How to Build & Seal Wood Countertops

We love the warmth and beauty that these DIY wood countertops bring to our kitchen remodel.
Thanks to Waterlox for sponsoring this video. The countertops are sealed with their new H2OLOX matte finish sealer to create a waterproof finish for the solid wood maple countertops.
Universal Tung Oil Sealer: bit.ly/2OQVWC1
H2OLOX Finish: bit.ly/3cO3sZB
I include in depth tutorials for the entire process, including how to pick the perfect wood for kitchen countertops, at Housefulofhandmade.com.
- housefulofhandmade.com/build-...
Music: The Wake by Josh Woodward freemusicarchive.org/music/Jos...

[@rickfischer51]

Of all the KZbin vids I've viewed showing how to make your own wood countertops, this is the only one worth watching. Biscuits, ripping opposite a jointed edge, clamps alternated top and bottom, sealing both sides, oversize attachment holes so the top can float a little, and especially spending a little of what she saved on a new tool. She really nailed this!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thanks so much for your comment! I always try to give lots of value and so glad it worked.

[@OGMann]

I don't recall her using any nails. ;-)

[@thatguy6387]

@@OGMann took me WAY too long to get it... 😂🙄

[@judichristopher4604]

EXACTLY... I agree

[@aishainman]

I've had the chance to use this table a couple of times now. It's fun to whip out in front of people:) I can see what people are talking about when they say the legs are delicate, but they're design to support a "mostly" vertical load, not be torqued from the side or pushed back into place. If you just let the table open or close on it's own and don't force anything, it works great kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh Once it's set up, it's pretty solid. My only gripe would probably be related to the clamps provided. They're not the highest quality. They do the job, so no big deal, but they could be better. All in all, pretty cool gadget.

[@TLAS]

Spammy

[@TerryGreen-ye5ry]

I'm so proud of you for completing a task that looks outstanding without any "fake help," Lol great job.

[@Midniight137]

It was very amazing , congratulations for the strength of your will ! I met your channel today and I'm going to marathon all videos! hugs from Brazil :)

[@jeremiahwasabullfrog957]

Probably the best wood countertop vid.

[@harris473]

You madam, have just given me the confidence to do this for my kitchen. Thank you 😊

[@HousefulofHandmade]

If I can do it, so can you!

[@johnlozano5054]

I can see the love you put in this project, excellent . Congratulations

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you!

[@artyshefartsy]

You are amazing! Never stop posting. I love learning from your projects!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you so much Gabby!

[@MichelleJames67]

I absolutely love the wood countertops! The finish is amazing!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thanks Michelle! The finish really turned out so amazing.

[@isabelladavis1363]

exactly what I've been searching for for DAYS now I seriously wanted the dull or matte finish on our new install and this product looks perfect, thank you so much for posting so glad I came across your site, stay blessed!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Glad I could help!

[@ericmitchuson9887]

Amazing job! You made what seems to be the perfect countertops! Love the look.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@richardwolske2015]

I’ve watched so many videos on building wood counter top and when I started watching yours I couldn’t stop , you did a great job start to finish, ❤️❤️❤️❤️👍thank you

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Wow, thank you!

[@hannahlittle7976]

Awesome and inspiring. The coolest thing about remodeling is the chance to make it even better than new!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Glad you liked it, and I totally agree!

[@charlene5461]

Thanks for sharing! With the prices of building materials, we, my hubby and I, are doing ALL the work ourselves on a total gut and rebuild remodel. I have 2 pieces of high quality plywood I bought before the prices went sky high and after coming across your video, I now know I'm finally going to get my wood countertops!! Just saved $$hundreds of dollars$$! Thanks for sharing!!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Glad I could help! Not only do you save a lot of money but there is some pride in showing off all your effort. :)

[@castingkatemonakhova6308]

So Beautiful! Very impressive!

[@mauricedelarosa6083]

Gorgeous results, and a very inspiring video. You make this type of project seem very doable. I also do as you do by purchasing a new tool with the money saved.

[@adamfrench8735]

Beautiful job ♥️

[@bleugaze]

This was so empowering! I watched you in almost awed silence for the entirety of the vid, lol. Thank you so much. I know exactly what I have to do now, and more importantly, that I can

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Yes you can!!!!

[@rickyelizondo4879]

They are beautiful. Well done.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Ricky Elizondo thanks Ricky. We love how they turned out.

[@iowadrummer1224]

The fact that you did this all without a mitre saw makes me envy your back pain tolerance. A tip if you didnt know already, using a belt sander to put a slight bevel to a scribed edge makes a PERFECT fit!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

We didn't have my shop set up yet after our recent move so working on the floor was my best option. Hoping I dont have to do that again! Thanks for the bevel tip, I have not done that yet but will for sure on my next scribed edge.

