Substrate and Underlayment for Outdoor Countertops

[Mbella]

What do you folks use? Currently, we use marine grade plywood and the Schluter underlayment (available at Home Depot).

[SCgreenscapes]

What type of counter top are you talking about? we don't use any wood. If we do an outdoor kitchen, it is all steel construction with hardibacker attached to it. there is too much of a chance wood will warp or possibly catch on fire if all heck breaks loose.

[mrusk]

You guys arn't just mortoring the granite to the top of the concrete block?

[cgland]

We use adhesive between the granite and block and then caulk the underside. I believe Mike is referring to surfaces other than granite or marble, like tile....right?

Chris

[Mbella]

We use adhesive between the granite and block and then caulk the underside. I believe Mike is referring to surfaces other than granite or marble, like tile....right?

Chris

That is correct.

[Evening Star Lighting]

I see they have a new "Light Weight" board. Seems like a compressed foam, similar to drywall. I would still go with the hardboard though.

[SCgreenscapes]

mbella: why would you be using any wood products for an outdoor countertop? Would you not have problems with the board shrinking and swelling under different atmospheric conditions and humidity levels? Why wouldn't you use hardibacker in this situation?

Thanks for any insite you guys have.

[Mbella]

SC, I am not aware of a hardibacker that is able to be load bearing. Also, marine grade plywood is resistant to warping or checking, which is caused by "shrinking and swelling" as a result of a variation in moisture content. During the laminating process, waterproof adhesive is used between the wood sheets.

[SCgreenscapes]

Here is the typical setup that i was refering to. It is a steel frame with Hardy Backer attached to it. This is done instead of building a block frame. I tell them exactly what i want and give them measurements, they draw up a cad design for me, build it and cover it, and i go and pick it up and put it on site then begin the rock work. They sale these things all over the US but are located about an hour from me.

[Mbella]

SC, I am aware of that type of set up. Andes has a similar one. We will start a thread and have Scott talk about it. I would love to see some pics of your projects!

SC, I should have added, we haven't used one of those prefabd. units. When I referred to "load bearing" I was referring to a block application.

[SCgreenscapes]

No problem. I wasn't questioning your practices, just wondering your views. I have had people discourage wood, but that was coming from a company that sells the metal units. I feel sure they are biased. Just looking to learn other techniques.

[Mbella]

No problem. I wasn't questioning your practices, just wondering your views. I have had people discourage wood, but that was coming from a company that sells the metal units. I feel sure they are biased. Just looking to learn other techniques.

I didn't feel you were implying anytning. I interpreted your questions as genuinely curious and was answering them as best I could. No problem there.

I definitely look forward to seeing some finished pics of those units you are using.

[custom patios]

I see they have a new "Light Weight" board. Seems like a compressed foam, similar to drywall. I would still go with the hardboard though.


yeah they offer the same type of material for shower pan installs. i believe it is offered by Schluter. very impressive, but i cant see how there isnt any flexing. im building a travertine countertop for a grill area and was thinking of trying it but im still skeptical. what is its advantage?

[Mbella]

Steve, I used Schluter for the first time last year. It was very easy to install.

I'm not sure, but it seemed like we had more freeze/thaw cycles this past winter than in recent years and so far, no problems with the tile (Schluter)countertops.

[Holey - Field of Dreams]

SC

Who do you get your pre fab kitchens from? I will be doing one this summer and like the idea of having it pre fabbed and all I have to do is rock it and tile it. I found one from a outdoor fire place company, but it is made of formed cement.

Also is it a different fab if the client wants a granite or similar top?

Thanks
Mike