Cheap Countertop Made from Scrap 2x4's

[@brettpeckinpaugh]

Stumpy talked about the alternating growth ring thing, and he has a point. It just means if it warps you get waves. Where if you do the same direction you can screw it down in the middle and it will hold the shape as the wood tries to warp into the base.

[@AprilWilkerson]

That's a good idea! Thank you for adding to the conversation and thank you for watching!

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

I like that you took old lumber and instead of throwing it away. You made beautiful and use items for your home. 👏 Plus, I enjoyed your FUN ending of this video. Your “Happy Dance” made me smile and laugh April!!! 😆😊😉

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Simphome]

Really, I wouldn't believe it was made of scrap wood. You are very talented.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much!

[@no_handle_required]

Recycle, reuse, and make it look excellent. Nicely done as always.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Aw thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@maxxxie74]

I love watching your videos. When I was a kid, women doing woodwork was not common, so I never had someone I identified with to look up to. I know things are different now, but even so. Women and girls seeing your videos will see someone they identify with, and hopefully take inspiration from it, and become more confident in their abilities. Watching you has given me encouragement. Thank you for your great videos, clear explanations and demonstrations.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. You can do anything you set your mind to. Be sure to research the project well, learn from any mistakes made and build on the experience, lessons and confidence for your next projects. Thanks for watching.

[@alaskatuff2048]

😂 wtf are you talking about. There are no gender roles. If you have common sense, you can do anything

[@1jugglethis]

I am getting ready to move up to "the mountains" of California, into a single-wide mobile home which has been, essentially, gutted.....no kitchen cabinetry or fixtures at the moment....so this video will be very, very helpful during the "build out" for me, as I am a professional Chef, and not a professional woodworker. Thank you for posting it!

[@allaboutcanines]

In another life I have a small shop, for now tools & a set of sawhorses is my rig. Love your videos April. Thank you.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you for your support! Cheers to your setup!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great job April, another fine project today. Enjoyed the countertop and the shelf above the stacked washer/dryer . Looks great and so easy to accomplish. Thanks for sharing with everyone. Fred.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@ObsessiveAboutCats]

"on your to-do list" - yes it is near the top of it in fact, since I damaged my kitchen island countertop a few weeks ago. This is a great idea and is within my budget. THANK YOU.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Oh no! I hope this video helps you. Thank you for watching!

[@JimmyLee0757]

This is just what I needed. I am about finished with our Master Bath remodel and was trying to find a slab to make a small counter top. I love using what others throw away. I've done some pallet projects in the past but this looks like something that would look good in there and I could "Picture frame" the edges for even more effect. Thanks for sharing this and jarring my tired old brain.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful. Enjoy the build and thanks for watching.

[@Gzus]

That turned out great! I'm remodeling my 150 year old farmhouse and think I may try to salvage some of the old wood for a countertop.

[@AprilWilkerson]

That would be awesome! Enjoy the build and thanks for watching.

[@jenniferdixon2149]

Thank you so much! I have been wanting to replace my countertops in the cheapest, but nicestway possible. This is it! Love love love!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@TotalBoat]

The space looks simply stunning and functional!! The counters turned out amazing!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! The wood sealer and Gleam 2.0 really made the countertops pop!

[@remoc52357]

I love the blue Jays in the background!!!!!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

💜

[@gpzjeffrey7974]

I made a workbench top like this, except I milled and planed my 2x4s down to 1.75x3 and face glued them all to have an edge grain top. Lots of sanding, planing, finishing after all the glue dried, and its the strongest workbench top I've ever had.

[@dennishinkle5010]

A great project as always. I watched some of your videos from several years ago and can say 2 things. You are genius and you don't seem to get any older. Thank you.👍👍👍

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! And thanks for sticking around!

[@ecospider5]

It’s always great to see happy people. Thanks for your enthusiasm and sharing your projects with us.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@evelyncaldera2420]

I built my reloading bench with a bunch of 2 x 4s that I inherited about 30 years ago, although I laid out my boards on edge. Super heavy duty, best countertop in the house

[@AprilWilkerson]

I love to hear about the projects of my viewers, thank you fr sharing!

[@villyhasko]

Great methode to align the countertop with the wall : Take pencil and washer - put pencil in the hole and roll washer against the wall. It works great and you can also use bigger washer to make "offset".

