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Robin E. Snyder
Senior Member
Username: robin

Post Number: 409
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2012 - 11:25 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Let me see if i can explain this...I have a teak countertop over plywood substrate that is located outside (think towel hut at a pool). The architect wants to put some type of waterproofing between the teak and the plywood so that, if the teak gets wet (which is will), the water won't get through the teak and into the plywood and potentially into the drawers and cabinets below. Any suggestions for a peel/stick that would work between the 2 wood products?
Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: awhitacre

Post Number: 1271
Registered: 07-2002


Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2012 - 05:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I would use marine grade plywood, so that nothing would delaminate. How thick is the teak countertop? it takes a lot of water to go through solid wood, and if you are getting that much water, it will probably get into the drawers from wind-driven rain rather than just soaking through the top. if you are worried about hurricane-type winds and rains getting into casework, I woudl suggest some sort of custom made sailcloth cover that could be used during the winter, much like a cover over a barbeque. The only condition I could think of that would provide a continual soaking that would go through teak and through plywood would be if you put a 100 pound block of ice on the counter and just let it sit there for a few hours. I don't think waterproofing is needed -- just good exterior grade materials.
And typically, unless this is in the Florida keys, if the weather is warm enough to be using a towel hut, then a short rainstorm should dry out pretty quickly afterwards. But use exterior grade materials, no matter what, and exterior grade glues and finishes.
Gerard Sanchis
Senior Member
Username: gerard_sanchis

Post Number: 75
Registered: 10-2009


Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2012 - 05:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

How is the teak top assembled? Teak will expand and contract with variation in humidity. When it contracts, water will find its way to the sub-top.

You could use a man-made polymer like Corian in lieu of plywood as a substrate. It will be unaffected by water and should protect the base cabinet from water infiltration. The teak top can be glued to the Corian with a construction adhesive that will allow some movement.
David E Lorenzini
Senior Member
Username: deloren

Post Number: 132
Registered: 04-2000


Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2012 - 08:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Robyn, For starters, it seems that something like NobleSeal TS Sheet-Form Waterproofing/Crack Isolation Control Membrane might work, since it can be applied with adhesive and move with differing expansion rates. For the substrate, unless it is permanently under water, exterior grade plywood should provide enough water resistance.
David Lorenzini, FCSI, CCS
Architectural Resources Co.
Don Harris CSI, CCS, CCCA, AIA
Senior Member
Username: don_harris

Post Number: 264
Registered: 03-2003


Posted on Friday, June 08, 2012 - 11:13 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Dumb question, and it truly might be, but why the plywood? There are plenty of boats out there with teak hulls and trim, well older boats anyway. Seems like a good marine finish on a solid teak counter might do the job.

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