Durable Attractive Countertop?

[schalliol]

We’re adding a countertop in an area with a sink that will kind of split the difference between a shop and a bathroom, and I’m trying to decide what countertop is attractive yet durable. I wouldn’t expect to do things like wood projects on the countertop like a workbench, but I expect we’d use it with setting down buckets, tools from time to time, dirty plant stuff and even (when clean) perhaps set some food on it. All of this should have an aesthetic that might make sense for the detached garage. I don’t want it to absorb materials that could be spilled, stain or be scratched.

I’m thinking concrete, possibly granite, or some other material. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I may be asking too much!

 

[ericlar80]

Stainless steel

 

[schalliol]

Thanks! That’s an idea I hadn’t considered. That makes some sense hmm

 

[Innovate1]

Short of fabricating one (which is beyond me) where would I look for SS countertops? What's available that isn't totally custom?

 

[dfiler2]

I had always wanted to try pouring a concrete countertop so when I built my shop I did that in the bathroom. That was about 8 years ago and it has worked out really well, it has stood up really well to everything and it was a fun project. You can make it any shape you want, I'd do it again.

 

[nateo]

Short of fabricating one (which is beyond me) where would I look for SS countertops? What's available that isn't totally custom?

New, find a place that does restaurant or commercial kitchen supply.

Used, find a restaurant or commercial kitchen that's gone out of business.

 

[ZRX61]

Make the top from doubled up 3/4 ply. Take it to your local sheet metal shop & ask then to bend up a piece of stainless to fit/wrap it. It only requires 4 bends: front, both sides & the back splash. If you want it to look more *finished*, tell then to weld & blend the front corners.
Add three more bends & two short welds if you want the backsplash to fit around a piece of vertical 3/4ply.

 

[Innovate1]

New, find a place that does restaurant or commercial kitchen supply.

Used, find a restaurant or commercial kitchen that's gone out of business.

I did pick up a nice sink with countertop in SS from a place near me that sells used commercial kitchen stuff for the shop. And a SS cart. But their supply is pretty limited. Will have to check back from time to time.

 

[Nosferatu]

Soapstone

 

[tinmanwpk]

As for Stainless Steel, check Amazon for stainless steel countertops and/or shelves. If you can find one, which I have done in the past, place some thick double layer plywood underneath to absorb the rough treatment it will receive.

 

[schalliol]

Soapstone

This seems amazing. Definitely like that and will have to see what I can get locally!

 

[Skiff Builder]

I have a sink/ counter in my shop used for all the things you listed above plus clam/fish/crab cleaning .Paint brushes/rollers and more.
Good old Formica or Wilsonart laminate with a Swanstone composite sink. It takes a beating down there-still looks the same.
Came from the old house -damaged by Sandy in 2012- but it spent 2 years in the shed doing duty as a "Camp Kitchen" (pic below)before it got to the shop.

I think laminate is often overlooked these days.

 

[The Cobbler]

laminate is reasonably durable, inexpensive, and many real nice patterns to choose from

 

[Bert_]

I just got a piece of sheet laminate for my kitchen counter. It's got laminate now that's at least 30 years old. The old piece is in decent shape except for some scratches from cutting directly on it. No reason for me to consider any other material.

 

[ddawg16]

Hmmmm....no sink....but it's great for holding beer and food



Just recently I tried my hand at granite cutting and polishing. We had a chunk of granite left over from a bathroom project.
I recently modified said bathroom by removing the tub and making it a walk in shower.
I used the left over granite to make caps for the pony walls and seat.
I had estimates between $450 and $900....and I'm suppling the granite.
$56 and Amazon sent me a stone cutting blade for my circular saw and a bunch of granite polishing disks.

Moral of the story....don't be afraid to try something new.

If you want to do concrete....the key is to make a mold....with the top part on a flat surface. I've heard Formica is a good surface because it so smooth and cheap. Consider adding dye to the concrete mix for color. Use some type of vibrating device to make sure there are no voids. (if you use the wife's ********, be sure to clean it before you put it back)

 

[schalliol]

Wow. Okay, nice work!

 

[jrsavoie]

Stainless steel

How does Stainless compare in price?

Wish I had saved some when I was installing kitchens.

 

[nateo]

I think laminate is often overlooked these days.

laminate is reasonably durable, inexpensive, and many real nice patterns to choose from

When we moved into our house we added an island to the kitchen and replaced the ugly laminate counters at the same time to match. We stuck with laminate anyway, but in a much nicer pattern. The price was right, the look and durability are good, and we were going to wait until our destructive little monsters are old enough to be a little less destructive before we do anything too fancy anyway.