Portable support for mosaic

[Musivarius]

I've had a request from a production company about having a roughly 5' x 3' (1.54m x 0.91m) mosaic done onto board.
The pieces will be about 8 - 12mm in size, natural stone. This works out to about 26 kgs per m2, for this size (1.4 m2) = 36.5kg

What could I use as a base board? Bearing in mind they will need to be able to move it around.

I tend to look to using some form of frame to stop bowing on anything this size but it would need a board in 1 piece. Normally I go for Hexlite but I think they are wanting to keep costs down.

Thanks!
(PS I may not be back on to look at any replies until Thursday afternoon)

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I'd consider just using 18mm plywood.

 

[Musivarius]

Thanks, know anywhere I can get a rough idea of price online?

 

[Alan.P]

Or you could use the Hardie-Backer board, 12mm, plenty of strength without the worry of warping due to moisture / weather / spillages .....

 

[Scott]

12mm 8x4 in WBP is about £28 form most timber merchants, marine will be more though but dont know the price off hand.

All of it will be cheaper than you hexlite though!!!

 

[Musivarius]

Great thanks, at least I can put a bit more into the quote (not that the base board price will register much against the price of the marble!). The ply sounds fine, I do use the hardibacker but it's a shame it doesn't come in bigger than 1200mm x 600mm.

 

[Alan.P]

The Hardie is available in 2400x1200 as well link

 

[Musivarius]

Thanks, didn't realise that. I'll look to get some that size for a couple of my own projects that I have in mind

 

[Alan.P]

No worries, don't forget the pics

 

[aqua blue]

Hardie for me with back battening. Dont batten flat, rather turn battens narrow side to board (like you would do to strenghen a shelf edge) More strength if you know what I mean.

Batten along edges and zig-zag across back. Interesting job!