Aluminum Countertops!

mcneon · 10-09-2006, 01:26 PM

Hey, I've stumbled across maybe the ultimate countertop material for an Airstream. Check it out: http://www.renewedmaterials.com/alkemi.html

This stuff is a resin with aluminum shavings embedded in it! Is that cool or what? You can get it in two forms: one has the shavings visible below the surface, and the other has been sanded down to expose the edges of the shavings.

Bob in Nashville

LI Pets · 10-09-2006, 02:15 PM

I like it I'll check on the cost in the next few days, it is also made in other colors.

Silverhobby · 10-09-2006, 02:16 PM

As more and more of us acquire and restore vintage trailers, it is great to see weight saving measures that can be applied to our restorations.

summerkid · 10-09-2006, 03:40 PM

I didn't find a weight listed on the Web site. Did anyone else figure out how heavy it is? I would guess that a half-inch of resin would be pretty hefty.

**Stefrobrts** · 10-09-2006, 04:21 PM

I'd like to see it in person, I'll bet it's pretty cool looking.

CaddyGrn · 10-10-2006, 12:30 AM

Those are cool! Great post!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)

LI Pets · 10-10-2006, 05:02 PM

I got a price are you sitting down?

A 3x8 1/2" is $936

How many do need?

funchucky1 · 10-10-2006, 06:24 PM

Sounds great, Bob.
I'll take two.
You're buying, right?

LI Pets · 10-10-2006, 06:29 PM

Sure, two "Bud TALL Boys" coming up!

john hd · 10-10-2006, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lipets

I got a price are you sitting down?

A 3x8 1/2" is $936

How many do need?

ok time to get creative!

for 900 bucks plus change -what if- you made a mold filled it with resin then sprinkled olympic rivets in it and whatever other airstream related bits and pieces in it?

and also not install a backing on it so it was translucent? you could light it from below!

just an idea if you are gonna blow a grand on a counter top!

john

silver 67 · 10-10-2006, 08:23 PM

Our son, the custom cabinet maker, made a resin bar top that was really great looking. He used a beautiful piece of wood for the bottom, put 3/4" sides on it and poured in the resin. He then immediately put a handful of shiney clean change in it to give it interest. All the change he used was dated the year he built it.

Anything's possible... and now that you have given me that idea... I'll run it by my son. I love the rivet idea!

mcneon · 10-13-2006, 01:42 PM

I think their website says the stuff is 25% aluminum by weight, but I'll bet it's still heavy as hell like Corian or any other plastic material.

The price ($39/sf for the raw material) is probably comparable to other solid-surface materials.

Speaking of illuminating a countertop from below, this stuff may be somewhat translucent even if it is loaded with aluminum shavings. Somebody needs to be our group guinea pig!

Bob in Nashville

**85MH325** · 10-13-2006, 03:19 PM

Just make sure that any metals you use in are completely encapsulated in resin. You sure wouldn't want acids leaching heavy metals into your food while you're making dinner!

Roger