Benchrest Top Material

[bhk]

I am getting ready to replace the top of my benchrest. I will probably use thick marine plywood again. Any better products for that purpose? If you do use marine plywood, what do you paint or treat the wood with?

 

[BassHunter]

If you use a true marine-grade plywood, it won't need painted/ sealed with anything. It's about as impervious to water as wood gets, and should last a whole bunch of years.

Beware, though: A true marine-grade (which IS different from regular AC2-treated plywood, btw) is special-order-only at my local lumberyard, and is close to $80 per sheet!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plywood

 

[FROGO207]

A lot of people around here are using that Advantec OSB for projects out in the weather. It is supposed to be waterproof but I find if you do not paint or seal it once in a while the surface does tend to delaminate after a while. It is a good solid minimal flexing surface to use. They use it for sub-floors in housing and it is some tough! Treat it with Thomsons water seal or the oil based Cabot stain in your color choice.

 

[Moose1995]

You could use composite decking. Or if you want it completely smooth and flat, buy some plywood and wrap it in fiberglass. They sell the sheets of fiberglass cloth, and cans of resin at most wal-marts. It will last forever and be completely weatherproof.

 

[x_wrench]

personally, i am in favor of treated 2x4's or 2x6's. the reason is it is flat enough to shoot from, and it has places for the rain to drain. those spaces also help to keep any loose ammo from hitting the ground.