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So seeing as GW's latest offering isn't quite what I need, I'm falling back on my original plan.

And that's to use a 6x4 battle mat on top of the kitchen table.

However, the table isn't quite 6x4, and I'd rather not have floppy edges dangling off. So of course I'll be needing some kind of base boarding to get to the right size.

But which material is the best for the job? I need something that won't Warp if stored properly, and isn't going to break the bank.

Any and all input gratefully received

Get a piece of luan or mdf and build a frame in the bottom out of 1x2. Light, strong and simple

I use a Plywood sheet 4x8. But underneath the board I have a blanket or tablecloth that I wont mind ruining to protect the table.
Here is a link to a UK site to what looks the closest to what I used (which is almost twice what I paid for mine in the US )
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Structural-Softwood-Plywood-CE2%2B-18x1220x2440mm/p/120945

I chose plywood over MDF because it doesnt warp as easily if it gets something spilled on it, also doesnt chip as easily either with rough handling.

Plywood and MDF are your main choices.

Plywood is stronger, warps less, less prone to chipping on the edges and corners - but it's heavy and more expensive.

If you have drinks on the gaming table then getting some exterior grade might be worthwhile.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Maddok_Death wrote:

Here is a link to a UK site to what looks the closest to what I used (which is almost twice what I paid for mine in the US )

Yep, we get screwed on a lot of hardware supplies unless you're getting them on trade accounts.

Well, if you are making new surface for kitchen table anyways, then why not make a nice 3D "realms of battle" like table? XPS and some glue/sand/paint isn't really expensive and dificult to form into nice table...

As to original question - Personally I don't recomend plywood at all - it has to be thicker than MDF to remain flat over time (works more with changing humidity because of bidirectional and non-uniform grain alignment). I use 10mm MDF board in three pieces with steel interlocking rods to connect them when on the table (with good silocone/rubber underlayer you don't really need any rig to attach it to kitchen table, friction alone will hold it still, MDF is pretty heavy). Such modular construction will also enable you to make this XPS surface on top of it later if you decide to do so and still allow for fair amount of possible combinations with just 3 pieces.

If your kitchen table is just slightly undersized you could even get away with purely XPS table in three pieces - just strenghten overhangs and sides with 3mm HDF strips and use 2" XPS in three sections with side locking pins (C shaped 3-4mm steel rods will do).

Choosing material/method boils down to really two questions only - should it be predominantly durable and easily storable or lightweight but bulkier...