[Greenbuilding] Counters

[JOHN SALMEN]

Depends what you mean about warpage. I've even had concrete counters warp
(deflect, bend, twist) - most materials move so it is a question of gluing,
screwing, nailing, supporting, blocking and sealing to provide support and
resist movement. Basic exterior 3/4" ply is pretty resistant to moisture and
moisture damage (can be wetted and dried numerous times without damage).
Before cement boards became common 1/2" exterior ply was the standard backer
for tile walls on premium projects. I would recommend stick with the ply and
tile plan and provide whatever additional support is needed underneath to
support the spans and make the material rigid. A thin layer of cement board
is excellent to use under the tile and is better around sink areas as a
substrate - bond it to the ply with tile mortar and screws (lap any seams in
the ply). 

I also recommend butcher block counters. Surprisingly inexpensive natural
material that you can purchase by the foot, refinish numerous times by
sanding and oiling and takes on character as it gets burned and stained and
well used.

-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of Lynelle
Hamilton
Sent: July-26-11 6:29 PM
To: Green Building
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] Counters

The warping is noticeable, so I'm already replacing the ply. I'd have to 
figure out how to keep any new ply from warping, though. What's the heat 
resistance, do you know? Bamboo would be great for the edge.
Thanks, Jason!

Lynelle

On 26/07/2011 9:20 PM, Jason Holstine wrote:
> How about Marmoleum sheet on that plywood (or, if it's warped, replace 
> the plywood for about 15 cents). Ol' fashioned, all-natural, easy to 
> clean, durable linoleum. Just glue it up on the ply. Material should 
> should be about $7/sf and if you're reasonably astute, could be DIY. 
> Biggest issue is your front edge-you'll probably want a different 
> material for the edge band, like a bamboo, wood, or metal.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On 7/26/11 9:00 PM, "Lynelle Hamilton" <lynelle at lahamilton.com> wrote:
>
>     Again, I ask the list for advice. I am now at the point of installing
>     kitchen counters. I have had plywood on the counters (3/4 overlaid
>     and
>     screwed to 3/8", as a substrate for tile, but have had warping
>     (I'm on
>     the water). I don't trust it for tile. I've been told others in
>     the area
>     have had this problem. They've generally solved it by installing
>     Arborite, something I am loathe to do.
>
>     That places me squarely in a quandary. I can't find reclaimed granite
>     in the size I need--the reclamation folks near me generally sell the
>     counters with the cabinets anyway. The budget will not allow for
>     "new"
>     granite and I want to use something that screws the earth less than
>     other options (particularly given that I've already wasted some
>     otherwise good plywood).
>
>     I am the installer, so it must be pretty simple.
>
>     Any creative ideas out there?
>
>     Thanks!
>
>     Lynelle
>
>
>
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-- 
Effective immediately, please use the following e-mail address to reach 
me: lynelle at lahamilton.com

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