Hello mfhta.
You are correct in that the Oak-Park table is Baltic Birch and I am not sure what laminate they use but, I don't think it is melamine. Veneer is usually a thin layer of wood where as a laminate is a plastic. Formica is just a brand name of one of the laminates available, for instance Lowe's might sell Formica where Home Despot might sell another brand. That being said they are all basically the same except in price. You might have to do some looking to find yellow laminate but the big box stores and lumber yards might carry it or maybe special order it if you just have to have yellow. I used MDF boards covered with a slate gray Formica on my table because it was a cracked piece and I got it for a discount. All the laminates are easy to clean and don't scratch very easy because of the slick, hard surface and that is why they make a good router table. It is advisable to laminate both top and bottom to help prevent warping. I guess you could use a wood veneer but I would advise using a laminate such as Formica, etc.
You are correct in that the Oak-Park table is Baltic Birch and I am not sure what laminate they use but, I don't think it is melamine. Veneer is usually a thin layer of wood where as a laminate is a plastic. Formica is just a brand name of one of the laminates available, for instance Lowe's might sell Formica where Home Despot might sell another brand. That being said they are all basically the same except in price. You might have to do some looking to find yellow laminate but the big box stores and lumber yards might carry it or maybe special order it if you just have to have yellow. I used MDF boards covered with a slate gray Formica on my table because it was a cracked piece and I got it for a discount. All the laminates are easy to clean and don't scratch very easy because of the slick, hard surface and that is why they make a good router table. It is advisable to laminate both top and bottom to help prevent warping. I guess you could use a wood veneer but I would advise using a laminate such as Formica, etc.