How to Build Your Butcher Block Workbench

A butcher block work bench provides a sturdy place to build and work with many things. The cost of purchasing a new work bench can be quite steep. Most home improvement stores offer a kit that has all the same parts to make a bench, although the cost of a kit is still expensive compared to building one from scratch. The project can be completed in less than one day. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure and cut four 2-by-4 boards to measure 44 inches.

2

Measure and cut four 2-by-4 boards to measure 88 inches long.

3

Create a rectangle out of two of the 88-inch 2-by-4s and two of the 44-inch 2-by-4 boards. Insert two screws through the 44-inch boards and into the 88-inch boards at each corner. The 44-inch boards should be on the ends of the 88-inch boards, creating a rectangle that measures 44 inches wide by 92 inches long, and 4 inches tall. Repeat this step to create another rectangle.

4

Measure and cut two boards to measure 40 inches. Wedge one of these boards in the center of each rectangle. This board should be turned in the same direction as the 44-inch board. Drill two screws into each end of the board to hold it onto the rectangle. You should now have two rectangles that are made up of two squares.

5

Measure and cut four 2-by-4 boards to measure 32 inches.

6

Measure and cut four 2-by-4 boards to measure 6 inches.

7

Attach the 6-inch boards to the 32-inch boards. Position the 6-inch board on top of the 32-inch board so the length of each board is facing the same way. Move the end of the 6-inch board so it sits flush with the end of the 32-inch board. Drill two screws through the 6-inch board and into the 32 inch board. Repeat with each one until you have four legs.

8

Connect the legs to the corners of one of the rectangles. Position two of them on both of the longest sides. The rectangle should be resting on the 6-inch board. Move the legs flush with each corner. Drill two screws through the inside of the rectangle and into the 32-inch board. The bench should now stand 6 inches above the floor.

9

Measure and cut a -inch thick piece of plywood to 44 by 92 inches.

10

Apply wood glue to the top of the bottom rectangle. Place the plywood over the rectangle and press into the wood glue.

11

Measure and cut four 2-by-4 boards that measure 17 1/2 inches long.

12

Attach these boards to the 32-inch boards. Rest the bottom of the boards on the top of the rectangle. Center them flush with all edges. Drill two screws through the 18-inch board and into the 32-inch board.

13

Place the second rectangle on top of the 17 1/2-inch boards. Center the rectangle on the table so it sits flush with all edges.

14

Place a 4-by-8 foot inch sheet of plywood over the top of the table. Center it so there is a 4-inch overhang on all sides.

15

Cover the plywood with a thin layer of wood glue. Do not apply the glue closer than 2 inches to the edges.

16

Place 12 2-by-4s on the plywood. Run the length of the 2-by-4s in the same direction as the length of the plywood. Position them flush with each edge. Drill two screws through each end of the 2-by-4 and into the 44-inch board below the plywood.

17

Paint or stain all wood surfaces if desired.