How to Build & Seal Wood Countertops

[@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... 😂🙄

[@JudiChristopher]

EXACTLY... I agree

[@vladkoshel6462]

Try best plans for woodworkers. WoodPrix.

[@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.

[@robin22956]

This is a wonderful video! I am getting ready for a new DIY home and this is exactly what I was looking for. Your video was very professional and your commentary was perfect. Bravo! Well done!!!

[@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!!!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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. :)

[@johnlozano5054]

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

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you!

[@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. :)

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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!

[@chrisstratton987]

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

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Glad you like them!

[@artyshefartsy]

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

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you so much Gabby!

[@TerryGreen-ye5ry]

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

[@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.

[@ericmitchuson9887]

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

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@jeremiahwasabullfrog957]

Probably the best wood countertop vid.

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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).

[@JudiChristopher]

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

[@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.

[@MichelleJames67]

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

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thanks Michelle! The finish really turned out so amazing.

[@RichardPineda-e4z]

Just beautiful! Great job Respect!✌️

[@eviunsun9754]

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

[@PeppersPlantsnPowerTools]

Great job. Looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thanks for watching!

[@andresil8330]

You are truly amazing and talented

[@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!

[@rickyelizondo4879]

They are beautiful. Well done.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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/

[@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!

[@jtmcfarland3512]

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

[@rayganmessick8378]

Wow. This work is stunning!!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you, we love it!

[@katiebelmont595]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@chewar7537]

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

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Send me photos when its finished!

[@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!

[@castingkatemonakhova6308]

So Beautiful! Very impressive!

[@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!

[@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!

[@bandido7994]

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

[@HousefulofHandmade]

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

How are these holding up? I too want to use wooden countertops but the idea of constantly having to chase after them is what's keeping me at bay :( Did that sealer really lock the woof from letting water seep in if it sits for any reasonable length of time?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

They look as good as the day I installed them, going on 2 years now. The only thing I pay attention to really is not putting hot pans directly on the wood. Everything else I use like any other countertop.

@@HousefulofHandmade thanks for the reply! You may very well have just rekindled my desire for this style of countertop! 😁

[@rustynuts4426]

very well done you! Amazing job

[@philedgerton7892]

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

[@sneakyblackdog]

Very nice, I love using waterlox

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Me too!

[@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 :)

[@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

[@varieta9466]

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

[@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.

[@adamfrench8735]

Beautiful job ♥️

[@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.

[@40redfox40]

WOW! BEAUTIFUL

[@TheTomStroup]

very impressive. great job

[@wendytrainor-h7d]

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!

[@AVHANDYMANPROFESIONALSERVICES]

Very nice job, congratulations

[@wthomas7955]

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

[@cubitme]

Any update on stains through heat or spills?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

We have a concrete island so any hot pans get set on that. As for spills, no problem. Coffee, watermelon juice, and every manner of cooking you can imagine, all clean up perfect!

[@1962jassy]

how are they wearing over time? Have you needed to refinish at all? Do you still cut on a cutting board?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

They are wearing wonderfully. I still use a cutting board, and just recently had an issue with a coffee pod. It was left on the counter and the acid removed the finish and stained. I am going to sand and refinish that spot.

[@1962jassy]

@@HousefulofHandmade Thank you for your response! I am glad to hear this.

[@dc5duben96]

good job came out nice

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you, I sure love it!

[@NegagaElk]

Very pretty🎉i was cringing HARD tho when you kept putting your hard right beside your tablesaw blade😅

[@stevedockery3534]

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

[@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!

[@Far_Dad]

Looks soo good!!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you!

[@olluman123]

Did you put seallent around the sink? Isnt water going to go between the counter and the sink?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I used caulk to seal around the sink. I have all the details in the blog post I wrote if you are interested. housefulofhandmade.com/build-seal-wood-countertops/

[@Buster10Dog]

Wow so nice!

