Quartz work bench top.....dumb idea?

[DC_Gearhead]

This sounds like a yuppy question, but I have a bunch of gray quartz slabs left over from a project and was wondering if anyone has used quartz as a work top. I would obviously need to have a very secure base and thick subtop to secure it to. It would be used for my mechanic's bench. I'm just a hobbyist so it wouldn't be getting major abuse other than the normal wear and tear of a weekend mechanic.

All I am saying is free is free. Should I use the quartz? Stuff is hard as heck and does not stain at all.

 

[Jeff95TA]

I wouldn't hammer on it since it could crack, but other than that it seems like an awesome surface. Like you said, it doesn't stain since it isn't porous like natural stone.

 

[77Mini]

It would make a great layout table. Real layout tables are usually huge big thick slabs of granite but for home use yours would be great. I have wanted to get a piece of quarts/granite to put on my bench from time to time when i am doing layout work.

 

[Cyberbear]

Depending on the size of your slabs of quartz, they may work well for your particular needs, and there is no sense wasting them. As you say, "free is free," now it remains to be seen just how much these free slabs cost you when the project is completed.

 

[DC_Gearhead]

Depending on the size of your slabs of quartz, they may work well for your particular needs, and there is no sense wasting them. As you say, "free is free," now it remains to be seen just how much these free slabs cost you when the project is completed.

Good point. Trying to use free stuff always costs in the end....

I think I am going to go with it and try it out. I'll give an update and pics when I get it installed.

 

[dutchgray]

Probably make a nice top for fine, accurate work but I wouldn't want to beat on any stone top, or try to bolt a heavy vise down on it.

 

[Lotek]

Worst case scenario, you will end up with a nice sturdy base to bolt a wooden or steel top to if you don't like the quartz after you are done.

 

[bdbecker]

Worst case scenario, you will end up with a nice sturdy base to bolt a wooden or steel top to if you don't like the quartz after you are done.

Beat me to it...

Besides, I know you aren't the only person who has thought about doing something like this because I was at the Habitat Re-Store a few weeks ago staring a really nice $100 slab of granite thinking "I wonder how durable that would be?" If you do go that route, let us know how it works out.

 

[larry_g]

Since this is leftover stuff I have to assume you have some installed already somewhere. Go smack the installed stuff with a hammer. If nothing happens then you have an answer. If it breaks then you have a spare piece to replace the broken one with and you know its probably not so good as a bench top. Plus you also learn that it is fragile and need to keep a few spares for future replacement when they break again.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[nadogail]

I too have some quartz remnants and have ideas about what I might do with them.

I am considering welding up a coffee table frame.

Please let us know if a quartz bench top works for you.

 

[Stuart in MN]

If you regularly pound on your workbench with a hammer it may not be the best choice. If you don't it probably will work well, and the price is right.

 

[77Mini]

If you do it put a good sturdy plywood top and silicone the quartz to it. That will give you a lot more strength than just the slab.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Since this is leftover stuff I have to assume you have some installed already somewhere. Go smack the installed stuff with a hammer. If nothing happens then you have an answer. If it breaks then you have a spare piece to replace the broken one with and you know its probably not so good as a bench top. Plus you also learn that it is fragile and need to keep a few spares for future replacement when they break again.

lg
no neat sig line

LOL, dude that is so wrong.



I guess it would depend on what you're doing. If think it might work for you by all means try it out. If you had a spot at your bench where you sit to do some small tasks, layout (like others mentioned) or did some writing, it'd probably be great. I'd imagine it would clean up very nicely.

 

[matt_i]

If you never hammer or drop any parts on it, then probably very acceptable.

It needs to be well supported and not setting on just 3 points of contact. Something softer underneath it would help to equalize surface contact...like those anti-skid mats used under rugs or in toolbox drawers.

Since its free material its very low risk to try it out.....

 

[kbs2244]

I know nothing about quartz counter tops.
So if you like the look and are satisfied about the durability, go for it.

I have a roll around work table with a Corian top.
Stupid expensive?
No, it was free from a kitchen remodeler friend.
Wipes up real nice.