TomInNC Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 I am making a 1.5 inch thick counter top out of Ambrosia maple that is roughly 30 inches wide by 75 inches long. The top will be attached to base cabinets, but I would like some extra insurance against warping and would like to add some battens. I have a bunch of 3/4" maple plywood offcuts from the cabinet build, and I was wondering if I could just use the plywood for the battens instead of solid hardwood. The battens will not be visible, so aesthetics aren't a concern. Does anyone see any issues with using plywood here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 I honestly don't think U channel steel could keep an 1 1/2" maple board from warping, so while you won't hurt anything I would keep your expectations very low re 3/4 plywood helping. Sorry just my thoughts 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 I think @pkinneb is probably right, but the battens certainly shouldn't hurt. I'd turn them so the edge of the ply was against the maple, and cut them at least 2" wide, though. My opinion only, no direct experience to back it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlyoak Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 Another option is to install bread board ends. It helps keep it flat and I like the look of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomInNC Posted February 27 Author Report Share Posted February 27 Thanks for the replies. My primary concern about warping is during finishing. I am going to be using Arm R Seal, and given the temps in my shop, I expect it will take a while for the first few coats to dry. That said, I will have an unfinished side just sitting there for hours while I am waiting for the finished side to dry so that I can flip the piece and apply finish on the other side. I have painter pyramids that I can use to speed the process up a bit. Just concerned about coming out to a potato chip after I start the finishing process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Barron Posted February 28 Popular Post Report Share Posted February 28 Finish the bottom side first, then flip and finish the top while the bottom sits on the pyramids. Any damage from the pyramids will never be seen. After the first few coats you can probably quit worrying about the bottom. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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