Counter-tops for garage?

[ladrones]

So I'm trying to get around to organizing and setting up work areas in my garage. I was given some old cabinets that I think I can put to use in my garage. The cabinets are solid and I can easily attach them to the wall. They could use some paint and hardware.

I was thinking about milling up some oak 2x4's up and using them as for the counter-tops. The cabinets are 81 inches long and 24 inches wide. The finished counter-top would be 4 inches thick. Maybe some pegboard to hang the most utilized tool above the cabinets?

Any other ideas for counter-tops?

I will move that fire cabinet and build a desk area in between the cabinets. That is just an idea in my mind anyway.


A couple of photos to give an idea of what I'm working with.

 

[akdiesel]

That sounds like a great idea. Some members here have a great job on their counter tops doing just as you want to do. Some have even aged it for a more rustic look.

 

[stonewellmark]

It looks like your all set for concrete counter tops. That would be cool no?

 

[kbs2244]

I am assuming those are upper cabinets?
If so, put them up on 2x4 spacers to get some “toe kick” room.
Then go to the local Habitat for Humanity and get some light colored Formica type tops.
Cut them to the depth you need on a table saw (apx 30 inches) and you are ready to go.

 

[superdutymike27]

I was fortunately able to nab a 14 foot countertop (laminate) a few years ago to make one continuous top for working. It's smooth, flat and cleans up well. I was also fortunate to grab a relatives base cabinets they were throwing away. It's a nice set up along 2/3rds of my wall. It also matches the garage decor. Almost like I planned it. A lot of the big box stores have left overs and different colors sizes for pretty inexpensive.

My 2 cents!

 

[VA5326]

I've been told butcher block make a great counter tops. Once they get worn out, you can sand that layer off and start all over again.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

I'd cover mine in steel
I work on transmissions all night and all weekend; wood wouldn't last a day with my stuff. Soaking in AFT, beat down from bushing driving, etc. etc. etc.

Adam

 

[dandan111]

4 inches think would be a little over kill but if you have the lumber go for it. Maybe you can rip them so its 2 inches thick?

 

[justanengineer]

I say go for it, but consider going a bit deeper. I like 30-36" deep myself for bench tops. Oak "butcher block" style tops will likely outlive you and at 4", a power hand plane will make quick work of refinishing them in a decade or two. If you plan to do a lot of internal engine, trans, or other work with precision components, a non-steel bench should be considered a requirement.

 

[Falcon67]

It looks like your all set for concrete counter tops. That would be cool no?

Not really in a garage. First whack with a hammer and chips are flying off. If a heavy piece cuts through the polish and seal, then you start getting grit in everything. Plywood with a replaceable hardboard top, or maybe steel gets my vote.

 

[ladrones]

4 inches think would be a little over kill but if you have the lumber go for it. Maybe you can rip them so its 2 inches thick?

I can mill anyway I need to. I'm Thinking about just doing to slabs 24" wide 3" thick for the length of the cabinet. That would be the easiest for me.

 

[JimVonBaden]

VCT!

Jim

 

[kb2tha]

Used solid core doors work well. Check salvage yards, thrift shops, etc.

 

[ladrones]

What about cottonwood?

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

STEEL
For transmissions swimming in burned ATF.......

Adam

 

[Reborn996]

What about Corian? It is a solid surface and should hold up well for at least light/medium duty work. Also, how about Bamboo? That is the upgrade surface offered with the Ulti-Mate cabinets I plan to buy.

David

 

[ladrones]

I got a chance to mill some pieces today.

http://sphotos-a.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/644538_4656452094623_2113263791_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/313717_4657584762939_1758028972_n.jpg

 

[NUTTSGT]

I got a chance to mill some pieces today.

http://sphotos-b.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/313717_4657584762939_1758028972_n.jpg

Make sure to post up more pics of that as it progresses.






I have a small bench that has a laminate top on it. It was my first bench as a teenager. I find it works great as a paint bench, I open/mix/pour all my paint on it, makes for easy clean up.

 

[wrench409]

Another good source for durable workbench tops is reclaimed flooring from old rail cars. After milling they look great.

 

[machine_punk]

OOOH...THAT kind of mill. Which is VERY cool. I would be concerned about that big a chunk of wood splitting, as it dried.

I like double-thick 3/4" plywood tops...you can stagger the layers to get as long a top as you need.

Kev

 

[Nostraquedeo]

Not really in a garage. First whack with a hammer and chips are flying off. If a heavy piece cuts through the polish and seal, then you start getting grit in everything. Plywood with a replaceable hardboard top, or maybe steel gets my vote.

I have had a stained concrete counter top in my garage for about three years now with no issues. I don't do anything ******** on it though. It's more of a work surface for small things. 3" thick with black die, looks really good. For the ******** stuff, I have some stained large wire spools that I can move around the shop. They are about 36" diameter and about 36" tall. Perfect mobile work benches and saw horses. Oh, and the concrete counter top cost be about $50 including the die. It's aprrox. 30" deep and 10' long

 

[ladrones]

We milled 4 pieces yesterday. I unloaded in my shop today.

I like this split piece.

10' long 3 inches thick. Re-claimed from forest fire. It does not have a great deal of moisture in it any more. I also milled up some 2x12x14 and 4x4x14 to make a base for a solid core door reloading table I want to finish.

 

[wrench409]

OMG! Treebeard, is that you?