Floor tile for backer?

[Joe W.]

OK, all you old timers, I'm seeking any and all thoughts and comments regarding the use of laminate and other flooring (and wallboard paneling) for use as backers for scroll saw works of art. 
I was walking around one of the local box stores recently and the idea smacked me in one of my brain cells.  Seems like a good idea; but then again, I've had that thought and it didn't work out so well.  

[Denny Knappen]

I use mat board as backers, but then again they are free to me as a framer.

[Dan]

I mostly use mat board also. Considerably cheaper than wooden backers plus they have a selection of colors.

[new2woodwrk]

Gosh, I've used whatever I've had on hand as a backer: Wood, paper, backer board, hardboard. etc.

IMO try it and see what you think - no telling what the creative mind can conjure up!

Don't forget the pics!

[Rockytime]

Mat board for me also. I hate using wood unless I want a certain effect. There is no wrong backer.

[FrankEV]

Like others have said, you can use anything that you want.  My only concern about flooring of any kind is that most, even if T&G, is narrower than most portrait type cuttings, so the backer will have a joint showing.  And even if purchase as remnants (by the piece) the cost is propabaly going to be more than a piece of BB ply.

As noted in previous replys, a lot use mat board.  It may be unfounded, but I see a longevity concern with using mat board.  Since our portraits are not usualy archivally protected under glass, the mat board is exposed to the elements and, IMHO, subject to deterioation over time.  If any of my projects will be hanging in a home, business or office somewhere I would hope it will be there a very long time.  Like furniture, that which is made of solid wood will be around forever.  The composite materials, not unlike mat board, is a cardboard product which is used in some modern furniture and doesn't last but a few years, if that.  And, good quality matboard is probably just as expensive as BB ply, which can be painted any color desired.   

FWIW, I protect all of my work with multiple coats of either lacquer, polyurerthane similar to the way furniture is finished to insure longevity. 

 

 

[Ceric ME]

I was sort of hoping this was ceramic tile the question was about.  I have some leftover and thought it might be an interesting material.

[JimErn]

@Joe W., check out Home Depot, in the section where there is 4x8 sheets, there is a 0.2 inch thick sheet for underlayment.  it sands smooth with a 320 grit and paints easily.  I use it for backer board almost exclusively

[Joe W.]

49 minutes ago, JimErn said:

check out Home Depot, in the section where there is 4x8 sheets, there is a 0.2 inch thick sheet for underlayment.  it sands smooth with a 320 grit and paints easily.  I use it for backer board almost exclusively

Thanks, 
I'll check it out.
The more pictures and signs I cut out the more I'm realizing the backer can be almost any material; cloth, plastic, wood.  And any color or pattern.  It adds to the complexity (decisions) that go into the final appearance. 
for example . . .I just finished a facial tissue box holder with cutouts. 
Showed it to my wife and that led to a lengthy discussion on what to use as a backer color for the cutouts.
It was another reminder to me that even something that looks simple ain't necessarily so.