counter question

[Aaron Coffee]

I am getting back into the mood to get back to work on #2. I put 1/2 ply in for the galley/cabin counter and it seems kind of flimsy> I don't have an upper galley/ cabin wall in yet. I have a couple ideas and wondering what others thoughts are. 1. Run 1x2 underneath to strengthen it. 2. Put another layer of ply on top(planning on covering it with laminate counter top. If I go with the second idea, should I use another layer of 1/2 or go with 3/4?

Thanks
Aaron

[afreegreek]

most counters are made with 5/8" particle board with a 5/8" x 7/8" build up under the front giving a total of 1-1/4" excluding the laminate. the rest of the support comes from the cabinet gables and stringers underneath. if you'll be having cabinets under the counter just a build up under the front like they make is plenty. if the counter will be unsupported then a build up all around plus two strips front to back spaced evenly across the width will be good. no need to use a whole layer though there's nothing wrong with it either.

[Steve_Cox]

Aaron,

Your idea to use 1 X 2's for support will work well, the laminate will also stiffen it up quite a bit. Hope the post above doesn't make anyone think that particle board is an acceptable material in a teardrop, even though it was mentioned only as a reference to residential countertop construction.