Formica top for tool chest?

[matty d]

Im just trying not to pay for an expensive piece of maple to top off my tool chest.

Formica makes a maple top...Lowes has it for $40 for an 8 foot piece that may be cut to sixe. I dont know what it is like - never worked with it myself...

http://www.formica.com/home/Product...&prl=PRL_LAMINATE&mc=0&sp=0&ots=&fns=&grs=top pattern

Is this a totally lame or viable solution?

 

[JimVonBaden]

I've used them. Durable and easy to clean.

Jim

 

[NiceToy]

I agree. There's better (pricier) options, but they work fine for a work surface.

 

[RedAggie03]

I used a solid core door on my new bench instead of the formica top I already had. I like how solid the solid core door is, but I liked my formica top better overall. It was simple to clean and cheap.

 

[matty d]

Thanks guys. The company that makes Formica is sending me a free 5"x7" sample.

 

[Papa Tango 213]

I like Formica and plan to use it on a packing bench at work. Be advised that it can chip or crack if a heavy object or tool is dropped on it.

 

[bigdummy30]

just check the texture of it...some formica has a "orange peely" like texture and some are mirror smooth ...the textured stuff doesnt wipe off as easy.

 

[bjaspud]

I've used formica covered counter tops for my workbench for 20 years. I couldn't be happier with how it's held up or how easy it is to clean.

 

[holland_patrick]

i'm going for this...

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80145749/#/80145749

 

[matty d]

i'm going for this...

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80145749/#/80145749

I know, I would get that too, but there are none around my area. Ikea DOES ship, however It will cost just as much to ship it; after shipping costs, it will be $130 which is about the cost of a Craftsman Work Bench top from Sears. Otherwise a great deal.

 

[Norcal]

I know, I would get that too, but there are none around my area. Ikea DOES ship, however It will cost just as much to ship it; after shipping costs, it will be $130 which is about the cost of a Craftsman Work Bench top from Sears. Otherwise a great deal.

Your location says Yolo County, there is a IKEA in West Sacramento.

 

[matty d]

Your location says Yolo County, there is a IKEA in West Sacramento.

Yes! Have been there many times. However they do not stock that particular top in the West Sacramento location, or other locations in Northern Calif ornia so I would have to order it and have it shipped to me.

Are they able to ship to the store for pick up to get around the shipping cost? hmmm maybe worth calling them.

 

[darkk]

Lumber Liquidators also sells reasonably priced butcher block counter top. Any in your area?

 

[csp]

If you're after a real butcher block look you won't get that with the formica. It looks like imitation butcher block formica, not actual butcher block. Especially as time goes on.

 

[Outlawmws]

I like Formica and plan to use it on a packing bench at work. Be advised that it can chip or crack if a heavy object or tool is dropped on it.

I've used formica covered counter tops for my workbench for 20 years. I couldn't be happier with how it's held up or how easy it is to clean.

on this ^^^ except for me it's been longer. (mine is Almond, which gives you an idea of when that was the popular/cheap color to get) My bench top is a std. kitchen counter-top with back splash and rolled front edge, which keeps stuff from rolling off the back and behind the bench, and the slight drip roll on the front helps keep stuff from rolling off the front as easily. I did have to set my vise on washers to clear the front edge however... and yes, I did use the hot glue/iron on end caps and trimmed them for the complete "clean look".

 

[Richard D]

I used a solid core door on my new bench instead of the formica top I already had. I like how solid the solid core door is, but I liked my formica top better overall. It was simple to clean and cheap.

I scored some used office doors, 8' long, 3'(+?) wide, solid core, AND Formica covered. Haven't used one yet myself, but my buddy used one for a bench top and it's really nice.

 

[Kevin54]

If you don't want to use laminate for a counter top or bench top, use laminate flooring. It's a little cheaper than a sheet of Formica.

 

[5lima30]

Solid hardwood flooring might be an option as well. Around here solid hardwood flooring is about the same price and sometimes even cheaper than laminate flooring.

 

[Conor]

If you don't want to use laminate for a counter top or bench top, use laminate flooring. It's a little cheaper than a sheet of Formica.

very nice, can you give us more pics of your workbench? I have 3 boxes of laminate left over from doing my kitchen...

got any pics from the underside or build pics? specs?

appreciate it!

 

[matty d]

If you don't want to use laminate for a counter top or bench top, use laminate flooring. It's a little cheaper than a sheet of Formica.

Wow....thats real nice. What did you mount your laminate flooring on?

 

[Devildogs]

I was thinking bamboo flooring would be great for this application. Much tougher than other woods and wont soak up liquids.

 

[Outlawmws]

I was thinking bamboo flooring would be great for this application. Much tougher than other woods and wont soak up liquids.

Now that is an interesting idea!

(Now someone please tell me bamboo wood comes from someplace other than the PRC...)

 

[bigbearcraig]

I just built my son a workbench in his new home, and used Formica for the top. It is very easy to clean, and looks neat. I knew he wasn't going to be pounding on it, so that was not a consideration.

 

[Mastermind]

bowling alley. when they redo a lane, that laminate maple is tough as nails. built a bench out of it for a buddy, he's the 'tool tester', if it lasts a week with him it passes...not much does, the hardest part was drilling the holes for the vise.

 

[holland_patrick]

Just went with the normal Ikea stuff...with the silver edge

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60155193/