Countertop Surface-need opinions

[Airwilf]

Cupboards are done & countertop is presently 3/4" plywood with a sheet of MSB, & measures an even 10' X 2'. The msb isn't kind to abuse,even just using it to do the rest of my reno project.I have a box of VCT tiles & was offered another box today with colours that would match the garage reno.There won't be any heavy banging,welding,grinding engine rebuilds etc. on the top.Thought of doing the kitchen countertop laminate also,as that was my last countertop.But,with the reported durability of the tiles ,I thought that it would be an alternate.Your opinions & advice sincerely appreciated.Thanks crew.

 

[radelow]

I got my garage cabinets from IKEA. Looks great and I went with their beech countertops. Work great and if they get banged up you can sand. Or replace for $40 a piece....

 

[lupinsea]

Some lumber stores have cost-effective butcher block planks that could be put down. If they are simply screwed on from the bottom there would be no visible fasteners on top and could be sanded / replaced as needed.

The spare VCT tile may work, too, but it also may get scratched up with use.

Or just keep using the masonite top and replace that when it gets too beat up.

 

[houstonhusker]

I got my cabinets from Ikea too and used their black/grey laminate counterop...I think it was like $60 or so for an 8 ft piece...was much cheaper and better quality than HD or Lowes...

 

[TONE]

Not sure if this would work for you, but thought I'd throw it out there........

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54947

 

[Airwilf]

Thanx for all of your replies ,comments & advice crew!There are many possibilities for this rather simple project.Even thought of using my left-over RaceDeck tiles.Going to check out Ikea again in their left-over bin.They did have one butcher block top at 4' long.Need 10 ' x 2' . Still looking at countertop laminate ,like I had before. Cost about $40. Have to get the floor in ,walls striped,garage functional.Counter top will be an evening spare time finishing touch.Got a few mods to get done on the car & get out there & drive it!Thanx again guys.The more ideas I find on this site the more $$ I'm out of pocket.Retirement pushed back again.

 

[Jack Olsen]

That looks great.

I have only one request -- admittedly, from a guy who worries too much about how stuff looks -- but how about going with one color for the handles, not two?

Now some info:

You could just paint the plywood with a floor enamel.

But both Ikea and Sears sell counter/bench tops that I think would work for you.

With Ikea, you've got to call your local store to confirm that they carry the countertops. They don't sell Maple -- but have Oak, Birch and Beech. (I think Birch and Beech are harder than Oak.)

Here's a link with sizes and prices. 4' is $90, 6' is $130 and 8' is $170. Those are all 25" depths.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40057396

Here's a set of links to Sears' different bench top options:

Stainless Steel

Butcher Block (might be Maple)

Bamboo

MDF

Sears also carries 6' lengths.

 

[tcianci]

I would go with the tiles, you seem to have work surfaces in other parts of your garage tha can take abuse if needed. Tiles can be removed with a heat gun and done over again if needed. I made the tops in my garage out of plywood with a sheet of vinyl flooring glued on and an aluminum stair tread nosing to finish the edge, seamless, easy to clean but doesnt take well to hot stuff or utility knives, but it was free and easily renewed if I need to.

 

[John Timmins]

My countertop is 3/4 particle board covered with 1/4 inch composition board that's polyuerethaned. My hobby stuff isn't heavy.

After getting whatever top material you choose, go to a sheet metal place and have them cut a 1/16 sheet of aluminum to the size you want and just lay it on there with a dab or two af some caulking to keep it from moving. You can remove the metal when you want that way. I like having the metal because them I can put small oily stuff on it. Paint wipes right off too.

Also if you do a lot of real oily and dirty stuff consider mounting a pipe on the end horizontally with a roll of butchers paper. Pull some paper over the top when you need it - especially when you start to reassemble clean stuff. You can write notes on the paper.