Weber Performer Table. Solid Surface??

[troymeister]

My once very nice homemade Oak Weber Performer table has succumbed to the lovely Chicago winters it after 3 years or so. It is time to make a new one.

So my question is: Has anyone here in the pit used solid surface (i.e. Corion or Pionite..etc..) tops outdoors? If so, how does that material stand up to the weather? Not much information is available on outdoor use for that material.

I have a friend who has a left over piece large enough, but he is 2.5 hours drive away. Wondering if it would be worth it to make the drive. I suppose if it lasts another 3 years it would be worth it.

[Alabama Smoke]

Being from Dixie, (I visited Chicago in 2001 to see my son graduate from boot camp at Great Lakes north of the city). They said is was a mild winter. I have never been so cold in my entire life! How can it be mild when the snow is blowing horizontally? Ok so what I just confessed tells you to take whatever I say with a big grain of salt, but if that beautiful wooden top were sealed in a thick coat of polyurethane would not that give you a beautiful table that would last for years? I am assuming your performer is covered all winter of course. Perhaps you should store the grill in the garage during the colder months?

[troymeister]

I had sealed it many times with Marine Varnish. Still it is done.

[Old Glory]

Once there is a scratch water gets in and it's game over. You are better off using a deck stain then you just touch it up every spring.

[Waiting for the Worms]

If it only lasted 3 years, I'm going to guess it was red oak. If you do it over in white oak, you should get at least 10 years out of it. The same would be true if you replaced it with cedar. Either of these would be a lot cheaper and easier than solid surface.

[troymeister]

The solid surf is free. Just 2.5 hours away.

[mnavarre]

Well, San Diego weather ain't exzacly Chi-town weather, but I've got an old Corian sink cut out that I used to use as a top on a cheap camping table for an outdoor prep area. It's been outdoors in all kinds of weather for more than 10 years, and as far as I can tell not a damn thing has happened to it. Maybe it's faded a bit. I do wonder how repeated freeze/thaw cycles would affect it.

[Bkhuna]

10 years in San Diego means it got rained on 5 times and has dust from the Santa Ana's.

I spent 8 years in San Diego starting in 1975. Best place I've ever lived at the best time to be there.

[au4stree]

In my previous house, we had Corian countertops. I loved them, way better than granite, imo. I realize it isn’t the same but the occasional hot pan would find it’s way onto the surface without a hot pad etc. The corian kept on ticking with no I’ll effects. It hid scuff marks and day-to-day wear really well. I’m not sure how it will hold up to consistent grill heat though.

If it doesn’t work out at least you got to visit with a friend.

[Steve B]

If you want to stay with a wood table I would suggest using cedar. Red is especially nice looking. And when finished right it will last for years. I have a jjgeorge table for my kamado’s. It’s red cedar. Gotta be going on 5years now. And still looks great. Of course I keep it covered when not in use for the most part. This pic is about 2 years old. But the table still looks the same today.

[DTro]

Nice set-up.

[zinfella]

Nice work.

[Troutman]

Cedar for the win. Still examples of cedar having survived since the time of the Egyptians.

[BBryans3]

I just cut a hole in a 30x60 stainless prep table, nothing fancy , easy cleaning..but I can move it around when I power wash deck etc..

[BBryans3]

I have about 6 years out of it so far, the only disappointment is the under shelf is starting to rust, but I’m surrounded by salt air with the pool and where I live

[pasmom]

Hi, where did you find this table? thanks

[BBryans3]

I bought it at a local restaurant supply store

[Troutman]

Corian will definitely hold up to years of abuse. You can polish out scratches and marks easily over time. It’s anti-microbial and is somewhat heat resistant. The only downside is it’s description as a "solid" surface is a bit of a misnomer. You can get sheets of it up to 3/4” thick but most is 1/2” to 1/4” and is generally glued to plywood. Unless you completely cover the plywood you would have that exposure over time. May not be a problem.

If you’re getting the surfacing for free I’d definitely go for it.

[carpetlayer719]

Good work

[zinfella]

Both of these Performer alternatives look good , but I think the SS is the most practical for outdoor use. Easy to clean is also a strong point in favor of SS, IMO.

[texastweeter]

I only have experience with oak, cedar, cypress, yellow pine (treated and un treated), and cement for outdoor kitchens.