DIY Walnut Kitchen Countertop

Sherry
by Sherry
4 Materials
$950
7 Days
Advanced
I really wanted to have a plank wood counter for my kitchen remodel and was quoted around $6000 (yikes!). Decided to try the DIY method and here is how they're turning out. My husband and I like them, but I'm sure people will either really like them or not like the variations in the wood. I wanted them to have some character. :-)
The walnut planks right after purchasing from the lumber yard.
After the boards have been joined with the wood glue and pocket hole screws. Then, sanded with a power sander. No finished applied yet.
Not done yet, but in the home stretch! Routing the edges and applying Waterlox to seal it.
A close up of what can happen with grease spatter. This is a small spot (and the only one), but I guess the grease melted the finish. A little sanding and reapplying the Waterlox should fix this issue.
Here is how the finished project looks. I love the warmth of the walnut. It has held up really well. Definitely have not had any problems with water.
Suggested materials:
  • Walnut planks   (Yukon Lumber Co., Norfolk, VA)
  • Kreg jig & Kreg pocket hole screws   (Lowes)
  • Titebond wood glue
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2 of 14 comments
  • Christine Christine on Jan 28, 2015
    Very nice! I've made my own butcher block counters from reuse center maple. I cannot imagine paying what 18' of counter would have cost. I haven't stained or finished mine yet, because I can't decide what to do. Yours look beautiful! Great job.
  • Denise Denise on Sep 07, 2015
    Stunning! :)
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