Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - How to Transport Laminate Countertop?

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biking_brian
12-10-07, 11:24 AM
I'm planning on buying a 12 foot section of laminate countertop from a discount supply store in the area. I'm getting a good price, but I have to transport the countertop myself. The easiest way would be to rent a big U-haul truck, but that won't be cheap because I need to deliver it to a mountain cabin 70 miles away. I can easily rent a pickup truck for a day, but then how could I safely use it to transport the countertop?

XSleeper
12-10-07, 11:45 AM
If your have a pickup with a 7 or 8' bed, buy a couple 2x12x12's and lay the countertop on that, tie it all down with rope or bungee cords. Then return the 2x12's if you don't need them. Don't forget to ask for a red flag to pin on the end.
biking_brian
12-12-07, 07:18 AM
Sounds like a good suggestion. Tying it all down should stop it from moving up and down, but I'm concerned about the load sliding. So how can I make sure everything doesn't slide out the back of the bed if I hit the brakes real hard? (Edit - I assumed you meant carrying the load with the tailgate down, is the suggestion to keep the tailgate up and just have it point slightly upward out the back?)

spta97
12-12-07, 12:26 PM
Slamming on the brakes will throw the load forward - it is only when you hit the gas that you have to worry about it flying out.

I would like the idea of keeping the gate up and putting sand bags or the like on the front to keep it from tipping out.
biking_brian
12-12-07, 04:36 PM
Oh yeah, you're right, it's not the slamming on the brakes I have to worry about, what was I thinking (or not thinking)?
Wirepuller38
12-12-07, 05:37 PM
A few good ropes will prevent it from sliding in any direction.
XSleeper
12-12-07, 06:13 PM
I was thinking tailgate up. Tailgate down would make the bed longer too, but whatever you like as long as it's tied in. That's what the rope is for. Don't be like those goofballs that lose stuff on the interstate during rush hour. ;)
spta97
12-12-07, 08:35 PM
Also, take some old towels to wrap around it or use some making tape. Protect the corners as well.

Some ropes can cause damage to laminate.
XSleeper
12-14-07, 07:10 PM
Good point. I was imagining a countertop that was boxed in cardboard.