Thread: Exterior plywood for tiled workbench (outdoor)?

Should be fine, Nicola, provided it is thick enough and sufficiently rigid - the slightest flex will crack the grouting.

Your enemies are flexing and moisture. Before tiling, I would coat all surfaces with a good epoxy sealant such as Everdure paying particular attention to the end grain. One coat is not enough, two is minimal, three is better. My technique for each coat is:

1. Paint the end grain,
2. Paint the other surfaces,
3. Repaint the end grain.

You really want the Everdure to soak into the ply. On the first coats, especially the end grain, the Everdure will basically disappear into the timber grain.

Then tile and apply finish coats of paint.

Fibre Cement flooring would be my choice.

Originally Posted by rustynail

Fibre Cement flooring would be my choice.

but use 10 or 12mm thick cement sheet.

Originally Posted by rod1949

but use 10 or 12mm thick cement sheet.

They won't need any treatment at all?

I couldn't find any cement sheet suitable for outdoor use that it is not super expensive. Any suggestion?

No treatment required. Second hand building materials would be the best bet for a bit of cheap stuff.

If the bench is left in full exposure then James Hardie Secura or similar would be the way to go. If it's under cover then Scyon or similar. Cemintel make comparable products as do a few others but James Hardie and CSR (Cemintel) are the big players and readily available at Bunnings or any ceilings and linings specialist stores or more dedicated building supplies chains.

You could have a look at Formply and treat it as suggested by GraemeCook. I've used it externally and it's pretty robust.