Plywood for Battens?

[TomInNC]

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?

 

[pkinneb]

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  

[wtnhighlander]

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.

[curlyoak]

Another option is to install bread board ends. It helps keep it flat and I like the look of it.

[TomInNC]

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.

[Barron]

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.