?

NPHuskerFL

@thetrim LoL   No just my preference  

Jeepster47

MotownVol said:

Can hot items be placed on the top of the Challenger tables?   Also, do they sell direct or only through distributors?

It looks like a powder coated paint, but I'm scared to lay hot racks and stones down on it right out of the egg.  Bought an 18" square ceramic floor tile, added rubber pads to the back side, and use it as a "hot plate" holder.

If you do not have a sales store near you, then the hint was that they would sell direct.  Otherwise, they send you to the store to buy.  Don't know how far out "near" is, but I understand and respect that approach.  They're supporting their distributors and not leaving the customer out in the cold if no one's nearby to sell to you.

pgprescott

MotownVol said:

Can hot items be placed on the top of the Challenger tables?   Also, do they sell direct or only through distributors?

Even SS will discolor if very hot items are placed on them. I wouldn't recommend setting really hot things directly on either. I would use a silicone trivet or something. I'm not sure about direct sales, but a dealer is often less expensive than direct sales for products. If the direct sales are full MSRP, the dealer may be a bit less expensive. There are many custom options available, if you so desire. Good luck. 

DoubleEgger

This forum is killing me! I've been looking at those Challenger tables online for the past hour. 

Jeepster47

@DoubleEgger ... only one hour!  Geez, that's nothing.  What to see my spreadsheets?  Cost per sq inch of top space. Cost per pound of weight.  Cost of buying the cart for the XL and having the hole cut for an XL ... 10% premium ... they have to change the height of the cabinet below it.  Had to go on double meds before I finally cut the check. 

Tspud1

An umbrella will work over a stainless table.

blasting

Jeepster47 said:

@DoubleEgger ... only one hour!  Geez, that's nothing.  What to see my spreadsheets?  Cost per sq inch of top space. Cost per pound of weight.  Cost of buying the cart for the XL and having the hole cut for an XL ... 10% premium ... they have to change the height of the cabinet below it.  Had to go on double meds before I finally cut the check. 

lol - don't look now, your engineer is showing...

DoubleEgger

Jeepster47 said:

@DoubleEgger ... only one hour!  Geez, that's nothing.  What to see my spreadsheets?  Cost per sq inch of top space. Cost per pound of weight.  Cost of buying the cart for the XL and having the hole cut for an XL ... 10% premium ... they have to change the height of the cabinet below it.  Had to go on double meds before I finally cut the check. 

Yes I do. I'll wait until Obama is out of office then maybe I can afford one again. 

YYZegger

I bought a SS table and had a hole cut in it with a plasma cutter, worked really well for me.  The winter really does age the wood here, I was trying to avoid any maintenance on the table.  Just wipe it clean.  It doesn't get hot from the Egg, the glare from the sun can be blinding if the sun is in the right spot etc, but sunglasses and beer ease the pain!