[@sammy10001]

does that water sealant give you heat protection from the washing machine so the wood doesnt warp

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The sealant has no heat protection that I am aware of. We have had this in place for around two years. Most days we run the dishwasher at least once. When the kids are home for the summer or if we have guests over it will get run a second time quite often. Absolutely zero warping in the wood.

[@lynnb2562]

Okay so I watched dozens of these texted videos and I have every tool you guys are using except I don't have a planing machine period can I still do this job?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Yes, you can have the boards planed to size at the lumber yard.

[@JudiChristopher]

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

[@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)

[@gguswiler]

Wow those look so nice!! How many linear feet of countertop did you have?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thanks! We have a total of 18 linear feet of countertops.

[@gguswiler]

@@HousefulofHandmade do you recall how many board feet it was?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

@@gguswiler I bought 72 board feet of 6/4 lumber. I did not purchase enough to fill in where the sink was since I knew I would just be cutting it out. Also, I made sure to pick the pieces that would equal just over the measurements I needed for the 3 sections of cabinets (if that makes sense).

[@MoreMoto262]

Great work!!

[@Creative_Shopowner]

Great video but what were you using bottle size for UTOS. I just have a work bench I need to waterproof and thing that size will work but not sure what size it is from your videos and your blog doesn't stay. Is that a quart? for both of them? Thank you for making a great video. I been looking all over for a way to seal my work bench that will get wet on a normal basis. Staining wont really work most wear out in a year. I don't mind every 5 or 10 years but once a year having to take it all of would be a waste of time. Varnish might work but was looking for something more durable and not so shiny. I think this might work.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I don't remember the size I used, maybe around 2 quarts. Waterlox has a calculator though: waterlox.com/guide-builder-finish?prod=h2olox&KatiFarrer&Blog&KatiFarrer&camp=KatiFarrer

[@Creative_Shopowner]

@@HousefulofHandmade Thanks I will try it out.

[@JuddMaltin7]

I noticed that you did not put silicone between the counter top and the sink. How is it a year later?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

It's not shown in the video because I let the finish "cure" but I did put silicone on it. It is holding up fantastic with TONS of use, looks as good as the day I installed it!

[@alexanderfrancispaned9332]

What material did u use under those countertop as stand, did use wood or metal?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The countertop is resting on the cabinet bases, so just the wood.

[@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

[@rociovasquez1947]

Whoooo!! Beautiful

[@qconard]

Is it possible to make it the same way but joining 2 together at a corner

[@HousefulofHandmade]

it is possible. Usually when you join in a corner you miter the seam.

[@rachellealove75]

How many coats and solutions did you use to seal the counter tops?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

All the products used as well as all the details are in the article I wrote. WaterLox is what I used to seal it, and the number of coats depends on the wood you use.

[@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.

[@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

[@joannlievsay6623]

Looks great When you sanded what grit did you use?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I started with 150 grit and ended with 220.

[@Lucas-mb8ub]

Great video

[@anasimental9791]

Love it 😍

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you!

[@weromontiel]

Could you provide the brand/type of the two products you used for sealing the countertop?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

You can find all that info by following the link in the description. WaterLox is the brand.

[@TheSondav]

Very nice!

[@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 :)

[@mehmeh5375]

Great job!

[@kova1359]

Good work Wonder woman

[@poogie_bear]

Is it OK to use Tung Oil and then seal it with a water based sealer?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I don't have an answer to give on this question. I would reach out to waterlox directly to be sure on that.

[@sarahiovalle1481]

This is awesome! What is the name of the last product you used?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The top coat is the H2O Lox by Waterlox. I put two coats on top of the entire countertop.

[@gcranch9913]

You did not explain how the board next to the wall was joined. Was it just one board or joined to the ones on each side.

[@theoremzero]

Perfect. Anyone that says otherwise can fight me.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I hope fighting won't be necessary :)

[@stephenl2571]

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

[@Rootscogoogleads]

Looks amazing what was your total investment (round about)

[@HousefulofHandmade]

For wood and supplies it cost me $410. I have the full breakdown on housefulofhandmade.com.