Russ Filtz
12-17-2005, 8:52 AM
Any of you pros out there have tips on how to spec a commercial/industrial countertop? This is going into an air conditioned space in central florida. I'm going to spec Wilsonart laminate (the heavy duty abrasion resistant kind) and their glues also.
What should the substrate be? I'm thinking 2 layers of 3/4 exterior grade ply, or would a ply/MDF combo be better? How many plys (do I need to go to BB for longevity)? I am a little worried about the MDF as if any seams aren't good, or you get chipped laminate, you can get swelling from all the humidity/rain (parts of the counter may get wet at there's a horizontal sliding window right next to it.
Do I NEED to laminate the bottom, or just specify some poly? I was going to spec spar urethane on all cut, unfinished edges as well. Any other tips? Thanks!
What should the substrate be? I'm thinking 2 layers of 3/4 exterior grade ply, or would a ply/MDF combo be better? How many plys (do I need to go to BB for longevity)? I am a little worried about the MDF as if any seams aren't good, or you get chipped laminate, you can get swelling from all the humidity/rain (parts of the counter may get wet at there's a horizontal sliding window right next to it.
Do I NEED to laminate the bottom, or just specify some poly? I was going to spec spar urethane on all cut, unfinished edges as well. Any other tips? Thanks!