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Composite "wood" for BGE Table Build

Col4bin
Col4bin Posts: 28
in EggHead Forum
Is there any reason I should not consider composite "wood" (i.e. trex, or the similar) to build a BGE table for my XL? Was thinking heat and weight are my two concerns... seeking advice and opinions :) composite is perfect for places like here in Maine where snow covers us sooo much of the year!
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Comments

  • Kent8621
    Kent8621 Posts: 843
    that would work fine i would think, just make sure you have an air gap under the egg and it should be good.  i think it is just as strong just watch your spacing of the structure under your boards and youll be fine.

    2 Large Eggs - Raleigh, NC

    Boiler Up!!

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  • BobDanger
    BobDanger Posts: 323
    My thought is that moisture could be an issue over time.
    Eastern Shore Virginia 

    Medium & Mini Max
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  • EggbertGreenII
    EggbertGreenII Posts: 253
    I see no reason why it wouldn't be just a good. perhaps even better in some regards. 
    Tampa Bay, Florida
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,380
    You're not thinking of building the entire table structure out of Trex or the like are you?
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • golfguyjosh
    golfguyjosh Posts: 196
    If you are going to want that i suggest building it out of ipe. Trexs is a fantastic material but it will not be the end result you want. Ipe will give it a classic look and last as long if not longer than the trexs. Also when trexs gets hot it will sag and be soft
    Jacksonville, FL
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  • Botch
    Botch Posts: 17,368
    My deck is made of a 100% PVC, can't recall the Brand name (Trex is 80% PVC, 20% wood fibers).  I would not build a table out of it, it is not stiff enough that I'd feel good about it (and my $$$deck flexes more than I wish it did).
    Someday I do want to pull a fully-burning piece of lump and set it on a scrap, see how resistant it is to catching fire; maybe then I wouldn't be so scared of using a Mapp torch or similar to light.  

    “All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.”

                  - Mark Twain 

    Ogden, UT, USA


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  • OshawaDave
    OshawaDave Posts: 198
    Botch said:
    My deck is made of a 100% PVC, can't recall the Brand name (Trex is 80% PVC, 20% wood fibers).  I would not build a table out of it, it is not stiff enough that I'd feel good about it (and my $$$deck flexes more than I wish it did).
    Someday I do want to pull a fully-burning piece of lump and set it on a scrap, see how resistant it is to catching fire; maybe then I wouldn't be so scared of using a Mapp torch or similar to light.  
    I think the flex can be addressed in the structure design.  

    Weber Genesis CP310; Weber Q1200 (camping); LBGE.

    "If you haven't heard a rumour by 8:30 am - start one"

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  • Kent8621
    Kent8621 Posts: 843
    if you build it out of cedar it can withstand the weather. a nice finish on it will keep it from greying.  

    2 Large Eggs - Raleigh, NC

    Boiler Up!!

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  • Col4bin
    Col4bin Posts: 28
    HeavyG said:
    You're not thinking of building the entire table structure out of Trex or the like are you?


    I was, yes. Easy to work with and maintenance free.
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  • jtcBoynton
    jtcBoynton Posts: 2,814
    Trex is not structural material.  I would not trust my heavy, shatter prone, expensive egg in a structure made from non-structural material.
    Southeast Florida - LBGE
    In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’  Dare to think for yourself.
     
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  • Col4bin
    Col4bin Posts: 28
    jtcBoynton said:
    Trex is not structural material.  I would not trust my heavy, shatter prone, expensive egg in a structure made from non-structural material.
    Not structural? I mean, I can get composite 4x4's, 2x4's and 2x6...seems easy enough to swap them out where I would have built with wood right?

    Maybe Trex is just a brand, im not wed to any specific brand etc. Just thinking something maintenance free etc
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,380
    Col4bin said:
    jtcBoynton said:
    Trex is not structural material.  I would not trust my heavy, shatter prone, expensive egg in a structure made from non-structural material.
    Not structural? I mean, I can get composite 4x4's, 2x4's and 2x6...seems easy enough to swap them out where I would have built with wood right?

    Maybe Trex is just a brand, im not wed to any specific brand etc. Just thinking something maintenance free etc
    From Trex website:
    Is Trex structural? Top

    Trex wood plastic composite products are not structural and should only be used for intended design purposes such as walking surfaces, guardrail systems, fencing and trim; however, Trex Elevations steel deck framing is a code-approved structural product (CCRR-0186).


    I have to admit I haven't kept up with the latest offerings in composite products on the market and there may well be some "plastic woods" out there that are specced to some level of strength suitable for what you propose.

    All I can say is to look at the specs and load/span tables closely. The additinal concern about such products possibly being "melty" might also be a concern, or not.



    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • Toxarch
    Toxarch Posts: 1,900
    Even with an air gap, surfaces can get quite warm. I would not trust a plastic wood table. 

    Why not look into a stainless steel table? Assuming that it's a good steel, it should last in any outdoor conditions short of a really large hot fire.
    Aledo, Texas
    Large BGE
    KJ Jr.

    Exodus 12:9 KJV
    Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

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  • WeberWho
    WeberWho Posts: 11,527

    "The pig is an amazing animal. You feed a pig an apple and it makes bacon. Let's see Michael Phelps do that" - Jim Gaffigan

    Minnesota
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  • GregW
    GregW Posts: 2,678
    I have a table with a Trex top.
    My advice is don't do it. It's beastly heavy and the Trex is highly prone to staining. Not to mention it will melt easily.
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