How to cover a bench top with timber?

[michelleparry]

hi i have a black kitchen bench top. can i get ply or mdf, nail glue it down and stain it? Will it work? I want to stain it walnut

[JacobZ]

Hi @Savya01,

You could use any of the Specrite Multi-Use Panels or you could use any solid timber benchtop.

No, they will not be inherently waterproof; you will have to seal them with 3 coats of varnish such as this Cabot's Satin Clear Benchtop Timber Finish to make them waterproof.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Savya01]

Great Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @Savya01 

My apologies for not answering straight away as Friday is my day off. But @Dave-1 and @JacobZ's answers are perfect and its exactly how I would have answered your questions. My best advice is to take your time and look carefully at the timber panels available at the store. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Savya01]

Hi @JacobZ ,

Once i coat the specrite with cabots satin clear benchtop to protect it from water. Can i then stain it to color of my choice ? and what would be a recommended product for that ? 

[EricL]

Hello @Savya01 

If you wish to stain the Specrite panel, I suggest using a stain and varnish product such as the Bondall 1L Monocel Walnut Stain and Varnish for example. There are quite few products that come with different stains. I suggest visiting your local store and going to the paint department and looking at the stain and varnish sample board. You'll get to see what the stains really look like when applied to timber. 

In regards to the Cabot's clear, once it's applied the panel can't be stained unless the clear coating is sanded off.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Savya01]

Hi @EricL 

Thanks for that. In that case will the monocel walnut stain provide waterproofing ?

If no, then what do i need to apply to waterproof it and then stain it ?

Regards,

Savya

[EricL]

Hello @Savya01 

Since it is a stain and varnish it will provide a waterproof surface. There is no need to add an additional coating on the surface. However, with the Monocel product you do have the option of using Monocel Clear Varnish. 

If you need further assistance, please let me know.  

Eric

[Savya01]

thanks

[Savya01]

Hi @EricL @JacobZ 

A question, If i am able to screw the wooden benchtop to the wooden cabinets below in 5-10 different places including front and center. I will also create a waterfall and secure that to ground and cabinets. and waterfall attached to wooden top. In that case, i assume it would be ok not to glue it to the stone benchtop ? 

[EricL]

Hello @Savya01 

When attaching a waterfall to your cabinets its best to think in terms of "safely anchored". Aside from anchoring the water fall from the top and bottom, if you can use adhesive in the middle then it would be best to do so. Personally, I prefer to over engineer my work and if there is an extra opportunity to add more anchors then I am all for it. 

Eric