Laminate countertop

[Rise722]

Has anyone got information on using a laminate countertop to go under a roost bar, instead of using vinyl flooring over plywood, etc.? I just wonder if it would hold up, or get eroded by the droppings.

 

[Ted Brown]

Perplexity an AI tools says:

"A laminate countertop can work well as a chicken dropping board because it gives you a smooth, easy-to-scrape surface, and people do use repurposed countertops for that purpose in coops.

How to use it​

Place it under the roosts where most nighttime droppings fall, ideally as a removable board so you can lift it out for cleaning. A shallow lip or tray-style edge helps keep droppings, bedding, or deodorizing material from spilling off the sides. Some coop builders also line or cover the surface to make cleanup easier, but a bare laminate surface is already easier to scrape than rough wood.

What to watch for​

Laminate is smooth, but it can still get stuck-on buildup, so regular scraping is important. If the board is heavy or permanently fixed, cleanup becomes more annoying, and removable setups are generally preferred. Make sure there are no sharp edges, chips, or gaps where a chicken could catch a foot or where moisture could get underneath and damage the material.

Practical setup​

A simple approach is:

• Mount the board about 8 inches below the roosts.
• Make it wide enough to catch droppings from the full roost area.
• Keep a scraper and bucket nearby for daily or every-few-days cleaning.
• Use a removable design if possible for deeper coop cleaning.

For a backyard coop, laminate countertop is a reasonable, low-cost repurpose for a dropping board as long as it’s easy to remove and clean."

 

[Rise722]

Thanks for the good information. I'm going to find one that has the backing and edges, since there is a recycle warehouse near me.

 

[CabritaChicks]

I installed laminate under the roosting bars and sealed the edges for waterproofing—you can see it in my profile under “My Coop.” So far, it’s held up well, especially with flashing in place, and I still keep it covered with wood chips. Nothing really sticks to it, and it’s easy to brush clean. That said, it’s only the chickens on it—we’re not walking on it—and being in the tropics, time will tell how it holds up over the next year.

 

[Rise722]

I installed laminate under the roosting bars and sealed the edges for waterproofing—you can see it in my profile under “My Coop.” So far, it’s held up well, especially with flashing in place, and I still keep it covered with wood chips. Nothing really sticks to it, and it’s easy to brush clean. That said, it’s only the chickens on it—we’re not walking on it—and being in the tropics, time will tell how it holds up over the next year.

Thanks for your input...

 

[perkolator]

I think of Formica when i hear laminate counters - that material would definitely hold up against the poop; the particle board core of the counter would be the weak-link if it got wet enough to soak in and deteriorate it. You can also get Formica sheeting separate from the core. Another non-porous sheet material could be the plastic wall panels for commercial bathrooms; those too are only like 1/16" thick, a 4x8 sheet is around $25. Good luck!

 

[Rise722]

If I can't find one in the recycle warehouse, then I will probably just get a piece and glue it down to plywood or particle board, well-sealed.