Replacing galley counter

[L124C]

The laminate on my galley counter is chipping away. Thought I would replace the laminate, but found out that part of the substrate is ply and the section between the sink and the ice box is MDF (particle board!). The MDF is water logged (of course!) and will need to be replaced. I'm a Carpenter and have never seen anything like this on land. I can't think of a possible explanation. Any ideas on why they would have used MDF in this area? If I replace the entire counter, I wonder if there is a synthetic product I could use other than Plywood. Something that would act as substrate and finish.

[scottyt]

starboard, or even corian will work. corian can be bought from counter supply places just tell em you are using it for a shower, dupont has some stupid rules, they cant sell it you if you say its for a counter

[US27inKS]

Originally Posted by L124C

Any ideas on why they would have used MDF in this area?

Cheap??

[scottyt]

hey you edited your post after i posted, now i look silly responding to a question you removed.

oh well i am silly

[MSter]

I am thinking of doing the same project on my Watkins 27. My galley counter top has rot after the PO neglected to fix a leaking stanchion. Mine looks to be simple laminate over ply. My plans are to remove the existing and use it as a pattern for the replacement, however, I want to relocate and recess the stovetop to increase my counter space. I am probably going to go with 5/8"-3/4" marine ply and tile for finish.

I would be very interested to see how your project progresses. So make sure to keep us posted...

[deniseO30]

New Laminates look allot more real then the old 80's type of faux butcher block. Lately I've been thinking Ash laminate for the counter tops on my boat. I suppose there is a reason other then cost to not use a real wood counter top. given the size and deminsions and the abundance of maple and cherry lumber I have stored away, I'm thinking of using wood. Epoxy covered wood could work but it has a way of going cloudy if parts are exposed to sun. So as much as I love real wood... I'll most likely use laminate when I do get around to that project.

[saurav16]

I want to do the samething maybe using stone or corian would be better to prevent rot in the future if u spring a leak.

[L124C]

Originally Posted by scottyt

hey you edited your post after i posted, now i look silly responding to a question you removed.

oh well i am silly

Sorry Scotty! Edited it right away, so we must have been typing at the same time! Just Re edited my post to reflect original question. Funny thing is, most responses follwed your lead and answered the origanal question even though it wasn't posted. I'll certainly be more carefull next time! Still can't figure out why they would have used MDF for a small section of counter, and ply for the rest. The cost savings would'nt have justified the hassle of blending the two surfaces. Must have been done by a PO, not the builder, as Yankee built a good little boat!