Boiling wort on wood surfaces..

[Honda88]

I just finished my rims system and I built wooden tables for it. Does anyone have any issues with burning wooden surfaces doing a boil? I was thinking about finishing it with polyurethane or possibly some kind of marine finish...Was thinking about maybe just putting aluminum foil on the top as well...

I haven't posted here for what seems like years...been busy with life and haven't had much time to brew. Looks like I may get some opportunities this winter.

 

[GPP33]

Electric system? 220 degrees shouldn’t hurt anything.

 

[Honda88]

Yes its electric...id like to finish the tables at some point. Not sure if polyurethane would melt at 220 or not?? considering a product called spar varnish.

 

[day_trippr]

First Google hit led with "Continuous use above 225°F is not recommended nor is urethane recommended in hot water over 175°F."
That's a bit tight - I'd be concerned about polyurethane softening significantly and possibly sticking to a boil kettle bottom.
Note that some "spar varnishes" have polyurethane in their ingredients as well, though tbh even for those that don't I'm not sure an oil-based resin coating would be less prone to sticking after an hour or more at near boiling temperature...

Cheers!

 

[Honda88]

interesting.....I might just lay some aluminum foil down or try it on bare wood and see what happens..

 

[day_trippr]

You'd actually be fine with bare wood as far as messing up a kettle bottom.
The potential issue then is exposing the wood to wort
A sheet metal top is a popular solution (though I've seen some killer tile jobs)...

Cheers!

 

[Honda88]

I have considered tile...never thought about sheet metal as it would conduct heat but I suppose that could be an option....I was never concerned about the kettle bottom. I am more concerned about getting the wood hot.

 

[day_trippr]

Aside from potential warpage issues or color shifts I don't think wood exposed to 212°F in an open space is at much risk of anything dire. I've seen quite a few e-brew rigs with kettles on wood surfaces over the years and to date no notice of conflagration

CHeers!

 

[Honda88]

ok, thanks