Countertop question

[jonmulzer]

I just built a small bench (24.5"x82.5"x32"H) with doors and drawers for storage and organization of my wine making area. I have it temporarily topped with a scrap of 3/4" CDX that is 28" deep front to back. I did not feel like putting a toekick on it so I am letting the countertop hang over about 4". It also comes out to a better size for the work I am going to be doing on top of it. The question lies with, what would you guys suggest to do for a homemade countertop? If just 24" front to back would have worked for my use I would have just picked up a cheap laminate countertop from one of the box stores for $50, but I need something larger. I was wanting a dark finish and the two options that popped out to me were MDF with 'mica or MDF with some sort of enamel paint. I was going to trim out the edges with the same material as the faceframe. As always, the cheaper the better.

The cabinet is built out of BC pine plywood with a whitewood face frame and drawer fronts. It is in a basement and I am really not too concerned about looks, but it turned out better than I thought it would and I am impressed. I can post pics if anyone is interested.

[Tom Slick]

I say cover it in formica. it's easy to apply, it's durable, and it looks good.

I've put it right on 3/4 CDX with no issue.

[jonmulzer]

I was actually going to top it off with MDF anyway to get me to 1 1/2" thickness anyway. I wonder where I can get Formica in my area? Are there any paints or other coatings that would not be prone to staining?

[cabinetman]

I wonder where I can get Formica in my area?

My psychic abilities are on the weak side this morning. I'm not getting a reading.
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[pelligrini]

There are some really neat epoxy coatings, but they're not exactly cheap. A client is doing a remodel using some of these coatings on a garage workbench. The builder had told me it was running about $90 a gallon for the product she wanted.

There's a dealer locator on Formica's website link
*edit*It looks like the Homedepot's and Lowes around me gan get it.

Wilsonart does some nice laminates too. http://www.countertop.com/

[jonmulzer]

My psychic abilities are on the weak side this morning. I'm not getting a reading.
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Good call. I did not realize I had not listed my location. I checked Formica's website (I am sick, I missed the obvious, maybe the head congestion is going farther north than I thought? hehe) and my local Lowe's carries it. I have never ordered it before though, about how much does it usually run? I am having no luck finding it on their website.

[cabinetman]

Wilsonart dealers:

Plastic Top
1302 West Troy Ave.
Indianapolis , IN 46225
317-786-4367

Hawkins Cabinet Co.
2125 South Keystone Ave.
Indianapolis , IN 46203
317-786-4369

Steward-Boarman Kitchens
1627 Oliver Ave.
Indianapolis , IN 46221
317-687-7749

Menards - Indianapolis South
7140 S. Emerson Avenue
Indianapolis , IN 46237
317-885-7900

Limpus Cabinets
8606 E Washington Street
Indianapolis , IN 46219
317-897-0373
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[ironhat]

I stopped in at a small cab shop about a month ago when he had a sign out for laminate pieces on sale. We stopped in and some of his 'pieces' were half sheets. Now, I can't speak to the pricing since we didn't come across anything suiting our needs but you just might hit on a shop that needs to get rid of an odd, dark color. Just a thought.

[jonmulzer]

I will have to look into that as soon as my head cold/sinus infection has run its course.

[JimD]

Have you thought of floor tile? It makes a very durable top and is not difficult to install. You can install it over a 3/4 plywood substrate although adding a layer of concrete board (1/2 inch) would make it less likely to crack if somebody sits on it. Cost starts at not much over $1/ft2.

Jim

[jonmulzer]

Actually, that thought did cross my mind today. Might be a bit fancy for my whitewood faceframe and BC plywood carcass though.

[ironhat]

Have you thought of floor tile? It makes a very durable top and is not difficult to install. You can install it over a 3/4 plywood substrate although adding a layer of concrete board (1/2 inch) would make it less likely to crack if somebody sits on it. Cost starts at not much over $1/ft2.

Jim

Wow, Jim, that's a solid idea for this application! Inexpensive, durable and easy to apply. Solid solution for you, Jon. Let us know what you decide.