Any recommendations for countertop?

[alankulwicki7]

I just put in some old kitchen cabinets in my garage. For the countertop I used old solid-core doors and want to make them look a little nicer. I was thinking about just buying a sheet of laminate but was looking for other suggestions. I've seen others here use vinyl flooring, pergo type flooring etc.

This is a garage that will be used for working on cars so I want something durable but isn't too expensive or hard to replace if I screw up the counter.

Any pros and cons of the different options would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Doug

 

[Stuart in MN]

I like using a piece of tempered hardboard. It's pretty cheap, pretty durable, and looks okay (you can put a coat of polyurethane on it if you want it to look shiny.) Eventually it'll get beat up, and then you just toss it and get another piece.

You can hold it down with a few screws or even a few brads in the corners.

 

[McVicker]

16 gauge galvanized steel works pretty good too. Thats what I used......here is a pic...It's very durable.
Just have the doors covered with the metal.

 

[McVicker]

well that didn't work

 

[alankulwicki7]

I like the steel. How expensive was it? Was it something you had made?

Thanks!
Doug

 

[McVicker]

We used a three 2x12s and screwed them together then took the boards to the local metal shop who covered everything with the steel. I think it was around $250 total.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I am trying to get out to pick it up, but I found someone who ripped out a "butcher block" counter top. It's 1.5" by 25 by 5' maple, edge glued, for $50. I figure, I will still place a chunk of steel elsewhere.

 

[sjsfire]

I used the tempered masonite hardboard for mine too. Coat it with laquer. Screw it down so you can replace it as needed. A 4x8 sheet will probably only run you about $8.

 

[Dead Skunk]

I build my benches with a double layer of plywood and then put used conveyor belting on top. Got it a few years ago. Normally it's 36" wide and one side will get chewed up. my bench is 24" ,so I just sliced off the bad edge. It will last forever . Oil and grease cleans off readily,just can't weld on it, but otherwise I like it. I have no idea where to go to buy more if I ever need to, though.