Table top question

EggHeadinFlorida

 I'm in a pickle with determining what kind of table top I want for my new table.

 I originally wanted granite,  but after shopping around the granite was going to cost me $1300.  That included the hole cut out for the egg as well as the edges being finished.  The table will be 8' X 3'..
 This is obviously going to be out of the question.

 I did find a place that has "scrap" granite and they have several of the same pieces that are 8' long by 18" wide.  So basically I have to put two of these pieces together hoping that they match, then I have to be concerned about a seam running lengthways from end to end then I have to cut out a hole.  Seems like too much work and the eyesore of have an a seam in the middle of the table for $300 for these two pieces.

 With that being said my next option is to go ahead and tile the table top. Im guessing Durock as a backer and then some nice 4x4 or 6x6 tile.
 With you guys that have tile as a tabletop do you regret going this route?  Is it harder to keep clean especially with the grout lines?

 What type of tile did you use (porcelain, ceramic etc)

BBQpilot

Concrete!

EggHeadinFlorida

Na..

Mattman3969

What color stone were you looking at? For the pricing I hear is in Florida right now it must have been somewhat of an exotic.  Can you pick a lesser expensive color?  Was it a remnant or did you choose a full slab?

BilZol

Use a metal top. I used aluminum. Had metal supermarkets cut the outside dimension then cut the hole myself or for a bit more money get a stainless top made. 

EggHeadinFlorida

Mattman3969 said:

What color stone were you looking at? For the pricing I hear is in Florida right now it must have been somewhat of an exotic.  Can you pick a lesser expensive color?  Was it a remnant or did you choose a full slab?

All different colors. Was about $50 a square foot. Price not negotiable. They only charge for the SF you buy not the entire slab. 
I can't find a 96" X 36" remnant around here

EggHeadinFlorida

BilZol said:

Use a metal top. I used aluminum. Had metal supermarkets cut the outside dimension then cut the hole myself or for a bit more money get a stainless top made. 

Thought about 1/8" diamond plate. But that aluminum scratches easily.

BilZol

EggHeadinFlorida said:

BilZol said:

Use a metal top. I used aluminum. Had metal supermarkets cut the outside dimension then cut the hole myself or for a bit more money get a stainless top made. 

Thought about 1/8" diamond plate. But that aluminum scratches easily.

It's what I used. I've only had it a month or two. Really haven't had problems to this point since it is diamond plate. I figured it was less trouble to take care of then granite, could take the heat from the egg and grids and such, and is cheap enough to replace if it gets real bad. I'll see in a year or so. 

EggHeadinFlorida

The frame will be built and welded out of 2" square tubing. I have a friend who works at a Ford dealership and will spray the frame with truck bed liner, so no rust ever. I can choose any color I want 

so now that the diamond plate is brought up, I may go that route and spray it as well. 

Captain_Paul

There's your granite. Find a leftover piece you like and just have it cut to a rectangle. Lots cheaper and you save having the hole cut. I found no need to actually have granite surround my egg but I wanted a granite work surface. 

BilZol

I used the 2X2 as well. I sized my top to the BGE dimensions so I could find covers which I did. I don't know if I'd spray the top though. Dunno if you could put a hot grate/platesetter/CI pan on it. 

EggHeadinFlorida

BilZol said:

I used the 2X2 as well. I sized my top to the BGE dimensions so I could find covers which I did. I don't know if I'd spray the top though. Dunno if you could put a hot grate/platesetter/CI pan on it. 

2x2 steel tubing or wood posts?

EggHeadinFlorida

Captain_Paul said:

There's your granite. Find a leftover piece you like and just have it cut to a rectangle. Lots cheaper and you save having the hole cut. I found no need to actually have granite surround my egg but I wanted a granite work surface. 

Ehhhh, not my taste to be honest. 

BilZol

EggHeadinFlorida said:

BilZol said:

I used the 2X2 as well. I sized my top to the BGE dimensions so I could find covers which I did. I don't know if I'd spray the top though. Dunno if you could put a hot grate/platesetter/CI pan on it. 

