Alternatives to second sheet of plywood? (3 Viewers)

[cathat12]

Hi everyone, almost finished with my poker table build. It has foldable legs for storing away. Under the playing surface plywood, I attached another sheet of plywood for sturdiness. While super firm, the table is soooooo heavy. Can I ditch the second sheet of plywood and just use 1x3 strips of wood attached underneath the playing surface? I was thinking of framing.a rectangle (so that the 1 inch side of the strips would be attached to underside of the playing surface). Would that provide similar sturdiness without the massive weight of the second sheet of plywood? Thanks

 

[drdr]

I just had the crazy idea pop into my head of using a sheet of aluminium instead. Not sure on thickness or cost.
Anyone tried similar?

 

[ekricket]

Two layers of this on the back of your table will stiffen and strengthen

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detai...udMQMKYXcjcbbTNF2H13tG7JpcGmpyixoCP3gQAvD_BwE

 

[ChipTalker]

@Al Azouri recently helped me build 2 new tables, the first has the strips you speak of and the table was so sturdy I ditched them in the second table to make it lower/lighter. All builders have their own method and nothing is right or wrong but what works for you. I can say that no strips is completely fine for me if the plywood thickness is 3/4 inch for the surface.

Here is pic of the second table while painting the underside.

 

[ChipTalker]

First Table for reference and IMO the I Frame was just not needed so I took it out.

 

[cathat12]

Two layers of this on the back of your table will stiffen and strengthen

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detai...udMQMKYXcjcbbTNF2H13tG7JpcGmpyixoCP3gQAvD_BwE

Interesting, never thought that tape would strengthen a table!

 

[cathat12]

@Al Azouri recently helped me build 2 new tables, the first has the strips you speak of and the table was so sturdy I ditched them in the second table to make it lower/lighter. All builders have their own method and nothing is right or wrong but what works for you. I can say that no strips is completely fine for me if the plywood thickness is 3/4 inch for the surface.

Here is pic of the second table while painting the underside.

View attachment 1380599

Nice table! Maybe I’ll try ditching the second sheet

 

[ChipTalker]

is your surface 3/4" ??

 

[cathat12]

is your surface 3/4" ??

Yes, both the surface and the 2nd plywood sheet are 3/4. I read somewhere else in the forums that 3/4 might not be sturdy enough but maybe I'll give it a try.

 

[ekricket]

Interesting, never thought that tape would strengthen a table!

Not just any tape, the fiber reinforced is great. People back archery bows with it!

 

[cathat12]

Not just any tape, the fiber reinforced is great. People back archery bows with it!

I am definitely intrigued!!

 

[ChipTalker]

You can always add the strips later if you do not like the result.

 

[PseudoPsanity]

I wonder what the limit is on this? Can we use 1/2" plywood if we add both the frame and tape?

 

[MoarChips]

@Al Azouri recently helped me build 2 new tables, the first has the strips you speak of and the table was so sturdy I ditched them in the second table to make it lower/lighter. All builders have their own method and nothing is right or wrong but what works for you. I can say that no strips is completely fine for me if the plywood thickness is 3/4 inch for the surface.

Here is pic of the second table while painting the underside.

View attachment 1380599

What table legs did you use in this build?

 

[ChipTalker]

I did the BBO strong as hell legs to save a little over the gorilla prices.

 

[T_Chan]

The 2nd sheet of plywood isn't really necessary for support. Though it'll make it stronger, a single sheet of plywood, plus the rail is strong enough for a folding poker table. We have over a dozen rental tables we use for events which are just 1 layer thick with no bracing underneath. Never had a complaint that the tables feel flimsy.

You shed like 40lbs by omitting the 2nd layer which isn't trivial. I used to add 1.5" plywood bracing to the underside of the table, but after building a few without anything underneath, I didn't notice any difference.

 

[cathat12]

The 2nd sheet of plywood isn't really necessary for support. Though it'll make it stronger, a single sheet of plywood, plus the rail is strong enough for a folding poker table. We have over a dozen rental tables we use for events which are just 1 layer thick with no bracing underneath. Never had a complaint that the tables feel flimsy.

You shed like 40lbs by omitting the 2nd layer which isn't trivial. I used to add 1.5" plywood bracing to the underside of the table, but after building a few without anything underneath, I didn't notice any difference.

I took off the 2nd sheet and reattached the folding legs and it feels decently sturdy. We'll see how it holds up at the next game, but it is so much lighter and I can move it by myself!