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great tip, thanks!

[@seanmuir9594]

I've watched you for years. Never commented. I love your videos. Thanks for everything. You rock!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much. I appreciate that. Thanks for still being along for the ride. :)

[@frijoli9579]

Cool to see the reclaimed lumber. Would love to see a project using only bandsaw and miter saw.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I might have something coming up in the future :)

[@chicagorandy]

I love manual labor - I could watch it for hours. Your immediate access to so much machinery makes even complex projects looks 'easy'. Thanks for sharing the adventure.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@maverick77427]

APRIL!!!, I just saw you on Assembly Required with Tim Allen and Richard Karn. Super exciting. So happy for you!!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yay! Thank you!

[@V8SKULLS]

April, you really inspired me, simply beautiful, thank you so very much to get my butt in gear to make my NEW garage shop tables/bench tops

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! It's a privilege to be an inspiration.

[@johnlee7085]

Great job. As always. I built our laundry shelf with scraps of t&g flooring that I glued together. In our case, it’s also factory finished, but love that you recycled.

[@allenwilson9656]

April I love the cutting board approach you did on this counter top with the staggered pieces ! Excellent job 👏

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like it!

[@ΓΕΡΑΣΙΜΟΣΣΤΡΑΓΓΑΣ]

I love recycled projects and this is a way to give second Life to these lamber, well done April thanks for this great video

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! Thank you!

[@diyblueprintdiva]

Thank you for including so much detail beyond the basic build. I’m planning to use extra 2x4s as well and didn’t want them all the same length. The end grain adjustment was a jewel 💎,🙏🏾.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@robertkerby2581]

Great design; build; and Craftsmanship! Well done, April!

[@wut255]

This is super helpful! I'm making a rolling laundry table in my basement and have been looking for a way to get some experience with glue-ups.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@markmurdocca2456]

Thanks! lots of great info packed into a short vid. You've inspired me to look for some attractive uses for my scrap pieces of 2x3s

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@alansmith4734]

You should make a Drying Rack out of 2x4's and Dowel Rods. One that lies flat against the wall when not being used, but drops down, to place wet clothes on to air dry!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Sounds like a great idea! I'll consider this. I appreciate your input and thanks for watching! Here's a link to a small drying rack project: wilkerdos.com/diy-drying-rack/

[@brauliorubio2465]

you can also used your table saw as joiner by passing the blade between the two pieces at the same time up at against the fence

[@AprilWilkerson]

yes! I actually did this when I made my kitchen table.

[@pappyroxx1841]

Yes!! Your videos always inspire and educate.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

[@AB-C1]

Nice job April! 👍😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@stevenrayhoward]

April; Excellent! Full of great tips for "newbies." Thank you for your continued dedication to the craft! -Woodprobie (Steve Howard)

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@louroberts5567]

Good morning, April! I LOVE this project! I can't tell you how many times we've demoed walls, etc., denailed and stacked the used lumber for future projects or for use in the current reconstruction. Your laundry room looks awesome. Nice Job! Have a great week. God bless.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@dhflowers]

i love the Decked system. i install them all the time in trucks.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Yes, it is a game changer to be sure. Thanks for watching.

[@firefighterwife93]

Which large clamps did you use for this project? And what would you recommend sealing with if the countertop will be in a kitchen?

[@swishh55]

Thanks!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you for your generosity. I appreciate your watching and your support.

[@halsti99]

idk if triton makes some, but some belt sanders have a sanding frame, basically a metal frame around the sander, that makes it even better at flattening. the festool one is pretty neat for that.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks for the contribution and thanks for watching!

[@Socoolral]

Beautiful! And such a cool celebration dance. Thank you for the video

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Life's too short to not have fun!

[@streetkombativesystem4704]

I started watching you years ago when you started out April, you have come so far, congrats! Love the project, looks smashing!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! And thanks for staying along for the ride.

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Looking good April!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

That’s a beautiful countertop April! You make it look so easy. I like your biscuit joiner use. I’ll need to find your video on how to do these and align them correctly! That’s a tool I don’t have and will look at Triton. Thanks for sharing another great project! Keep on building!

[@AprilWilkerson]

I sure will and thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoy my channel.