[@varieta9466]

Excellent and beautiful job! Trying to do the same. Thanks for sharing the many tips! Much appreciated! ❤️🌺

[@rayganmessick8378]

Wow. This work is stunning!!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you, we love it!

[@rustynuts4426]

very well done you! Amazing job

[@PeppersPlantsnPowerTools]

Great job. Looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisstratton987]

HoH, Those countertops are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your wood wisdom with us.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Glad you like them!

[@user-zc6ne5ki6z]

Just beautiful! Great job Respect!✌️

[@40redfox40]

WOW! BEAUTIFUL

[@MoreMoto262]

Great work!!

[@ozziecrosby2092]

That was awesome!! Now I know what I'm gonna do with MY kitchen counter!! Thank you!!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Glad you found it useful! I'd love to see your project finished.

[@theoremzero]

Perfect. Anyone that says otherwise can fight me.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I hope fighting won't be necessary :)

[@chewar7537]

Beautiful! I am going to do wood for my parameter cabinets too! Great video, thanks!!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Send me photos when its finished!

[@skull1234444]

beautiful job

[@Buster10Dog]

Wow so nice!

[@AbdurRahman-ui6ih]

Beautiful!!!

[@Far_Dad]

Looks soo good!!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you!

[@dragon66leo]

Awesome project 😎👌 im planning to do mine at home this year. Keep up the great work.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you and good luck with your project!!!

[@nikoman71326]

great job!

[@AVHANDYMANPROFESIONALSERVICES]

Very nice job, congratulations

[@TheTomStroup]

very impressive. great job

[@TheSondav]

Very nice!

[@rociovasquez1947]

Whoooo!! Beautiful

[@mehmeh5375]

Great job!

[@giulianopigozzi2062]

Very very great work! Beautiful source of inspiration and lots of useful details.I envy the large space available in the Usa... everything big and wide.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you, we are very grateful for the space we have!

[@suecook8087]

Nice job

[@jtmcfarland3512]

The guy who helped you carry in the big piece looks just like me!

[@lc-bb6bd]

Great job

[@karimgomez6933]

I’m looking to change my kitchen countertops and your video is very detailed. Thank you. New subscriber here.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you! I am glad you find it helpful.

[@sneakyblackdog]

Very nice, I love using waterlox

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Me too!

[@dc5duben96]

good job came out nice

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you, I sure love it!

[@georgejones6309]

Very nice

[@Azurko]

Very awesome work! I'm close to replacing our way out of date countertops with ash :) I would like to dispel a misconception though, biscuits don't add strength. They don't go deep enough into the wood to do that. They are perfect though for alignment though :)

[@jz497]

Great job girl

[@Lucas-mb8ub]

Great video

[@katiebelmont595]

These are beautiful. Mine won't be because they'll be pine. But yours are. 😂😍

[@mama_p_nz8233]

Thank you for this awesome video, I just found your channel today and have subscribed. I can't wait to have a look through the playlist, to see what other of your videos will help me. Stay safe

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Welcome! I hope you find lots of DIYs to do.

[@japlunkett6789]

Wonderful video! Such a beautiful countertop! Just as a word of advice: at 5:43 you said that the biscuits give it "a lot of strength," which isn't true. The strength of the bond comes from the glue - biscuits are more just for lining up the pieces together. :)

[@sixgunsue8]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@homeshiphometv8168]

Amazing!

[@trulie1966]

Great job👍🇦🇺

[@lennythecat4564]

Great video! Very informative, thinking of building my own desk and going to use this as a guide. I was wondering if you can stain it as well as use the waterlox sealer? Would you have to stain first, then finish it with the seal or are stains a sealer of there own. Never really done any DIY builds before. Thanks!

[@kova1359]

Good work Wonder woman

[@cindyyeager8627]

Impressive.

[@anasimental9791]

Love it 😍

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you!

[@dariukasl.1356]

Thanks!

[@Linchin555]

I love it

[@kevinoneill41]

Great job loved that you scribed the back wall. Makes for a better fit I am attempting to do a butcher block top the wood I have chosen is Purple Heart. I'm cutting my strips to 1 1/2" to 2" X 1 1/2"

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Purple Heart will be amazing! Good luck with your project.

[@kevinoneill41]

@@HousefulofHandmade 👍

[@millwork3319]

I'm sure by now someone has already made a comment regarding the sizing "6/4" is said six-quarter. As 4/4, being 1"+/- is four-quarter and 8/4, 2"+/- is eight-quarter etc... No criticism here just an FYI. Counters look great. Nice job.

