I’ve been asked to build 2 large tabletops complete with fixed upholstered seats and was wondering if particle board with palstic laminate is strong enough for a top that measures aproximately 4 feet by 5 feet. This is for a pizza joint and also if anybody would know the best method for a base for this tabletop. Help would be apreciated.
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Replies
It's strong enough if your base is built right. I'd rather use mdf or plywood, but particle board will work. You can use one cast iron leg with a flat attached to the underside of the table and the other leg similar or use angle iron to attach to a wall.
This is commercial construction, and the the table is subject to great abuse, so build accordingly.
Thanks for your response. I did not specify that the table-top is free standing & not connected to a wall. The seat around the table- top is fixed in position & will seat about 7 to 8 people. (sort of like a U-shaped booth). Do you think the particle board may tend to break down because of the abuse?
Ply or solid wood has much better screw holding power than PB, and like Capn mac sez double up where table meets leg.
It kinda depends on the structure underneath, what will be supporting the table? I would double it up 3/4" ACX or MDF as a sub base then top it with 1/2" PB for the lam. I just made a table top 36" x 90" the first layer was 3/4" Melamine then 3/4" underlayment for the laminate, with a 2" Oak selfedge. The table is supported all along the back and two sides but the front is spaned. Very heavy.
Depends on the particle board.
I've seen the "structural underlayment" used for commercial table tops.
For a medium-sized table, it would seem hard to go wrong with a double thickness. I'd use 1/2" PB over 1/2" plywood; depending on the edge & the plan shape, I might band the edge with PB, too. The plywood will get a better grip for screws for the leg(s).