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i have 3 'like new' kitchen countertops that i want to freestand next to my new gas grill on the deck,will the formica top hold up against the weather for any length of time or would a sealer of some kind need to be added to the countertops ?

LandN said:

i have 3 'like new' kitchen countertops that i want to freestand next to my new gas grill on the deck,will the formica top hold up against the weather for any length of time or would a sealer of some kind need to be added to the countertops ?

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Are they seamless type, with rounded edges, or built up with seams and square edges? Countertops can be purchased ready made in home centers, the Formica is usually seamless. The problem is, usually they are made on a particle board base, the particle board will act like a sponge to absorb moisture in the air outside. I am not sure about what you could use for sealers but I think any quality latex paint applied to the underside would help seal them against moisture. As for the tops, I don't think any type of sealer or varnish would stick to the Formica worth a darn. You could probably keep the counters covered with tarps when not using them to protect against sun and water damage...

Good post..I hope others have ideas too.

Hey jd they are the squared edges with the seams. and currently are framed with legs and are being used as work benches(light duty) and clean work but take up to much room in the garage and basement, so that is why i'm going to use them out side next to the grill and probably use brick to set them on instead of the legs your right on the underneith side thoughdidn't think of that ..thanks

LandN said:

Hey jd they are the squared edges with the seams. and currently are framed with legs and are being used as work benches(light duty) and clean work but take up to much room in the garage and basement, so that is why i'm going to use them out side next to the grill and probably use brick to set them on instead of the legs your right on the underneith side thoughdidn't think of that ..thanks

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Formica in kitchens takes moisture well if the seams are sealed and no water can get to the core...but a kitchen usually has humidity a lot less than what is outside. You may want to do a Google search to learn what type of paint would do best for sealing the undersides...me, I just use big deck boxes as my ourdoor "kitchen counters:.

JDgreen said:

The problem is, usually they are made on a particle board base, the particle board will act like a sponge to absorb moisture in the air outside. I am not sure about what you could use for sealers but I think any quality latex paint applied to the underside would help seal them against moisture. As for the tops, I don't think any type of sealer or varnish would stick to the Formica worth a darn. You could probably keep the counters covered with tarps when not using them to protect against sun and water damage...

Good post..I hope others have ideas too.

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I agree with JD, your counters will swell and the joints will widen. I would consider using this temporarily, as a test if you will. If you find your using this kitchen a lot invest in a more durable,substantial surface. I would not put a lot of time and money using these tops.
I would not use any sealant as it may migrate into your dinner somehow.
Let me know when the steaks are done, i like mine meduim rare

Medium well for me, thanks....:biggrin:

RobertBrown said:

I agree with JD, your counters will swell and the joints will widen. I would consider using this temporarily, as a test if you will. If you find your using this kitchen a lot invest in a more durable,substantial surface. I would not put a lot of time and money using these tops.
I would not use any sealant as it may migrate into your dinner somehow.
Let me know when the steaks are done, i like mine meduim rare

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I have wondered a few times about using those folding plastic top tables, the type where the top folds in half and the legs fold down into the tops, making a card table sized package when all folded up. If someone ever develops a rust resistant finish for the leg assemblies (stainless steel) they will be great to use outside.

JDgreen said:

Medium well for me, thanks....:biggrin:

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hey JD.... bring twall with you. Tell him to bring lots of home brew:licking:

RobertBrown said:

hey JD.... bring twall with you. Tell him to bring lots of home brew:licking:

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By the time his home brew is ready to be drunk, the steaks will be charcoal.....:laughing:

JDgreen said:

By the time his home brew is ready to be drunk, the steaks will be charcoal.....:laughing:

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We can get more steaks.....

I would love to have a whole outdoor room, but in my neck of the woods, it is not practical. We only have nice weather some of May, June, July and August, by September it is getting cold.

I like the idea of an outdoor kitchen -- maybe including a homemade smoker and a fireplace. Here in the South you could use it year round.

I agree that any furniture outdoors with particleboard as a base will eventually get moist and warp. And any laminated surface will separate if base is warped.

The BEST outdoor counter you can find will be stainless steel ... you can find exceptional commercial make tables and the like at used restaurant equipment dealers.
Also follow the restaurant auctions.. You can pick up perfect equipment for just about scrap salvage price... They will last forever & they are easy to keep clean... :smile:KennyV