[@daisygrrrl]

Wow! You are amazing. I just read your blog post about this. You are so detailed and thorough in your post. Thanks so much. Can you tell me about how long it took you to make these, start to finish? Thanks.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

So glad it was helpful! Sometimes I feel like I write too much information ;). It took 2 full days to prep the wood, cut, glue-up, and cut to template. Then almost a week to get all the coats of sealer on it since you have to wait 24 hours between coats (but that only took about an hour each day).

[@judichristopher4604]

WOW ... WOW WOW SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL I love this video... so glad I found you After you sealing this... is it FOOD Safe? Seriously... This is the BEST video on WOOD COUNTERTOPS... Happy Happy Happy Where did you find the wood to buy? Thank you for sharing this BEAUTIFUL Video

[@eviunsun9754]

beautiful work! may I ask which sink it is? it shows a nice contrast to the countertop!😀

[@stevedockery3534]

Great job Lady. Beautiful color also. What are the products you used? Love the fact they're water resistant.

[@spencerbass7142]

Very nice.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you

[@jilltaylor6716]

That’s funny! I make a cardboard mock-up of just about every project that I do.

[@wthomas7955]

Conversion varnish is probably a better choice for finishing those things. Much easier process as well.

[@philedgerton7892]

Good work! Beautiful counter tops. Did you apply backsplashes?

[@Meve.Stiller]

There’s a lot of good info here. I do want to comment on biscuits though. It is a standard position in woodworking community that biscuits do not add strength to glue up. Their purpose is for alignment only.

[@brianeaves9348]

How has the finish held up long term? I'm doing butcher block counters and I'm close to being ready for finish, but I'm looking for a solid solution. Your counter looks great!

[@adamkoehler5747]

That was really a wonderful video. Did you caulk along the back wall, especially the one behind the sink?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

We are planning on a tiled black splash (hoping to add it soon) and so I haven’t caulked it yet. I will caulk the base of the tile when it is done though. I also caulk to edges of the counter where it meets up against walls or cabinets. If you don’t have a backsplash you definitely want to caulk the back.

[@user-se6rl1dy8p]

I have an 8 foot section and a 12 foot section of butcher block that I’m installing in a basement finishing project. I’ve used the waterlox UTOS on them and have the same H2OLOX Matte finisher to do next. But I’M very hesitant, because I am struggling to find a tool that I feel will do a good job. I know you used a foam brush and then a paint brush. The Waterlox website suggests using something different, like a stain pad type of tool, but those generally have tiny synthetic hairs that just keep falling out in the product despite using tape firstly to remove as many as possible. Did you use a paint brush for your second coat and just go on very liberal with the product? Any application tips for the H2OLOX would be greatly appreciated!

[@mariaemilianegron]

I lo ovee them ❤

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you!

[@bonniebon7335]

I just woke and am having my cup o coffee. My eyes are not even clear yet. But the algos brought your video up. I had been wondering how I was going to dimension for new kitchen counter tops. There has been quakes and the house has shifted. Even after I lift the house and the floors, it will not be square to fit. I hadn’t thought of using a template.

[@mrskonak2483]

This video is AMAAAAAAZING! I’ve watched a few dozen and yours is by far the best! Thank you! I will have to cut my boards on the floor as well with a circular saw. I like your idea of using a piece of rigid foam, but there are so many types: 15psi, R-4, etc…. I know to get 2” though lol. What did you use? Thanks!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The R value is un important really. Its the fact that you aren't cutting directly on the work table or concrete floor.

[@michaelg503]

Very appreciative of the information provided. It really does look outstanding! Two questions that are not criticisms but educational (I hope ;-) ): 1. I think I missed this step - for the top that you made for the sink area, did you piece together a bunch of boards for the long rear section where the faucet is? Or, did you have one long board? If you connected a couple of pieces together, how was that accomplished - biscuits with pocket screws? I tried to focus on the section of the video where you were in the shop laying your boards under the cardboard template but I really can't tell if there is one board back there or multiple boards. 2. You indicated that your lumber yard planed the wood and ran one edge through the jointer. You show that you ran the boards through your own planer as well. Was that just to ensure proper thickness? Since you were putting multiple boards together, is there a reason why you only had one edge run through the jointer? Thanks. And again, great looking stuff.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you for the kind words! 1. I specifically searched for a board long enough so I didn't have a seam at the sink. If this wasn't possible I probably would have used pocket holes and glue to get it nice and tight. 2. I had the lumber yard do one pass on the planer and used mine to get them all to an even thickness. The reason I had them run one edge through the jointer was to ensure I had 1 flat edge for cutting on my table saw. There are a lot more detailed instructions in the blog post housefulofhandmade.com/build-seal-wood-countertops/ Hope this helped!

