Cover ledge with stainless or not?

[bmwpower]

I'm trying to decide whether or not I should cover the ledge shown with strips of ~4" stainless steel. The ledge is pretty much all the way around my garage. Money is really not an issue, since my friend has a metal shop and can rip me pieces of stainless for cheap.

My thoughts:

- I'm picturing being able to use this for temporary "storage" of misc. stuff as I'm working on things even though it goes against my idea of order.
- If I don't cover it, it will be painted like the walls and may end up getting ratty looking from people placing things on it.
- Ledge will get dirty just from the usual dust and **** in the garage. Stainless would make it easy to clean and would protect it from damage.
- I'm going to be putting in stainless tops on my cabinets, so they would kinda match. Maybe not exactly, but they'd both be stainless.
- Not having to finish the top side of the ledge, ie. make it perfect for paint, will save some time.

With the brainpower on this board, hopefully you guys will set me straight.

 

[G1K]

Stainless. Have your friend bend it so you have a lip that goes to the block. That would looks pretty sharp.

Ryan

 

[bmwpower]

Stainless. Have your friend bend it so you have a lip that goes to the block. That would looks pretty sharp.

Ryan

I was originally just thinking of putting stainless on the top side. So you're saying make one piece that is bent to cover the entire ledge? Hmmm. I'm not sure he has a bender that will take a significant length of stainless.

 

[Matt Harwood]

I like the bending idea, but just bend over the corner so that it has a finished appearance and isn't sharp, like a bullnose tile. I would do this, even if it means cutting the stainless into smaller lengths so they'll fit in his bender--the seams will fit tight and be invisible after installation anyway. The edges of the stainless will be like like razor blades if someone brushes up against them.

Stainless is a great idea.

 

[ChucksCrib]

Conduct a test. After your walls are painted, have your bud fab-up a couple different pieces for you and lay them out.

I do however think it will bring in the cabinets nicely

 

[SULLY]

I just had a workbench covered with a 1/4 inch aluminum cap.
While it is not as strong as stainless it does give the same look
and is much cheaper. Just a thought.

Sully....

 

[Craig Balzer]

BMW Power

Here's the bottom-line: the shelf is there. You and/or your family and/or friends are going to put "things" on it. Those things will be cans of beer/soda, tools, whatever. There is nothing you can do t stop them.

So, you will need to either remove the shelf (not practical) or make it impossible for the shelf to be used as a shelf (impossible) or make it easy to clean and keep after it.

Yes -- you can paint it the same color as the wall, but you'll be chasing clean up issues for ever. So -- cover it with something. Since you have a buddy that can provide you with scrap stainless -- go for it. I agree that a 1/2" or 1" lip covering the edge of the bricks will like much neater as well as elimianting a safty hassle.

Craig

 

[REFLEXX]

bmdub,

how about diamond plate?

either way, I'd suggest something that goes up the wall 4", across the flat and then down to the block. If it's not one piece, then silicon seal the edges.

That way, you are protecting the lowest part of the wall from rolling carts, stools, etc and you're protecting the wall from spills that might occur on that ledge.

my 2c.

REFLEXX

 

[Fort94Z]

I used 5/4 decking material, painted white. It has a nice bull nose end and finished it nice. I then set my base trim on top of that.

 

[Luckydevil]

What about some plastic moulding?

 

[SteveL]

My vote is for ceramic tile on the ledge and down to the floor. Makes washing out the garage a breeze! Other than that the stainless with a bent over lip would be nice. Don't just paint it. You will be changing it within a year if you do!

 

[TOMWELDS]

If not using tile, bend the stainless in a 'Z'. Make at least a 6" backsplash on the wall- come across the ledge- then cover at least to the block. The tile would look nice too.

Also, to eliminate the sharp edges, use fine emery clothe and it will polish.