Replacing Galley Worktops

[Jokani]

I have the very 80's Westerly beige tiles:



I would like to replace them, possibly with resin tops, something like:



Lots of how to YouTube videos, it doesn't look unduly complicated, although maybe it needs to be left to a not-so windy day.

Anyone used anything similar?

Or what other solutions are there?

TIA

 

[pvb]

Or what other solutions are there?

Whatever you do, don't even consider the liquid epoxy route! It'll end in tears!

Seriously, just consider how you might ever achieve a consistent pattern across the fridge lid and surrounding worktop. You wouldn't be able to, and the result would bug you every time you looked at it.

I had those very attractive (!) tiles in my Corsair, and coincidentally they were identical to the tiles we chose when we had a kitchen installed in 1983. Subsequently, I removed the tiles in the kitchen and re-tiled with different tiles. As I recall, the brown tiles are about 8mm thick, plus adhesive, so maybe 10mm. I'd suggest you look for thin laminate kitchen worktops - there are loads around - they start at about 12mm thick. An alternative would be to look at kitchen splashbacks, which tend to be 6mm or 9mm thick. You need a similar thickness to the tiles, as the fridge lid has a flush wooden surround. You can get them custom-cut to size, but I think it would be relatively easy to make patterns and cut the bits yourself.

 

[howardclark]

I bit the bullet and paid for Corian- have never regretted it. Like you I have storage underneath and a in material like Corian which can be milled, it was very easier for the supplier to create raised lips etc which helps keep everything under dry.
it should definitely outlast me too

 

[john_morris_uk]

I’ve replaced our Sealord worktops with Corian over marine plywood.
As I’m sitting in the saloon of the boat atm I’ll take a photo.

if you choose Corian I’ve got the special glue gun with some spare nozzles and glue going spare.

I used a router to machine the edges etc. Officially amateurs aren’t supposed to be able to get hold of Corian but sources are available.

I replaced the teak up stands and edges. It all unscrews as Westerly didn’t glue much interior together. The panel behind with the sliding doors is new as of two weeks ago. I used the old one as a pattern.

 

[Laminar Flow]

We replaced all our counter tops, galley and head with phenolic resin board.
Entirely impermeable, available in various thicknesses and colours and can be worked with regular wood working tools and miles cheaper than Corian and easily available.
We went with 5mm white and did the back splash as well in it; managed to cut out the lid for our countertop locker with the jigsaw for a perfect fit. The bright white cheered up the interior no end and was a huge improvement over the late 70's "linen pattern" melamine in "designer urine".
Should also be considerably more hygienic, without the grout lines, and a good deal lighter than 8mm tile.

 

[ashtead]

Corian ever time -I’m sure cheaper alternatives exist but if you create a template can have made to order just like a bathroom worktop. Lot less pain any hassle . There is a reason why new builders fit it after all.

 

[superheat6k]

I have used this stuff on two boats now and a fraction of the cost of Corian and easy to work. But make sure you order the plain laminate without the chipboard backing .

Apollo Worktops | Worktops | Sheridan Fabrications

Current boat ...

 

[James W]

I've got marble (or similar) on my Westerly Storm.....the weight is perfect for addressing the list to starboard!

 

[Deleted member 36384]

I had a kitchen fitter make mine out of Corian using off cuts, including the fiddles. It can be heavy but the tiles it replaced were heavy as well. Very easy to maintain and keep hygienic. Do not use corian for sinks as the material can stain require frequent cleaning. I had fore and aft fiddles made to split the surfaces into two when at sea, they just slot in and out. Also sinks have lids over them that just lift out. My corian came from a kitchen fitter’s off cuts, so was low cost, worth asking about if there are fitters near by, which in my case there was.

 

[Jokani]

Whatever you do, don't even consider the liquid epoxy route! It'll end in tears!

Advice taken, thanks Peter.

 

[Jokani]

if you choose Corian I’ve got the special glue gun with some spare nozzles and glue going spare.

Thanks John, I'll investigate Corian, and PM you if I go that way.

 

[Jokani]

We replaced all our counter tops, galley and head with phenolic resin board.
Entirely impermeable, available in various thicknesses and colours and can be worked with regular wood working tools and miles cheaper than Corian and easily available.
We went with 5mm white and did the back splash as well in it.

I did a search for 5mm white phenolic resin board, is this the stuff? https://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/white-hpl-sheets/

 

[Laminar Flow]

I did a search for 5mm white phenolic resin board, is this the stuff? White HPL sheets cut to size FREE of charge | Plasticsheetsshop.co.uk

Yes, that's the stuff. We are very happy with it and it is heat resistant enough to take a pot as well; something I would not advise to do with Corian.