Granite Countertop for DIY Stand?

[PotatoPig]

I’m planning to build a rocketengineer stand for a planned 75 gallon tank.

I’ve built one before, with a butcherblock top, but was thinking about trying granite as an alternative - basically use an offcut/surplus slab from a local place.

I’m assuming it’d be pretty darn flat as these things are intended for use in high visibility high finish areas that would show surface irregularities well.

Has anyone tried this? Any lessons learned?

 

[Fish Fan]

I say go for it! (but I have no real experience lol!)

I had a thought to use a polished concrete countertop as a stand top, I think the composite materials (wood and stone) would look very good

Following.

 

[Ef4life]

I have used it, it’s excellent. Perfectly flat. Strong and basically water proof.

My build thread
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/jared’s-sca-50g-reef-new-frag-cart-3-21-26.1016727/

 

[PotatoPig]

I have used it, it’s excellent. Perfectly flat. Strong and basically water proof.

My build thread
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/jared’s-sca-50g-reef-new-frag-cart-3-21-26.1016727/

I looks like you have tools already for cutting it?

I’m confident enough to cut cores - but am not sure where to start with corners. Is there a specialty tool / technique for this?

 

[mfinn]

I considered it for a small tank stand top. I went to local cabinet shop that ordered granite counter tops and with a standard design lip it would have run about $250.
Then I looked at pre-made laminate/formica sections I could cut down ( box stores) that were almost as much.
Then I made my own for $50 out of plywood.
It's great way to make a flat top and have it look great, just adds a bunch to the budget.

 

[Ef4life]

I looks like you have tools already for cutting it?

I’m confident enough to cut cores - but am not sure where to start with corners. Is there a specialty tool / technique for this?

The finished edges were done by a professional stone guy. The piece I had was trash and already finished on all 4 sides so I just cut it to fit. To make a finished edge like that you need special machines to cut and polish it to look nice

Diamond hole saws for drilling holes a suction cup drilling guide can help or drill a hole through a piece of wood and clamp it down to use it as a guide. Keep it wet when drilling, diamond wheel on an electric grinder for cutting. Diamond blade like this would be good. Maybe some Polish pads for the grinder too.

Offer up or fb marketplace is a great place to find stone counter top remnants, or you can get new prefabricated countertops 24”deep with finished edges on 3 sides, and the back and side splashes around 9-11ft long, and a stone countertop guy can cut it down and finish the edge for not too much money.