# Insulating fiberglass table from campstove **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 26, 2012, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulating-fiberglass-table-from-campstove/635871 "2012-09-26T10:15:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2012, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulating-fiberglass-table-from-campstove/635871/1 "2012-09-26T10:15:35Z")
Odd question I know, but what would make a good insulating layer between my fiberglass camping table and my campstove (and/or barbecue)? I noticed the table beginning to discolor and bubble last time out and don’t really want to replace it with something heavier. I’m trying to find something compact that I could unfold and set the campstove/bbq on when cooking. I looked in a welder’s supply store for ideas, but didn’t find anything (plus their stuff is expensive). I tried aluminum foil, but this didn’t work. A piece of thick leather maybe? Ideally, I’d like something compact that can be folded or rolled up. Thanks for your ideas. ---
**Author:** ![Szlater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/90ced4/32.png) [@Szlater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Szlater)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2012, 10:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulating-fiberglass-table-from-campstove/635871/2 "2012-09-26T10:58:44Z")
What about a laboratory heat proof mat? (A fibreglass one not an asbestos one, of course) The don’t weigh much, but you can’t roll them up. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2012, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulating-fiberglass-table-from-campstove/635871/3 "2012-09-26T11:16:15Z")
A piece of plywood oughta work. Doesn’t really take up much space, considering it’s flat and you can put stuff on top of it. It might scorch a bit, but I doubt it will ignite. Might want to avoid pressure-treated, though, in case there’s any nasty off-gassing. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2012, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulating-fiberglass-table-from-campstove/635871/4 "2012-09-26T13:51:11Z")
wrapping the top of the plywood with foil or have a piece of sheet metal (cookie sheet, house flashing) on the plywood might be even better. single pieces would work or separate pieces running them across (orthogonal) each other. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2012, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulating-fiberglass-table-from-campstove/635871/5 "2012-09-26T20:31:36Z")
A couple of [silicone pot holders](http://www.amazon.com/MIU-France-Set-Silicone-Holders/dp/B0006IVZFU). Or maybe 4 if your stove is large enough. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2012, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulating-fiberglass-table-from-campstove/635871/6 "2012-09-26T20:39:21Z")
Another two feet of being away from the campfire, maybe? ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2012, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulating-fiberglass-table-from-campstove/635871/7 "2012-09-26T20:55:09Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > A piece of plywood oughta work. Doesn’t really take up much space, considering it’s flat and you can put stuff on top of it. It might scorch a bit, but I doubt it will ignite. Might want to avoid pressure-treated, though, in case there’s any nasty off-gassing. Similar idea: what about a large wood cutting board. Then you can use it for meal prep, too.