Plywood Or No Plywood?

[HydroGuy]

Im building a couple 4x8 tables on casters that will have a 4x8 flood table on top of frame. So my question is would you put plywood over this frame? I will have 8 7gallon smart pots in each table. This will not be a table i fill with water just something to protect floor and so run off drains to waste. I dont think i need to put plywood on since 2x4's are 16 inch centers and a flood table will be on top. Am i good to go like this or am i setting my self up for problems not buying plywood?

 

[Savage Henry]

It wouldn't hurt, but it's not necessary.

Bonus points for painting the frame with killz.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks! Thats what i figured but wanted to be sure before i mounted a permanent trellis on to frame. Good call on killz! I had to look it up but will probably paint that on. Its going to be a nice little design i think. Put the casters on so i can get in between tables

 

[Freshone]

If it's not gonna be moving around alot it's fine,if you think you'll be moving it alot or putting it on casters/wheels I'd throw a sheet on it or at least a few gussets to add rigidity.

 

[rascali]

If you try to move that with weight aboard it will "rack" or turn into a parallelgram and possibly fall apart. Applying even a thin sheet of plywood (like the back of an Ikea dresser) ties everything together and eliminates that concern.

 

[seaslug]

Kilz is a good idea. I've been using Glidden Gripper general purpose primer and then one or two coats of surplus semigloss.

 

[jaybodankly]

I think without a flat surface the tray will warp and sag if it is plastic.

 

[Bulldog420]

Get some plywood on there, even if 1/4 inch. Get low VOC paint, if in Cali only option. Good luck.

 

[jaybodankly]

Some building advice looking at your table. The joists (cross pieces) have a crown or (bend) to them. The crown should always be facing up. It makes for a stronger table without sags.

 

[Bulldog420]

Some building advice looking at your table. The joists (cross pieces) have a crown or (bend) to them. The crown should always be facing up. It makes for a stronger table without sags.

Was thinking the same thing, but couldn't tell if it was an optical delusion. (optical illusion, but I always say delusion and people look at me funny)

 

[HydroGuy]

Some building advice looking at your table. The joists (cross pieces) have a crown or (bend) to them. The crown should always be facing up. It makes for a stronger table without sags.

Haha yeah after i was done i noticed that and remembered my dad telling me that too. Thanks ill pay better attention on the second one

 

[HydroGuy]

But i decided im going to plywood. Its not expensive or anything just didnt want to have to borrows friends truck to pick up the plywood. Thanks for the help guys!