View Full Version : bulk head top
James2011
09-19-2009, 07:17 PM
the rentanglar laminated wood bulk-head top between washers looks ugly due to water damages. so I want to replace them, do you have good source for me to buy or make it by myself?, I was trying to look at restorant counter-top company's web-sites, but its expensive because of shipping, so I am thinking to make it by myself, but I still don't know what kind of meterial is good for this. can you share some good idea about "TOP COVER" between washers...
Adamski
09-19-2009, 07:44 PM
Newbie,
I think you first need to consider the extent of any heat/moisture/humidity problem that may exist within your bulkhead. If you have such a problem, you should probably not use any wood fiber materials. That means you would need to use something like metal or Corian.
If your bulkheads are relatively dry, you could use 1/2" or 3/4" plywood which could be painted. Or you could glue a plastic laminate (Formica) on the outside of the plywood for a nice, smooth finish. Do not do plastic laminate yourself unless you are familiar with working with this product. There are a few tricks that, if not followed, will result in a poor installation.
James2011
09-19-2009, 07:52 PM
Larry, your right, installing laminate on plywood does require good skill, one time I tryed, but failed, looks not nice.
not much moisture, but sometimes, customer spills detergent or keep open detergent lid cover, so water coming out and flows to the top cover of wood.. and some corners got burlged, like belly...LOL
But my idea is just to use plywood and paint it, then put small space gab underneath of wood plate so that water can't touch it...
Painting plywood looks good??
STOUT
09-19-2009, 08:27 PM
Newbie;
You can get 3/4" plywood with a white p refinished top that is water/moisture resistant. We got some at Home Depo or Lows. This product works great. A little more than plywood. It is mainly used in shelving. Ours has lasted for 13 + years and is easy to install.
James2011
09-19-2009, 08:53 PM
STOUT, it's good idea...very much economical...
How did you treat edge and side?
STOUT
09-20-2009, 12:52 AM
Used the same material. Made it in a box/lid form. Left the bottom unfinished. No one ever sees that side.
Adamski
09-20-2009, 06:55 AM
...You can get 3/4" plywood with a white prefinished top that is water/moisture resistant. We got some at Home Depo or Lows. This product works great. A little more than plywood. It is mainly used in shelving. Ours has lasted for 13 + years and is easy to install.
Stout,
The product you are referring to is OSB with a white finish on one surface. Since it's designed for shelving, it comes in limited widths and therefore may not work on wider bulkheads. I would only use that product in very dry areas that are accomodated by the limited width.
My bulkheads are 34" wide and very dry so I used 3/4 inch plywood (good on 1 side) and primed and painted them. They look good and are holding up well (2 years old). The nice thing about paint is it allows me to change the color when I repaint the building's interior someday.
I used 1/8th" aluminum diamond plate. Cost was $60 per 4x8 sheet. Friend in the A/C business cut and bent the pieces very easily. Looks great. Used what was left as trim around the dryers.
James2011
09-20-2009, 08:54 AM
Bo and Larry,
Where can I buy them: 1/8th" aluminum diamond plate and Corian?
Brett
09-20-2009, 09:55 PM
I also use the osb with a white laminate top. It does come in wide sizes and I also use it for end of bulkheads. Works great for me and lasts a long time.
STOUT
09-21-2009, 12:39 AM
I used 1/8th" aluminum diamond plate. Cost was $60 per 4x8 sheet. Friend in the A/C business cut and bent the pieces very easily. Looks great. Used what was left as trim around the dryers.
bo;
How about sending a picture of the diamond plate around your dryers and bulkhead.
It would be interesting to visualize it.
SEFlaundry
09-21-2009, 11:20 AM
I just did mine.
I went to a kitchen place and ordered them.
I gave them the measurments and the built them for me.
It is 3/4 OSB with laminute.
It cost me under $1000.00
Which included a new setup for the customer sink.
James2011
09-21-2009, 10:49 PM
Larry, where can I buy Corian?
STOUT
09-22-2009, 01:10 AM
Larry, where can I buy Corian?
That would depend on where you live. What state do you live in? are you in a large city? Do you have a Home Depo, Lows, or a cabinet shop?
Give us information and we can help you.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/tgbsgt/2008-03-10020.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/tgbsgt/2008-03-10013.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/tgbsgt/2008-03-10010.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/tgbsgt/2008-03-10014.jpg
James2011
09-22-2009, 08:01 AM
That would depend on where you live. What state do you live in? are you in a large city? Do you have a Home Depo, Lows, or a cabinet shop?
Give us information and we can help you.
yes, I live in a large city and all thee kinds of store you mentioned above are here.
STOUT
09-22-2009, 11:14 PM
yes, I live in a large city and all thee kinds of store you mentioned above are here.
Have you gone to any of them and talked to anyone there? You might find some great advice. Also check the bulletin board there you probably might find someone who can install it.
James2011
09-25-2009, 10:39 PM
Have you gone to any of them and talked to anyone there? You might find some great advice. Also check the bulletin board there you probably might find someone who can install it.
stout, i did, but no help, they just recommend laminate top which I don't want to use again, I asked Corian, but they can't sell it peice by peice, it must be ordered as custom built with on-site installation like kichen counter top which I don't need to spend extra dollar. so I am still in same position. maybe I will consider make it myself.