Building a wooden kitchen countertop
#1
09-30-04, 05:08 PM
Building a wooden kitchen countertop
I'd like to build a butcher block type kitchen counter top, and spend as little as possible. Should this only be done using hardwoods or is there a less expensive wood that can be used (combined with sealing)? I remember a neighbor many years ago building on out of wood (pine, fir?) and sealing it with peanut oil. Does that make sense?
Any suggestions, including use of hardwood, would be helpful. The length would be around 8 feet, possible 10.
John
Any suggestions, including use of hardwood, would be helpful. The length would be around 8 feet, possible 10.
John
#2
10-01-04, 11:58 AM
Considering the abuse that a countertop takes, a hard wood such as rock maple. 6/4" - 8/4" thick, would be the best wood. Some oils harden enough for protecting wood. These would require periodic replenishing. Wood countertops are pretty, but can be a problem to maintain due to damage that results from normal use.
Take the wood, rip it to 1.5 inches by 8/4, joint and laminate a slab with a type II glue, then plane it to the finished dimensions. If you have an exposed end, a breadboard end looks nice.
A counter 10 feet long, 25 inches wide, 1.25 inches thick would require about 26 board feet of wood, plug waste. Figure $5 -$8 per board foot, depending upon your local market, totaling about $200 for the wood.
Hope this helps.
Take the wood, rip it to 1.5 inches by 8/4, joint and laminate a slab with a type II glue, then plane it to the finished dimensions. If you have an exposed end, a breadboard end looks nice.
A counter 10 feet long, 25 inches wide, 1.25 inches thick would require about 26 board feet of wood, plug waste. Figure $5 -$8 per board foot, depending upon your local market, totaling about $200 for the wood.
Hope this helps.
