Reading the plywood base post., an odd thougth hit me. Has anybody tried concrete backerboard as the base material? It has the strength for self support over long spans and not humidity or water sensitive. We dont put much weight on it.
Wolfie
A very interesting idea.
It surely doesn’t accept much weight, since it appears it ALWAYS has structural support when it’s used as a floor. I do agree that no one’s going to stand on it, so maybe that’s not important.
Probably the biggest problem is who’s going to go first.
Also, while you’ve replaced the plywood with concrete, the concrete will still be held up by wood. Which is the stuff you’re trying not to use.
I would also want to consider whether to make the layout space into a “finished” room, instead. Which means to me temperature and humidity control. If I did that, I’d have a much nicer room to be in while I played with my trains. Or even while I built them. AND. When/if I sold the house, I’d get some of the money back.
Ed
1/2" durock weights 70% more than 1/2" plywood. Who is going to carry down my basement steps?
IMO, heavy cement board will sag badly under its own weight when positioned horizontally, much like drywall does.
It dusty, heavy, will hold weight but saggs considerably, comes in odd size and is not ceap. I would not use it for bench top.
It was an interesting thought. Still viable for somebody in damper conditions if they could figure out how to make metal studs work as the substructure. Although I build my benchwork to stronger standards then most. Mine gets moved occasionally. It was also brough tto my attention that not ll areas of the country get the same quality board. some get lighter and weaker versions apparently. That right there removes it from a general usable idea.
Concrete backer board sags, then it cracks.
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It must have lots of support. I do not think it is a suitable layout building material.
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-Kevin
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Wouldn’t take spikes. Heavy. Cracks. Dusty. Etc. Horrible stuff.
Ray
