Any suggestions for metal countertops in guard shacks at industrial facilities? Cost is primary factor and no other material acceptable. Metal? grade? finish? detail? edge profile? underlayment?
Interestingly enough, stainless steel of the type used in commerical kitchens might be the easiest (may be able to find something used). You can use a thinner product if you laminate it to a veneer plywood substrate. I would make sure that you detail it and follow up so that the installed product has all exposed edges covered.
The only metal countertop I’ve ever speced is stainless steel, and that’s probably not what you’d want. (Think lab or commercial kitchen countertops).
Heavy gage (minimum 18) galvanized steel on plywood substrate would work.
I agree. stainless steel and you can easily find a kitchen fabricator who will do up something like that in any size that you want. anything else will be an ongoing maintenance issue.
if you’re not completely stuck on using metal, I would also suggest a precast concrete top – its pretty much bomb-proof, and if polished and sealed, it will provide the same performance as steel (but may cost the same, too) or, of course, the standard black Durcon lab top, which also will take all sorts of abuse, not be as subject to temperature fluctuations and has stock sizes, probably in stock with the supplier.
You could also save some money by using a 400 series alloy stainless steel rather than 300 series (eg 410 rather than 304). The 400 series has less corrosion resistance but if it will be in an interior environment is that an issue?
Thanks all-- very informative and helpful