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Cross-grain trim attachment (and waterproofing) for teak vanity top

4/16/26       
Keith Member

I have a customer that is requiring a padauk cross-grain end(s) trim for a 24" x 37" teak vanity top. The 3/4" teak top boards are joined using epoxy and backed by 3/4" plywood (attached to underlayment with perpendicular slotted screw to allow for expansion.) The teak is properly sealed/finished with epifines. I dont want to do a sliding dovetail on the ends for expansion as possible water infiltration could be a disaster. After assuring thorough end & side grain sealing of the teak and padauk, could an epoxy like G/Flex 655 accommodate expansion without splitting? Any other suggestions?

5/3/26       #2: Cross-grain trim attachment (and wa ...
Leo G Member

Well, below is their description of the epoxy. The expansion/contraction in your case is going to be determined by the width of the glued up vanity top. I would suggest calling or emailing West System and ask them directly. I'm sure they'll stutter in their answer because it's going to be a lot of movement.

I have a Curly Maple table with solid glued on breadboard ends. It's over 20 years old now and the glue joint is still perfect. So it's likely a crapshoot.

How about a floating dovetail with the end of either side of the joint filled with silicon caulking. Gonna play with finishing though.

G/flex® Thickened Epoxy Adhesive is a toughened, versatile, 2-part epoxy for permanent waterproof bonding of plastic, fiberglass, ceramics, metals, damp, and difficult-to-bond woods. G/flex 655 is a bit more flexible than standard epoxies and polyester but much stiffer than adhesive sealants. This gives G/flex 655 the ability to make structural bonds that can absorb the stress of expansion, contraction, shock, and vibration. It is ideal for bonding dissimilar materials. This system is simple to use with its 1:1 mix ratio by volume.

G/flex 655 Thickened Epoxy Adhesive is designed to bond to:

Plastics

Metals

Glass

Masonry

Fiberglass

Wet and difficult-to-bond woods


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