Best Substrate For P-lam Countertop

C.C.R.

What do you think is a better substrate for Plastic laminate countertop fabrication? MDF or particle board? Both 3/4" doubled up on edges.
Now I can't stand p-lam with all the new surfaces available today but what the customer wants, the customer gets. By the way these counter tops are going in a brand new log home. And yes, I do realize it's a sin to use plastic laminate countertops in a log home. He spent 10k on Hickory cabinets (beutiful cabs.) . Now lets top them off with the cheapest, grossest countertop we can find.

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john elliott

I'm told that particle board (chipboard in the UK) I best as a substrate because it contracts and expands inthe same way that the laminate does, and this helps to stop it delaminating from the substrate.
I also understand that it is vital to use some kind of backer on the underside of the substrate, to stop it warping

John

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Eric K

Ive always used particle board. MDF sucks the glue in from the edges like crazy. You have to triple glue it in most cases. Plus it swells alot easier that particle board.

theworx

Particle board is the way to go... John made a good observation on warping, but, for a counter top (if screwed down in enough places) you will experience minimal warping. That's how we do it (I'm sure others will have differing comments)...

DesPro

we only use specific industrial grade particle board 45 lb density . I do not recommend using the standard underlayment grade stocked at most lumber yards. There is a big difference.

I also recommend sealing the raw edge @ the sink cut out and use a backer on the underside over the dishwasher area.

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