Yes Al, if your health department wants you to use a non porous laminate of some sort (vinylboard, formica, sheet metal, FRP, etc.) on the work surface, this is the time to do it.
1. Attach the plywood top first, as shown in this video
2. Cut the laminate to size, lay it on the cart and put weights on it to hold it in place.
3. From underneath, trace the steam table opening onto your laminate.
4. Cut out the steam table opening in the laminate.
5. Attach laminate to the plywood top with laminate floor adhesive. Use weights on top of 2x4s to hold it down evenly until it cures.
Be sure to attach the plywood top first so you don’t have to shoot screws through your laminate. It will look neater that way and require less finishing work.
You will cut the cooler opening through both layers later.
*** Just so everyone knows, most health departments are just fine with a painted plywood top so laminating another layer over your wood top is probably not necessary. Most codes don’t specify construction materials. They only state that surfaces must be “non-porous and easily cleanable”. Painted plywood satisfies those requirements.
I used the vinylboad i guess thats what it is .you use it in bathrooms and in kitchen around stoves it makes a nice clean top.I put plywood on 1st. and glued it down.going to trim around it later.
hillbilly [kevin ]
Hi Steve, if I ever build another cart, I would like to use that FRP paneling. I watched a video on this material and they made it sound like it’s kind of hazardous to work with when cutting. Do you know much about this stuff ? I was even thinking about still installing it on the cart that I’ve already built.
Bruce
Hi Bruce,
No, it’s not that hazardous at all. It’s simply paneling made out of fiberglass. You’ll want to wear a dust mask, long sleeves, and eye protection when cutting it. Very similar to working with fiberglass insulation – you don’t want to breathe the dust and it can get a little itchy.
Hey Steve,
My progress has been slow, but I’m ready to put the top on and I have a few questions. I’ve decided to make the box a little taller because I have a bad back, and I don’t want to be leaning over while I’m serving. I’ve also stretched the box to hang over the rear of the trail frame 16″. That being said, 1) do you recommend a sliding counter door to access a cooler under the countertop? 2) Where would I get such an item… and/or how did your guys make theirs? ( I saw one on the Dog’s on the Run cart, pic #13.) Also, do you have any different suggestions for an easy access cooler under the countertop? 3) the other question I have is: Do you put angle trim on the luan corners of the cart, or is it fine with a painted butt joint?
Hi Todd,
The cooler under the sliding countertop looks cool, but I prefer to have my cooler positioned so that the cooler lid protrudes just above the work surface. It’s easier to access and much quicker to build.
It’s easy to get slowed down by adding options and slick features. Save those for your second cart.
The main thing is to finish your cart ASAP so you can get out there and start making money.
Wanted to ask on the top! If I wanted to use the http://www.littlegriddle.com on the top, because I am going to also be doing a farmers market in the am, where I would like to do egg sandwiches! How could I best incorporate into this design?
Get a second two burner stove and set the little griddle on top. You can mount the second stove wherever you want, or just set it on the cart top when you get to your location.
Got a question, because of my pan configuration on a side serve cart using 2 full steam pans lengthwise.. I can not place the steam pans right next to eachother. they are about 5 inches apart so i can get each burner under each pan.
Should i place a few 2x2sin between to fill that space, which will frame out each pan on all 4 sides while giving extra strength, or wil it cause problems with firebox or something.
Im talking about only on the top of the cart framing
I’m looking through the series and can’t wait to get started building a cart. I have a question regarding adding potential stem pans for condiments ie chili etc. I’m looking at the 3 sink design as that’s what’s required by my local health department along with hot running water and was wondering if anyone had success with adding in a pan or pans to keep chili etc hot?
Hi George, the E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart utilizes a full size spillage pan which is slightly larger than a full size steam pan. It allows you to put any combination of steam pans inside it. So yes, you will be able to put smaller pans in there for chili, cheese, whatever you want. It will become clearer as you watch all the videos. Good luck!
-Steve
Thank you Steve! It already became clearer as I was watching and saw Todd’s setup. This is the cart I’ll be building with the 3 sink setup as needed by my health department.
Hey Steve, If the Health Department reguires the vinylboard would this be the time to add it on?
Yes Al, if your health department wants you to use a non porous laminate of some sort (vinylboard, formica, sheet metal, FRP, etc.) on the work surface, this is the time to do it.
1. Attach the plywood top first, as shown in this video
2. Cut the laminate to size, lay it on the cart and put weights on it to hold it in place.
3. From underneath, trace the steam table opening onto your laminate.
4. Cut out the steam table opening in the laminate.
5. Attach laminate to the plywood top with laminate floor adhesive. Use weights on top of 2x4s to hold it down evenly until it cures.
Be sure to attach the plywood top first so you don’t have to shoot screws through your laminate. It will look neater that way and require less finishing work.
You will cut the cooler opening through both layers later.
*** Just so everyone knows, most health departments are just fine with a painted plywood top so laminating another layer over your wood top is probably not necessary. Most codes don’t specify construction materials. They only state that surfaces must be “non-porous and easily cleanable”. Painted plywood satisfies those requirements.