[@robertkerby2581]

Great project build! I really liked this one! Well done, April!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@dianecora5675]

I really love everything you do. I would be your volunteer just so I can learn everything you know. I'm so happy for you. And you inspire me to do more everyday

[@AprilWilkerson]

Aww, thank you so much! There is nothing special about me that others can't also do. I started small, learned as I went, building on the experience and confidence gained. Then applied that to my next project and now am able to do more complex projects. :) Just always learn from any mistakes made. Thanks for watching.

[@dianecora5675]

@@AprilWilkerson 💜

[@williambuckley1185]

Good one April, thank you.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheDougOfTheNorth]

Great video, as usual, April! I bought a house last year that had 2 workbenches made poorly. I've been contemplating replacing them and now I have great direction, thanks to this. Thanks!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great! Glad you found it useful. Enjoy the build.

[@pteddie6965]

The counter top looks beautiful and the entire laundry room is terrific and practical. I love the look of the Total Boat finish, and it's more than a little cool that you used the salvaged 2x4's. Thanks for sharing this video and build with us.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@jgllrd454]

Girl, you are amazing. Your explanations are top notch, projects are incredible. Thank you for your videos. Cheers!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoy my channel. Thanks for watching.

[@DavidRJones82]

Excellent. Excellent. Now come to Colorado and help me finish my basement 😂

[@AprilWilkerson]

😂 sure...in my spare time!

[@petesquared23]

Great video April! Love the recycling aspect for sure 🌟👍

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@rosewd2]

that would made a great garage workbench top. i think just cutting the 2x4 edges on a table saw and the biscuits would be fine for that, with better grade 2x4's

[@AprilWilkerson]

This would make an excellent workbench top!

[@dddube12]

Thanks for all the great idea’s and tips!!! Your Awesome!!!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful.

[@michaelsnell4034]

I've seen to scribe with a compass. Another method I've seen is to use a washer with a pencil inside nearest the wall being scribed as the washer will roll along the wall and copy the contour.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great ideas! Thank you for the contribution!

[@roykindrick4186]

Love it! Such a huge difference from before to after! You made is look easy!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@protect.your.digits.creations]

Beautiful job there young lady also very educational and entertaining

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@randykniebes5364]

Great job, I have used scrap lumber to make various projects in my shop and House!!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

That is awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@yankeetoolrevival1977]

Great timing - I actually have this project planned for myself in the near future

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Glad it came at the right time. Enjoy the build and thanks for watching.

[@barrettready1713]

Great use for a reuse

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!

[@bearlemke]

I always varnish/poly both sides to help prevent warping as well.

[@lukeantoniuk8364]

I legit am waiting for my Tacoma to arrive! I’ll check this box system for sure!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! You will love driving one! Thanks for watching.

[@flightofapaullo72]

Great idea for some scrap 2x4's I have. Happy Sunday April. 😀

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@MrIsaacpr7]

As usual, you’re totally the best teacher. Your kung fu is strong! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@madman432000]

When cutting the ends on miter saw, cut both at same time. Butt them together and cut where they meet, just remember which are left and right so when they are pushed together they will have the same cut. In case you have a miter saw that isn't perfectly square...

[@AprilWilkerson]

Good tip, thanks!

[@Mike1962nz]

Turning you 4x2s on edge will give you the extra thickness and resolve the cupping from the growth rings.

[@adventuresintexas]

Hi (from the other side of the lake) April, this is JUST what I'm looking for!! But for kitchen, wonder how durable in that space.

[@AprilWilkerson]

For a kitchen space, here's an article I refer to: www.finewoodworking.com/project-guides/finishing/food-safe-finish-considerations

[@brianmerrick5664]

Great video. I'm doing the same thing for an outside table. I'm going to use epoxy for the top, since the table going to be outside.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! It will look amazing. Thanks for Sharing and for watching.

[@TheRealSlowhand]

Wonderful video... Do you have any videos on building closet shelving, thank you...

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! Here's a link for closet door shelving. Check back for closet shelves... wilkerdos.com/diy-door-shelving-unit/

[@salemadnan8884]

Amazing video - Thank you!! What kind of lumber would you recommend for this kind of counter top? Pine?

