I am not a woodworker, a contractor, nor a building professional of any kind. I am a fairly handy homeowner looking for some help from those who are.
I recently had my kitchen redone. The pedestal on the island was dining height instead of counter height, so my contractor had to add 2×4’s to make it 5 inches taller, as you can see from the attached pictures. I now need to cover the exposed area so that I can paint it to match the rest of the pedestal.
FYI — the height of the open area is about 5 inches. The diameter of the circle that needs covering is about 18 inches, making the circumference about 56 inches long.
Someone suggested 1/8″ plywood, but I’m not sure if it will bend (and hold) enough for my application. Plus, I could only find a 4-foot long piece, so I’d have to piece two sections together to cover the entire 56-inch circumference, which I’d rather not do.
I’ve been waiting for months for my contractor to come back and do it, but I’m frustrated and cannot wait any longer. I’m hoping someone here can give me a suggestion on how to finish it myself.
Thanks in advance.
P.S. Sorry for the pictures being turned sideways. Not sure why they’re like that.
Replies
Look for "bending plywood". It is plywood with the layers running all the same way. Glue on 2-3 layers. Tack the edges with small nails and clamp with rubber straps like strips of bicycle inner tube slit open.
I did find some bending plywood, but some people said it cracked. I may just have to buy some and try it. Thanks!
This isn't a structural element, so it doesn't necessarily need to be "solid"–be it solid wood or plywood. It's strictly aesthetic, and if it's being painted, I would lean towards buying some PSA backed veneer. I would be much easier to work with than bending ply. Cut it to size and fit it with the backing still on, start the seam on the counter end, where nobody will ever see it... cross your fingers and go!
https://www.woodcraft.com/products/maple-veneer-flat-cut-1-x-8-3m-psa?via=5d112bea776f6f4e030006e2%2C5d112cef776f6f0e94001655%2C5d112fb1776f6f650d000be6
That looks like it would be very easy to use! I have a Woodcraft store 15 minutes from me, so I'll go there and check it out. Thanks!!
The veneer Ben Strano suggests is only 1/64 inch thick. Regardless of whether has a structural purpose, any force on it will crack it. Also, if the ends of the 2x4s are flat, how is that even going to work? Really bad idea.
And from a FWW Editor, no less. I guess that's why these forums are free.
The PSA veneer might stick to the painted surface, but I doubt it will stick to the sawn plywood edge which looks pretty rough. Also, it will only work at all if the two circles are exactly the same size and perfectly concentric. And you'll still need to secure the ends somehow. (How?)
As Chelor says, the first time someone crosses their legs under that table they'll go right through it.
Thanks for the tips. Someone else suggested this: https://www.rockler.com/1-4-neatform-bendy-mdf
It's not 56 inches long, so I'd have to piece it together and use trim/molding to cover it.
Chelor,
You're close to breaking my "don't be a jerk" rule. It's a discussion forum, meant for discussions and ideas. Take that attitude somewhere else.
Not sure how bending ply would be any different? Also, I didn't see any way that someone is going to come in contact with that, but you're right, maybe a leg cross could do it.
For me, his post last week has already broken that rule. He's on my list.
For a very cheap, non-woodworking solution, you could think about cardboard. You're painting it anyway, right?
Wrap a layer of thin, non-corrugated cardboard around it. Slather on some glue. Add another layer. Repeat. Easy to trim afterward, or in between, and with three or four layers and all that glue, it would be bulletproof, and look great under paint. And cost next to nothing.
Not elegant, but accomplishes the goal.
In the last 6 months I have had to do this exact thing twice. One was an 18 inch circle and one was 17 inch circle. Here is what I know and some suggestions.
1/8 inch (3mm) masonite does not work. You can steam it, wet it, yell at it, talk to it, compliment it, whatever you want to try. Always cracks. I got it around a 24 inch circle and that was it. This was for a theater set and they ended up using cardboard.
I had good success with steamed 1/8 inch poplar. This may be beyond the means of a handy homeowner, but I can tell you it will make the bend without splitting. Two layers of 1/16 inch will work well too.
I like Ben's idea, but make it 4-6 layers and glue each layer.
The first idea that popped into my head was to kerf cut a piece of 1/2 inch plywood to make the bend. I don't know what tools a handy homeowner has, but you can do this with a circular saw and a speed square. I just takes time. This would give you the thickest option, just look for some 7 ply plywood.
I've never used bending plywood and it may work, but this is a tight circle.
Good luck and let us know what you finally decide to do.
Probably should have asked this first: Is this a temporary solution until your contractor graces you with another visit, or a permanent fix so you never have to see him again?
I've used Jake's idea of kerfing plywood to get around tight bends. Used it on solid woods as well.
My first thought here was plastic. Some thin PVC and a hair dryer or heat gun might work out really nicely?
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