I used the vinylboad i guess thats what it is .you use it in bathrooms and in kitchen around stoves it makes a nice clean top.I put plywood on 1st. and glued it down.going to trim around it later.
hillbilly [kevin ]
Hi Steve, if I ever build another cart, I would like to use that FRP paneling. I watched a video on this material and they made it sound like it’s kind of hazardous to work with when cutting. Do you know much about this stuff ? I was even thinking about still installing it on the cart that I’ve already built.
Bruce
Hi Bruce,
No, it’s not that hazardous at all. It’s simply paneling made out of fiberglass. You’ll want to wear a dust mask, long sleeves, and eye protection when cutting it. Very similar to working with fiberglass insulation – you don’t want to breathe the dust and it can get a little itchy.
Hi Steve,
Would Formica work for the top, or is that rated for interior use only?
Ron
Hi Ron,
Formica is an excellent choice.
LMAO @ Steve your microphone is showing!
How embarrassing…
Hey Steve,
My progress has been slow, but I’m ready to put the top on and I have a few questions. I’ve decided to make the box a little taller because I have a bad back, and I don’t want to be leaning over while I’m serving. I’ve also stretched the box to hang over the rear of the trail frame 16″. That being said, 1) do you recommend a sliding counter door to access a cooler under the countertop? 2) Where would I get such an item… and/or how did your guys make theirs? ( I saw one on the Dog’s on the Run cart, pic #13.) Also, do you have any different suggestions for an easy access cooler under the countertop? 3) the other question I have is: Do you put angle trim on the luan corners of the cart, or is it fine with a painted butt joint?
Thanks,
Todd
Hi Todd,
The cooler under the sliding countertop looks cool, but I prefer to have my cooler positioned so that the cooler lid protrudes just above the work surface. It’s easier to access and much quicker to build.
It’s easy to get slowed down by adding options and slick features. Save those for your second cart.
The main thing is to finish your cart ASAP so you can get out there and start making money.
thank you Steve, I will be keeping you posted
Hi steve. I want to put rfp on top ,like a vinly would that melt close to oven or should i just pait
It maybe 40×48 stainless what do u think.?
Don’t use vinyl. FRP is great, so is formica laminate or sheet metal. I really like the formica.
Could small finish nails be used as alternative to staples?
Sure. Just be sure to recess the heads and fill the indentations.
Hey Steve,
Wanted to ask on the top! If I wanted to use the http://www.littlegriddle.com on the top, because I am going to also be doing a farmers market in the am, where I would like to do egg sandwiches! How could I best incorporate into this design?
Thanks
Mike
Get a second two burner stove and set the little griddle on top. You can mount the second stove wherever you want, or just set it on the cart top when you get to your location.
hi steve why use staple gun instead of using screw or nails what’s the difference?
You can use whatever you want, but staples are faster than screwing or nailing, unless you have an air powered brad nailer.
When you install Formica do you have to put the playwood
Yes, build the cart as shown with the plywood. Then you can laminate the Formica over the plywood.
Hey Steve how wide is the opening for the pans.
12 1/2″
https://hotdogprofitspremium.com/e-z-built-hot-dog-cart/plans/plans-page-3-of-4/
Hi Steve,
Using search for Lowe’s or Home Depot, luan comes up as hardwood plywood. is that the same product?
Luan is faced with mahagony so that may be why it’s classified as hardwood. You can use any plywood with a smooth face.
Hey Steve. Would the instructions above still apply to installing a stainless steel top. The Stainless steel is only .05 inch in thickness.
Yes. Just be that you can cut that stainless if you have to, especially once it is installed. Stainless is a bear to cut.
Hey Steve, is it o.k. to use a thicker plywood on top i.e. 3/8 or 1/2? 1/4 seems a little weak???
thanks,
Reggie
You can but it’s really not necessary. With the 2×2 framing underneath it’s plenty strong.
Got a question, because of my pan configuration on a side serve cart using 2 full steam pans lengthwise.. I can not place the steam pans right next to eachother. they are about 5 inches apart so i can get each burner under each pan.
Should i place a few 2x2sin between to fill that space, which will frame out each pan on all 4 sides while giving extra strength, or wil it cause problems with firebox or something.
Im talking about only on the top of the cart framing
That should work Joe.
Hi Steve and gang!
I’m looking through the series and can’t wait to get started building a cart. I have a question regarding adding potential stem pans for condiments ie chili etc. I’m looking at the 3 sink design as that’s what’s required by my local health department along with hot running water and was wondering if anyone had success with adding in a pan or pans to keep chili etc hot?
Hi George, the E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart utilizes a full size spillage pan which is slightly larger than a full size steam pan. It allows you to put any combination of steam pans inside it. So yes, you will be able to put smaller pans in there for chili, cheese, whatever you want. It will become clearer as you watch all the videos. Good luck!
-Steve
Thank you Steve! It already became clearer as I was watching and saw Todd’s setup. This is the cart I’ll be building with the 3 sink setup as needed by my health department.
Great! Have fun building it George.
-Steve