[@sahabattukangwood22]

Hadir nyimak sangat bagus sekali untuk saya pelajari cara kerja yang rapi trimakasih ilmunya pak

[@rickcreel3657]

April have you ever used the shou-sugi Japanese method of burning wood surfaces to treat wood? This process stops rot and termites and also UV protection. It is good for 90 years,

[@SonnyZA]

Surely it would make more sense to do the Mitre saw cross cuts after jointing the boards? You would have way more precision in getting a 90 degree cut as the final step as you would be referencing a proper straight board edge. This pretty much showed when you had all the boards laid out.

[@AprilWilkerson]

You're absolutely right, that would have saved me a few minutes of perfecting things later.

[@jim7smith]

Nicely done, April....

[@អាម៉ាន់ហាន]

Thanks for the inspiration April 👍

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Thanks buddy!

[@AprilWilkerson]

You bet!

[@FredMcIntyre]

The countertop and shelf look great, excellent use of your scrap material! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like it. Thanks for watching.

[@mrxmry3264]

1:10 i've used that kind of thing with airfreight pallets and containers. but you're using it wrong. you need to turn the bottom part 90 degrees so that the bottom can lock itself into he holes. otherwise it can slide around, and you don't want that.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback!

[@mikecurtis2585]

Turned out great! I need to make one like that!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!

[@damianc7692]

Looks amazing. Nice job!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@fordgt55]

Great job! I have been thinking about this myself. Any particular reason you edge joined them? I was thinking about gluing them as face joints.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! You can certainly do that, but it would take much more material. If you choose to go that round, make sure faces are really flat.

[@rbc5878]

Nice job April

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!

[@jmcguire22]

Would that sealer be okay if doing these same countertops for an outdoor kitchen?

[@AprilWilkerson]

For a kitchen space, here's an article I refer to: www.finewoodworking.com/project-guides/finishing/food-safe-finish-considerations

[@gerarddelmonte4205]

In wooden boat building they stagger joints using a time-honored and proven system. Basically, if any strake has a butt joint, the next strake must be continuous all the way through. The next strake's butt joint must be significantly offset from the last one. Etc.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you for the insight! I always appreciate contributions to the process.

[@nimble1918]

Thanks April. Would total boat be good for a kitchen counter?

[@AprilWilkerson]

If you're willing to go through the small hassles of using epoxy, I recommend TotalBoat's bar top & table top epoxy.

[@dcmirk]

April's one of the only content creators that always has great product to sponsor. Most other channels I skip the sponsor content

[@AprilWilkerson]

I appreciate your support!

[@theshirehighlander7292]

This is beautiful.

[@perepx]

Great video-great content-laundry room came out beautiful!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!!

[@m.rei85]

Great video. Almost everything is possible to do by yourself, if you commit to doing it.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! Thank you!

[@BillGoodwin1]

Looks great. I will probably do this. Do you think pocket holes would be good enough, or would you recommend biscuits, as you used in the video?

[@BRICOLAJELISTO]

El reciclaje es importante, muy bonito proyecto un resultado fantástico.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@JGerm]

Excelente video , April. Hello from the 956!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Hello there! Thanks for watching.

[@merlinsatrom6678]

Really helpful video April. I didn’t think I would dare approach this type of counter until you showed some of these tips in this build - like the biscuits and scribing to the wall - but now I’ll do it. Always great content!

[@AprilWilkerson]

I'm so glad I could help! Thank you for following my projects.

[@weefiah1]

That’s really cool. Thank you for sharing this ❤

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!

[@stretchhurion6702]

once again thanks I have built a few countertops and all my door panels like this and really enjoy doing things like this but AI find that with longer panels they sometimes twist and I am not sure why it might be the material that I am using but I loved watching the video it just made me realize I was doing things right even if it doesn't always turn out prefect

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great to hear! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@cristiin1992]

Oh my gosh, great idea. Can I do this in my kitchen?

[@DrunkDelilahBrewery]

April, when you scribe out the counter top for a tighter fit to the wall, especially when you have a side wall and back wall, do you scribe the side and back at the same time before the cut, or the back / side one at at time? Ta.

[@AprilWilkerson]

If you wanted absolute precision, you would do them one at a time, however, I always do them at the same time and it works fine for me. :)

[@DrunkDelilahBrewery]

@@AprilWilkerson Thanks, then that is what I will do !!!

[@pawsnazzy01]

That really looks nice, it was worth the effort.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! It was a really fun project to do too. Thanks for watching.

[@jimvikse7453]

Great content! Great necklace, I want one. 👍