2x2 steel tubing or wood posts?

Tubing. I don't think wood would last well up here. 

EggHeadinFlorida

Yes, your design inspired me for the steel tubing lol. 
I priced it out, 2x2x1/8" thick is $3 LF.  Sound about right?
I estimate i need 85 LF since table is 3x8

Tspud1

BilZol said:

EggHeadinFlorida said:

BilZol said:

I used the 2X2 as well. I sized my top to the BGE dimensions so I could find covers which I did. I don't know if I'd spray the top though. Dunno if you could put a hot grate/platesetter/CI pan on it. 

2x2 steel tubing or wood posts?

Tubing. I don't think wood would last well up here. 

What did you put around the hole for the egg? ?

Tspud1

Tile vs granite

NPHuskerFL

Are you opposed to SS?  I think you'd appreciate it especially if you're coastal.

thetrim

Here's a look at myntile top table.   I think it would be much more difficult to tile around a circle.   I do like this one and it keeps pretty clean after sealing the grout. 

BilZol

Tspud1 said:

BilZol said:

EggHeadinFlorida said:

BilZol said:

I used the 2X2 as well. I sized my top to the BGE dimensions so I could find covers which I did. I don't know if I'd spray the top though. Dunno if you could put a hot grate/platesetter/CI pan on it. 

2x2 steel tubing or wood posts?

Tubing. I don't think wood would last well up here. 

What did you put around the hole for the egg? ?

I used Trim-Lok. It's aluminum and PVC. I bought 1/8" size but if I did it over again I would go one size up. The 1/8" apparently doesn't account for the diamond plate. Also, to do outside corners you need a die cutter that's pricy. I opted for file work to round the corners and soften the edges. These pics may not show that. 

EggHeadinFlorida

thetrim said:

Here's a look at myntile top table.   I think it would be much more difficult to tile around a circle.   I do like this one and it keeps pretty clean after sealing the grout. 

Nice tile.  Unfortunately I have a XL egg  that needs to be set and a table.  Regardless of which route I go I'm going to have to cut a hole somewhere.

My minimax can sit on top of the table like yours though

Tspud1

BilZol said:

Tspud1 said:

BilZol said:

EggHeadinFlorida said:

BilZol said:

I used the 2X2 as well. I sized my top to the BGE dimensions so I could find covers which I did. I don't know if I'd spray the top though. Dunno if you could put a hot grate/platesetter/CI pan on it. 

2x2 steel tubing or wood posts?

Tubing. I don't think wood would last well up here. 

What did you put around the hole for the egg? ?

I used Trim-Lok. It's aluminum and PVC. I bought 1/8" size but if I did it over again I would go one size up. The 1/8" apparently doesn't account for the diamond plate. Also, to do outside corners you need a die cutter that's pricy. I opted for file work to round the corners and soften the edges. These pics may not show that. 

Any problems with heat distorting the trim? Could you message me a link to that particular Trim_Lok part, they make a wide range of products and material. Thanks

BilZol

@Tspud1

I haven't had any problems with it. I've done low and slows to pizza with them several times. For my L the hole is 22". Bottom shelf that egg rests on to top is 15" with egg on table nest. No paver since I'm all metal. 

Trim-Lok Edge Trim PVC/Aluminum with Textured Black Finish, Single Gripping Finger, 9/16 inch, Height 1/8 inch, Length 25 feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NL3YSGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gwniyb58D4MA1

Tspud1

@BilZol I want to put it around this opening on table top

BilZol

Tspud1 said:

@BilZol I want to put it around this opening on table top

Nice table. I'm envious of all the drawers. I don't see why it wouldn't work. Since it's smooth order the correct thickness. 

pflug

Went with tile on top and around the sides.  I periodically spray it with a hose, maybe scrub with a brush and soap if there is a lot of grease.

dgaddis1

I love these table threads.  Our stand is built into our deck, and the deck is going to get re-done sometime this winter, at which point I'll need to rebuild the stand.  Inspiration is always nice!