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Plastic bench tops

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by Candace, Oct 8, 2010.

  1. Oct 8, 2010 #1
    Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    I'm researching getting some bench tops for the new g.h. I currently have expanded metal ones in my g.h. but for the new one I'm thinking of plastic ones. Maybe Dura-Bench as they're interlocking. Anyone have these or something similar? Opinion of them?
     
  2. Oct 8, 2010 #2
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Several people I know are using a plastic top (much heavier than the Dura Bench) that is made for flooring for hogs. I'm sure it is used for other animals as well. It is VERY strong and I'm pretty sure it is interlocking.
     
  3. Oct 8, 2010 #3
    Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    Do you know where to get that product? Farmtek has the plastic bench tops but I wonder it the "hog" product is cheaper because it's for livestock rather than orchids. I'll have to check their catalog. Thanks for the tip.
     
  4. Oct 8, 2010 #4
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I'll ask about it.
     
  5. Oct 8, 2010 #5
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Well, it is Dura-Bench. McConkey is a distributor and closer than Farmtek. He said, it costs around $17 per 2' x 4' sheet plus delivery. It is not cheap, but it really nice.
     
  6. Oct 8, 2010 #6
    Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    Thanks, Marni.
     
  7. Oct 8, 2010 #7
    T. migratoris

    T. migratoris Active Member

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    I made my bench tops out of flattened 1/8"-thick expanded aluminum sheet - you can just see it in the attached photo. The cost delivered to California (no tax) for 4'x4' sheets was $48. It's pretty nice stuff & not much more expensive than the plastic.
    Controls 1.JPG
     
  8. Oct 8, 2010 #8
    Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    Thanks, I already have the expanded metal. Not a big fan. I want plastic, this go around. Marni, do you know if McConkey only sells to resellers or wholesellers? And if their facility in Stockton is a store or just a warehouse? I sent them an e-mail, but it looks like their business is geared to those with a business license. I also noticed they make deliveries in the Sac area. But, I sure wouldn't mind driving to their location to save shipping costs.
     
  9. Oct 8, 2010 #9
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Candace, they aren't very high tech, I think you would do well to call them. As I understand it, if you are ordering a certain $ amount, you are a grower and get the discount. You might look and see if there are some other things you will be needing that you can get from them. Since this isn't a purchase for resale, you will be paying sales tax, but that doesn't indicate that you aren't a commercial grower. I've had things shipped, I've never asked about a pick-up.
     
  10. Oct 9, 2010 #10
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    I have Dura-Bench tops in my GH and absolutely love it. Greenhouse Megastore sells the panels for $14.25. They also have a Dura-Bench Ultra for $9.90, but it looks to be less sturdy and with much larger gaps in the webbing.
     
  11. Oct 9, 2010 #11
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Thanks, Ray, I'd not heard of them before.
     
  12. Oct 9, 2010 #12
    AHAB

    AHAB New Member

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    Candace,
    Why are you not a fan of the expanded metal bench top?
    Thanks,
    Jim
     
  13. Oct 9, 2010 #13
    Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    The edges are super sharp(I've been cut) and they have to be screwed down with washers or screws which can and do catch on the occasional pot, tipping it over. They're dangerous to install. They aren't seamless. And even though they're galvanized they do start to rust and discolor. Mine are about 12 years old.
     
  14. Oct 9, 2010 #14
    Armando

    Armando Hobbyist gone wild

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    I built my benches with Dura-bench. Here is one.
    bench.jpg
     
  15. Oct 9, 2010 #15
    This_guy_Bri

    This_guy_Bri weirdo

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    and i rip all sorts of clothes!
     
  16. Oct 9, 2010 #16
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I'm getting jealous here, folks. I'm still living with plastic sawhorses, 2x2's and salvaged florescent light fixture grating.:eek:
     
  17. Oct 9, 2010 #17
    Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    Armando, what width is the bench? Looks great.
     
  18. Oct 9, 2010 #18
    Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    The product is green or black?
     
  19. Oct 9, 2010 #19
    Armando

    Armando Hobbyist gone wild

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    thanks Candace. the dura-bench is 24x48, black