How to Build Your Own Butcher Block Countertops
Learning how to make your own butcher block countertops is an easy project for an experienced woodworker, but a challenge for any beginner. The most common wood used is hard maple because it has a dense wood grain. Amongst the techniques required to plane and strip the wood, there are specialized tools necessary to cut hardwood.
Tools and Supplies:
- Belt Sander
- Belt Sandpaper (80, 100, 320, 400 grit)
- 4/0 Steel wool
- Stain (Food safe)
- Rags
- Paint Brush
- Hard Maple Lumber
- A 2x4
- Waterproof Wood glue
- Table saw
- Band Saw
- Long Clamps
- Cut the maple into one by two inch strips along the grain. Cut the strips to the length desired for the block. Cut as many pieces as are necessary to achieve the width of the block.
- Saw a board to match the length and depth of the block. Place it in between the two long clamps to be used as a guide for placing the maple planks onto for stability.
- Put a piece of ripped maple onto the 2x4 board with the one inch side of maple facing down. Repeat until all of the ripped maple is used. This serves as a visual to ensure all of the maple is cut to the correct sizes, and fits together correctly.
- Plane, then sand any pieces that do not fit together well.
- Assemble each piece of Maple, one at a time to the next piece by applying the glue to the two inch sides of the maple. Repeat this process until all of the maple pieces are glued together. Be sure to apply the glue thoroughly to each piece to deter air bubbles or gaps in glue.
- Clamp the block together. Use pieces of scrap maple on the ends of the clamps so that the ends of the block are not damaged by the clamps. Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours, according to the manufacturer’s instructions before taking the clamps off.
- Sand the block all the way around using the most course to the finest gauge sandpaper. Be sure that the exposed side is sanded with 320 grit sandpaper last.
- Rub the block with food-safe stain using a rag and allow to dry for at least five hours. Sand the block with 400 grit sandpaper. Repeat this staining and sanding process once more. Apply the last coat of stain and allow to dry for at least 24 hours. Rub the block with steel wool and allow to cure for three days minimum. Be sure to wash the butcher block before use with soap and water.