Thread: Timber and finish suggestions for sharpening pond tray

Given that the stones will probably move around a little bit in use, you'll want a tough finish that won't be abraded off too quickly. Maybe something like a marine epoxy finish or a 2-part floor polish?

Cheers mate! The stones will be used in holders so abrasiveness isn't too much of a concern.

I'd still go with Elan's suggestion.
Alternatively, make the tray with cheap materials & finish on the assumption that you're going to throw it away & make a new one whenever it starts to fall to bits.

Laminated bamboo covered with marine epoxy?
I suppose if you are going cover it with epoxy, you might as well use plywood. Marine ply ideally.
If you really want it to last, roll fiberglass over the plywood. Pour over epoxy and apply modest heat to remove bubbles.
This is easy to do and you can even give it a ribbed or textured surface with a metal roller. Seal both sides and all edges.
Read the instructions to see when the epoxy is truly hardened as opposed to merely set.

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Bamboo and marine epoxy sounds like a go, I've actually been interested in getting some bamboo laminate for some outside counters so it will be a good chance to check it out before I commit to buying larger amounts.

I've used Formply for marine engine boxes exposed to the weather. All cut edges were treated with a very thin epoxy Norseal Wood Preserver. They had years of use with nary a sign of rot or other degradation.

mick