Hello:

Saw in HD the other day some 1-1/2 or so laminated, butcher block type,
blocks that would make a really nice table top if stained.

Question: If I use Min-Wax poly on it, or something similar, is it a good
idea, or necessary, to do the underside also ?

Why ?

Also: for a "hard" finish as it'll be a desk top, is Min Wax Polyurethane
the best bet, or... ?

Thanks,
Bob

Robert11 wrote:
Hello:

Saw in HD the other day some 1-1/2 or so laminated, butcher block type,
blocks that would make a really nice table top if stained.

Question: If I use Min-Wax poly on it, or something similar, is it a good
idea, or necessary, to do the underside also ?

While not necessary, it is a good idea.

Why ?

Of every piece that I have repaired or refinished, none have been
finished on the underneath surface. This is the tradition. It may be
desirable, however because it will further protect the wood. One
purpose of the finish is to help prevent the expansion and contraction
of the wood. One must assume that finishing the underneath would
further aid in this goal. If you were making this in a factory or
commercial shop then finishing the underneath would be unlikely. for
your own personal project, it can quite certainly be done. It is quite
a bit of extra trouble, however.

Also: for a "hard" finish as it'll be a desk top, is Min Wax Polyurethane
the best bet, or...

I am not knowledgable in the minute details of different finishes but I
have had good experience with all of the poly finishes.

Question: If I use Min-Wax poly on it, or something similar, is it a good
idea, or necessary, to do the underside also ?

I'd agree with the other reply - not absolutely necessary, but I would
probably do at least one coat on all sides. Wood expands with
temperature and humidity, and finishing at least reduces this movement.
If only the top half is finished, it will move at a different rate
than the unfinished portion, which could theoretically lead to warping
or splitting. If it's just a stain, I wouldn't worry about doing the
bottom, but with any kind of varnish, poly, or shellac, I'd try to do
all sides.
Good luck,
Andy

On Fri, 9 Jun 2006 07:45:09 -0400, "Robert11"
wrote:

Hello:

Saw in HD the other day some 1-1/2 or so laminated, butcher block type,
blocks that would make a really nice table top if stained.

Question: If I use Min-Wax poly on it, or something similar, is it a good
idea, or necessary, to do the underside also ?

Why ?

Also: for a "hard" finish as it'll be a desk top, is Min Wax Polyurethane
the best bet, or... ?

Thanks,
Bob


It is a good idea to finish all sides of any wooden furniture or deck.
Not only this protects the wood from all sides, but it helps stabilize
the wood. For example, if the unfinished side is damp (and the other
side is not) the damp side will swell and this will either cause a
warped board or cause an internal stress. So, it is not necessary but
recommended.