How to Make Your Own Butcher Block Countertops

Before the invention of the butcher block in the late 1800s, butchers prepared meat on a piece of wood thrown over wooden legs. This practice was hazardous to the health of their customers. Today, the butcher block is still used for cutting meat but also lends itself to other applications. One common place to find a butcher block is as a countertop in homes. These provide users a place to cut and prepare food without having to pull out a cutting board. Although they look elaborate, making your own butcher block countertop requires little time and effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the length and width of the countertop where the finished block will be. Add 1/4 inch to each. It is better to have too much wood and trim it down than not enough wood.

2

Cut 1- by-2-inch pieces of hardwood to match the length of your measurement from Step 1. You need enough strips to equal the width measurement. The height is the 2-inch measurement of the strips. Sand the edges to smooth them.

3

Place the strips together in the empty space of the countertop where you want to install the block. Make sure the pieces fit into the space. Cut the length and width down as needed. In addition, check the levelness of the block. Sand with sandpaper, as needed, to adjust.

4

Place the strips on a work surface and glue them together using a glue that is FDA-approved for food grade uses. Clamp the glued pieces together using wood clamps. Place one clamp every 8 to 9 inches and tighten them to secure the wood.

5

Wipe the surface of the block with a rag to remove any glue that is on the surface. Leave the block to dry according to the drying times listed in the glue package's instructions.

6

Remove the wood clamps after the block is completely dried. Sand away any dried glue on the surface of the block.

7

Treat the entire surface of the wood block using mineral spirits. This waterproofs the surface of the wood, helping to preserve it. To apply the spirits, pour some onto a dry cloth and rub the spirits into the wood using a circular motion. Continue to apply additional mineral spirits until the wood does not absorb it any longer.

8

Place the wooden butcher's block onto the countertop to finish it.