If you search for "tortoise table" on google and youtube, you'll find lots of great links. Sorry I don't have any personal experiences to share. Instead of building a table, I made my indoor enclosure for my redfoot torts out of huge rubbermaid tubs. I cut a passage between the two so they have plenty of room. As they grow I can add more tubs... it's turning into a sort of modular home system.
James have you looked through this thread? Lots of ideas here.
Do you have any specific questions in mind? Lots of people use bookshelves turned on their back with the shelves removed and lined with a shower curtain or tarp, or they use linoleum as liners.
What tort is this table to be used for?
Sorry for not being more specific, I have 2 russians and my main question is what shouldn't I do when it comes to what to use, coating, etc. I just don't want to build something to find out I made a huge mistake.
be sure the sides are high enough they cant climb out. russians are great climbers. cover the corners with a 'lid' as this is the most popualr area for them to climb out. make sure whatever you put in the enclosure they dont climb on and get out that way..
outside is best.. but you can do pretty good inside with the smaller guys.
read read read... and no question is dumb.