Abstract: A strong and light weight tubular structural member is formed of a fibrous ceramic mat-like skeletal base filled with a ceramic binder. The ceramic filled base is coated in a chemical deposition process with a thin ceramic skin which is molecularly bonded to the base and which greatly strengthens the member and increases its useful life when it is used in contact with high temperature furnace gasses. The use of such tubular members in cross-flow filter elements to separate planar ceramic filter elements and the use thereof to strengthen ceramic tube sheets in pressure type tube filters is disclosed.