I detailed the process of constructing my mom’s kitchen island earlier this week. The butcher block table top is almost finished, and I’m now getting around to showing you how I did it. The decision to purchase a butcher block table top or construct my own was a source of much internal conflict for me. In this context, “buy one” refers to my mom. All of the supplies were bought by her. The expert “fly by the seat of my pants” worker was I. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to find an affordable butcher block countertop that met all of my requirements. My spouse cautioned me against using wide planks, saying that they would distort with time and that smaller planks would be better. Everything fell into place once I viewed this guide on Sawdust and Embryos.
Due to its toughness, maple is the wood of choice for butcher blocks. I went to my neighborhood Woodworkers Source to pick up some knotty alder, even though I was planning to use maple. After discussing it with an employee, we both agreed that this hard wood—which is somewhat softer than hard maple but still quite sturdy—would be perfect for the island top. It was half the price, which is the nicest part! After I picked out my boards, I had another worker plane and chop them into smaller pieces.
How To Build A Butcher Block Top
| Step | Description | Materials Used |
|---|---|---|
Step 1CUT THE LEGS TO THE DESIRED HEIGHT |
| (4) 36″ x 3 1/2″ kitchen island legs |
Step 2NOTCH THE LEGS TO FIT THE APRON |
| (4) Legs |
Step 3FLATTEN/SQUARE THE SHANK OF THE LEG |
| Router and jig |
Step 4CONSTRUCT THE APRON |
| 1 1/8″ thick hard maple boards |
Step 5SCREW HOLE PLUGS |
| 3/4″ bit, plug cutter, dowel rod (if necessary) |
Step 6FINISHING THE BUTCHER BLOCK |
| Stain for legs, polyurethane varnish, H. Behlen Salad Bowl Finish |
Essential Items for Your Purpose
As you plane the boards, make an effort to maintain as much thickness as possible.
If you want to rip 1 5/8-inch strips of board, you can use a table saw.
To ensure that the cut edges are on the top and bottom of each strip, rotate it through 90 degrees. The amount of strips that you line up on your cutting board will allow you to decide the width of your board. If the several boards have the same level of dryness, you can merge the strips from those boards.
Once you have ensured that the strips are as even as they can be, proceed to glue them together using Titebond III, which is waterproof. After clamping the wood for two hours, remove the clamps and allow it to sit for another twenty-four hours.
A plane should be used.
Glued board should be sliced crosswise every two inches. This is because the thickness of your cutting board is determined by the space that exists between each crosscut. Ensure that the components are kept in the correct order.
A mirrored pattern in the grain can be created by rotating each crosscut segment through a full 90 degrees, alternating between turning them to the left and turning them to the right twice.
Glue the pieces that were cut with a crosscut. Clamp for a period of two hours, then remove the clamp and allow the item to sit for a further twenty-four hours.
It is possible to generate the best cutting surface by first jointing the cutting board and then planing it, provided that your jointer is wide enough. On the other hand, plane all sides to ensure that the board will not rock excessively.
After using paper with a 100-grit grit, proceed to use paper with a 150-grit grit.
Utilize a router bit and router that has a round-over design in order to smooth off the edges on the top of the board. In the event that you do not possess a router, you should sand the corners with great force.
Allow the finished product to soak in mineral oil for a period of thirty minutes. After removing any excess, apply conditioner to the hair.