I am getting set to build an outdoor train layout. One part of the
layout will be roughly 4'X32' and be built like a deck, flat and
level. It will be supported on 24" centers. I am planning on using
3/4" sheets of plywood, and this is where I have my question. I am
thinking about using Pressure Treated 3/4" plywood sheets, my
reasoning is this: it will be subject to moisture, and maintaining
it, after I have installed the track over it will be a chore. I am
looking at a life time of 10-15 years before replacement. After
reading this thread, I am not sure if I am making the correct choice.
I have selected plywood as it will allow me to maintain a flat and
level surface, rather than use structural wood. I would really
appreciate any input from this group, even though it sounds as if this
topic doesn't belong here.
Thank you.

On May 23, 7:44*pm, noela wrote:
I am getting set to build an outdoor train layout. *One part of the
layout will be roughly 4'X32' and be built like a deck, flat and
level. *It will be supported on 24" centers. *I am planning on using
3/4" sheets of plywood, and this is where I have my question. *I am
thinking about using Pressure Treated 3/4" plywood sheets, my
reasoning is this: *it will be subject to moisture, and maintaining
it, after I have installed the track over it will be a chore. *I am
looking at a life time of 10-15 years before replacement. *After
reading this thread, I am not sure if I am making the correct choice.
I have selected plywood as it will allow me to maintain a flat and
level surface, rather than use structural wood. *I would really
appreciate any input from this group, even though it sounds as if this
topic doesn't belong here.
Thank you.

Get some good outdoor paint and paint the top and edges real good..
One coat or so on the bottom might be good, You do want the wood to
breathe out the moisture that will get in no matter how much you seal
it... Just do the edges real good, and use good housepaint. If you
really want to do it and keep it for a long time, look into BS1088
rated Marine Plywood. It will last for years with no paint, with paint
and maintenance, 20 years plus...

noela wrote:
I am getting set to build an outdoor train layout. One part of the
layout will be roughly 4'X32' and be built like a deck, flat and
level. It will be supported on 24" centers. I am planning on using
3/4" sheets of plywood, and this is where I have my question. I am
thinking about using Pressure Treated 3/4" plywood sheets, my
reasoning is this: it will be subject to moisture, and maintaining
it, after I have installed the track over it will be a chore. I am
looking at a life time of 10-15 years before replacement. After
reading this thread, I am not sure if I am making the correct choice.
I have selected plywood as it will allow me to maintain a flat and
level surface, rather than use structural wood. I would really
appreciate any input from this group, even though it sounds as if this
topic doesn't belong here.
Thank you.

Buy regular CDX. The "X" is for exterior glue. Save the money.

If the surface is not structural, and you don't need to actually walk
on it, lose the 'wood' thinking angle and consider something like
plastic grate. This would be more weather resistant (depending on
material, UV is a consideration) , water*proof*, would allow debris
and tree junk to pass through instead of collecting on the surface,
not subject to water pooling, and stay looking good without
maintanence for years. You can expand this idea considering, for
instance, vertically oriented wood strips in a grate configuration,
perhaps with spacing of several inches even.
JR

On Fri, 23 May 2008 20:05:19 -0400, DK
wrote:

noela wrote:
I am getting set to build an outdoor train layout. One part of the
layout will be roughly 4'X32' and be built like a deck, flat and
level. It will be supported on 24" centers. I am planning on using
3/4" sheets of plywood, and this is where I have my question. I am
thinking about using Pressure Treated 3/4" plywood sheets, my
reasoning is this: it will be subject to moisture, and maintaining
it, after I have installed the track over it will be a chore. I am
looking at a life time of 10-15 years before replacement. After
reading this thread, I am not sure if I am making the correct choice.
I have selected plywood as it will allow me to maintain a flat and
level surface, rather than use structural wood. I would really
appreciate any input from this group, even though it sounds as if this
topic doesn't belong here.
Thank you.

Buy regular CDX. The "X" is for exterior glue. Save the money.
HOME PAGE:
http://www.seanet.com/~jasonrnorth
--------------------------------------------------

"noela" wrote in message
...
I am getting set to build an outdoor train layout. One part of the
layout will be roughly 4'X32' and be built like a deck, flat and
level. It will be supported on 24" centers. I am planning on using
3/4" sheets of plywood, and this is where I have my question. I am
thinking about using Pressure Treated 3/4" plywood sheets, my
reasoning is this: it will be subject to moisture, and maintaining
it, after I have installed the track over it will be a chore. I am
looking at a life time of 10-15 years before replacement. After
reading this thread, I am not sure if I am making the correct choice.
I have selected plywood as it will allow me to maintain a flat and
level surface, rather than use structural wood. I would really
appreciate any input from this group, even though it sounds as if this
topic doesn't belong here.
Thank you.

Google up a 'Garden Model Train' group... or check hobby stores for
magazines that cater to that group.
Those big trains are meant for outdoors and I've seen some neat layouts on
various television programs over the years.
I was very tempted to but a 'Birney Safety Car' set in G scale last
Christmas.