[@NBailey1968]

What type hole saw did you use to cut the faucet hole? I'm building a bathroom vanity and want wood top but most hole saws say not for hardwood

[@bandido7994]

Congrats it came up beautiful!!! Are you adding a backsplash to your countertop?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Yes, we are adding a tile backsplash (hopefully soon!).

[@Nine-Signs]

While I have not built my own worktops as the cost of the wood where I am far exceeds the cost of such tops prebuilt around here, I just wanted to say thanks for sharing as the beauty of your worktops convinced me to spend a little extra on my new kitchen install and go for beautiful Beachwood worktops rather than laminate. :o) Looking forward to sealing them :)

[@Googaliemoogalie]

Thanks! been researching a finishing top coat that isn't as shiny as epoxy or polyurethane, but can resist water like those types of top coats.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Glad this helped!

[@Abby-hf9sx]

the compass part seems very important and you gave a very brief description

[@HousefulofHandmade]

If you are looking for more detailed instructions, I have an entire article written on it. housefulofhandmade.com/build-seal-wood-countertops/

[@extrovertedthinker]

oh pretty. I want to do this as a desktop.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

We had the same thought! I have another post about that here housefulofhandmade.com/sealing-butcher-block-countertops/

[@extrovertedthinker]

@@HousefulofHandmade Thank you so much. I decided I'm going to upgrade standing desk with a butcher block countertop. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@TaylaFam]

This looks great and helped me out a lot on how I am going to do mine. What kind of table saw blade did you use for those nice seamless gaps? It looked like a Freud blade but I am wondering if I should get the Freud glue line rip blade or the heavy duty Freud rip blade

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I just have a high tooth (labeled for cutting plywood) Diablo blade on my table saw. Make sure your saw blade is exactly 90 degrees and keeping the jointed side flat agains the fence is more important than a fancy blade ;)

[@TaylaFam]

Thank you!

[@GAPOWERade]

what grit sanding block inbetweeb coats?

[@cirish3926]

great job. ("six quarter" thickness)

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you :)

[@stephenl2571]

What happens if you don’t edge the rounded edges? I don’t have a table saw

[@judichristopher4604]

After 2 years... How is the countertops holding up?

[@krisnagusterer2922]

Looks amazing! We’ve been looking for a sealer for our kitchen butcher block. Would you say the coating provide a waterproof seal? Or only water resistent? Also, could you list the exact products used? Thanks so much!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The coating is definitely waterproof. It creates a complete seal on the wood. The exact products I used are linked in the description. Start with the Tung Oil sealer and finish with the H2OLOX. All the tools and more are listed in the blog post.

[@krisnagusterer2922]

@@HousefulofHandmade Thank you! Ordered some. Can't wait to test it out on our butcher block kitchen countertops!

[@birdsnest7883]

What a great informative video, thank you! Question - Using the products that you used from Waterlox, did it get a yellow tint to the wood? I'm in the process of doing my counter tops and I'm looking for a natural color protection without the yellow tint. Thx

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Yes the Waterlox does add a slightly yellow tint to the wood.

[@viktoriaciostek6184]

Waterlox makes a product that does not yellow the wood as well

[@birdsnest7883]

@@viktoriaciostek6184 Thank you Viktoria, do you know what its called?

[@viktoriaciostek6184]

@@birdsnest7883 www.waterlox.com/ if you go to the choose a finish he’ll section, it walks you through all these prompts. One of them is a finish that’s does add amber coloring. There’s also very helpful application videos. She doesn’t apply the Waterlox correctly in this video, you DONT want to use a paintbrush (they specifically say that on the product)

[@felipesolanet7469]

I am making my kitchen countertops now and I am planning on staining them to a nice brown color. If I want to seal them, can I use the same sealer you used in this video? If so, would the sequence be first the conditioner, then the stain, then your sealer? Would your sealer take away partially the color of the stain?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The quick answer is yes. I would test any stains with the sealer to make sure the colors end up how you want. Waterlox makes a bunch of stains to work awesome with their sealers. Here is a video I did all about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmKbapd4m8tnjZo

[@joannlievsay6623]

Looks great When you sanded what grit did you use?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I started with 150 grit and ended with 220.

[@stevekopcial129]

I am interested in making a desk the same method as your counter top, I am also interested in the maple boards, you mentioned you used 6/4 boards, not sure what you mean, what is the width and is it a 4 inch thick board?? I am looking at 10 ft length?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The 6/4 refers to the thickness of the wood. It is rough sawn to 1 1/2 inches thick. At the lumber yard the boards come in varying widths and lengths in that thickness. I go into more detail about buying lumber at the lumber yard in my post linked in the details.

[@terryb3388]

impressive! struggling with which finish to use on beechwood kitchen countertops. how is the H20 waterlox holding up?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

It’s been a year and still looks and performs like new! Make sure to use mild cleansers as harsh chemicals will break it down.