I am looking to build about a 6 to 8" edge around 3 sides of my layout and I am open to suggestions about what material will best suit my needs. I don't have a lot of tools, so can't get too fancy. 
Bob
Bob
Edging/Facia
- Thread starter Bob Collins
- Start date
A lot of us use masonite but if cutting the sheets is an issue I know of at least one member successfully using cardboard.
Ralph
Ralph
I'm wondering that if I use masonite I might be able to get the local lumber company to strip a sheet around the edges that would give me about 2 eight foot sections and 2 three foot sections if I had it cut to create a 6" high piece. I could get all I need out of two sheets that way. Great idea. Thanks very much.
Bob
Bob
I'm planning on using melamine (paneling for showers, also used to make white boards). You can use a utility knife or jigsaw on it, fairly ridgid stuff. The obvious advantage is that you can use a dry erase marker on it for notes, and then wipe it off.
I use 1/4" Birch attaced to my 2x4 frame. The over all measurement of the birch is 1/4"x6"x4'.
I also create my control board from Birch
I also create my control board from Birch
If you're using Masonite, you can rip a 4'x8' sheet into eight 6"x8' strips: that'll give you 128' of edging from two sheets. If you've got something solid to attach it to, use drywall screws, after first countersinking for the screwheads.
I use it for all of my layout facia, plus to close in the storage area under the layout. 1/8" is heavy enough and the "tempered" version is not necessary for this application.
Wayne
I use it for all of my layout facia, plus to close in the storage area under the layout. 1/8" is heavy enough and the "tempered" version is not necessary for this application.
Wayne
Masonite is an old standby, cheap, ridgid and fairly easy to cut. Lauan plywood is also an easy product to work with. You can buy it at any home center in 1/8" 4' x 8' sheets, or smaller "door skins" for just a bit more per square foot than masonite. I like it because it takes paint a lot better than masonite, and it doesn't have the rough backing that masonite does.
I had my layout wraped in masonite, and found that I put it on way too soon. Kept taking it off little by little as it got in the way. Now there is none left. I will use lauan as soon as I think I can, and not a month sooner....
I had my layout wraped in masonite, and found that I put it on way too soon.
Kept taking it off little by little as it got in the way. Now there is none left. I will use lauan as soon as I think I can, and not a month sooner....Hi Bob,
Masonite is exactly what I used and I got my local hardware company to rip it for me into 8' x 6 " strips. The only thing I would advise is to frame it up a little where pieces butt up against each other. Oh, and remember to use the shiny side out! It takes paint very well and makes the room look so much more inviting.
Graham
Masonite is exactly what I used and I got my local hardware company to rip it for me into 8' x 6 " strips. The only thing I would advise is to frame it up a little where pieces butt up against each other. Oh, and remember to use the shiny side out!
It takes paint very well and makes the room look so much more inviting. Graham
Again, my thanks to all of you for a couple of great ideas, not the least of which is not to put it on too early. I have been busy filling cracks between the foam board with light spackle and when I finish that will begin the track laying process. I figure that just before I am ready to scenick in an area I will do my last bit with the spackle, apply the facia touch and then touch up with the spackle. Anyone see any problems with that approach?
Bob
Bob