Earl-R, you listening?

Need 2 pieces longer than 8' for new kitchen countertops. Ordered some 12' laminate last night and was planning on splicing the countertops (the wood, not the laminate), but would prefer single pieces. I'll also accept any and all help regarding splices- just in case. Thanks!

P.S. Any countertop help or advice is appreciated. Bring it on.

------------------
1986 SE 350 V8

Tony Stewart (#20) or Jimmy Johnson (#48) can help there.
(Home Depot or Lowes.)

------------------
1988 Fiero Formula T-tops
CJB 143 of 1252 "factory T-top cars"

First and second places I tried. The best they sould do is 8'-1". Close, but no cigar.

------------------
1986 SE 350 V8

quote Originally posted by tesmith66: First and second places I tried. The best they sould do is 8'-1". Close, but no cigar.

For splicing, mabye they can do that? Other then that try the yellow pages or google for "cabinitry or custom home contractors"

------------------
1988 Fiero Formula T-tops
CJB 143 of 1252 "factory T-top cars"

Trying to do it all myself and save some $$$$.

Plywood is best, I have no use for particle board especially in a kitchen. MDF is not much better.
I usually put splices where the sink cut out will be. Otherwise add a 3 inch strip of 3/4 plywood to the underside of the seam and glue and screw both top pieces to it. This makes a strong level joint. Longer plywood is usually special order and more expensive.

quote Originally posted by Wolfhound: Plywood is best, I have no use for particle board especially in a kitchen. MDF is not much better.

MDF will expand with moisture.. also, unpainted mdf allows formaldehyde to be released over time.

If you need to use it, putting a brace under the 8ft mark will support it ok.


http://www.design-technology.org/mdf.htm

I used to use it for some building projects, but now anything I do with mdf is painted right away. I also dont let my 4year old build with it, she now uses pine in any of her projects she builds.

[This message has been edited by isthiswhereiputausername? (edited 07-12-2007).]

Welp, I have made some calls and am convinced I cannot find what I want so I will splice. Thanks for all of the input.

Oh, I'm going to use plywood, too.

------------------
1986 SE 350 V8

Did you check with a "real" lumber yard? They may have to special-order it in, but both plywood and particle board are available in 4 x 12 foot sheets.

Yes I did. Special orders were either way expensive or required I buy a rail car load ata one time. I need 2 sheets. Splicing seems like the way to go in my case.

for a counter top there is no need to get that fancy
but if you want a piece 12' long just glue 3 layers made of 1/4 '' ply
to make a 3/4'' by 12' part
I would just screw a backer 12'' wide to lap 6'' on each side and call it done
you can use fancy angle cuts too
or remove a layer of the ply stack top and bottom and middle plys on the other part

or just scratch build plywood out of door skins

the other odd hard way to go is strip=planking
say 1'' long strips nail and glued to make a as wide and long ''plank'' as you want
some even vary the wood type/colors like a teak and holly cabin floor on a boat

I would never use partical/strand board on anything near water or even damp
that stuff sucks

------------------
Question wonder and be wierd
are you kind?

[This message has been edited by ray b (edited 07-12-2007).]

Hey Tim,

Let me make a phone call tomorrow to my countertop guy and see what I can do for you. BTW do you want a back splash with that?

The 1/4" plywood thing sounds good at first, but kitchens, water and that type of idea won't work long term. The plywood will warp and seperate when the water finds it's way to the wood.

[This message has been edited by Earl-R (edited 07-12-2007).]

Earl,

Backsplashes = yes.

I have already started with plywood. I am going to splice using 3" wide backers, glue and screws like was said above.

[This message has been edited by tesmith66 (edited 07-13-2007).]

Contact an outdoor advertising company in your area - they usually have 4x14 or 4x10 ft pieces of MDO ply in stock for bill boards