How To Make DIY Wood Countertops? A Simple Guide for  DIYers 

“DIY item” is currently a popular trend of modern society as people can create and personalize DIY products to their liking. At the same time, they can save a large amount of money compared to buying a new one at the store. DIY Wood  Countertop is a particular example due to its expensive cost. 

Below are the simple steps to make DIY Wood Countertop. Then, you can learn how to make your biscuit Wood Countertops at home. 

Things to prepare 

Countertops are one of the most expensive items that you need to buy to decorate your kitchen. So if you want to save money and customize on your own, a DIY  wooden countertop is probably a good choice. 

Before starting to build a DIY Wood Countertop, you need to prepare the following  materials: 

• 5 of 2x6x8 white pine boards 
• Biscuits 
• Biscuit joiner/plate joiner 
• Sandpaper 
• Wood glue
• Driftwood stain 
• Antique walnut stain 
• White paint 
• Gel top coat 
• Chip brush 

For the cutting jobs, a plasma cutting machine can get things done with ease. If you don’t have a plasma cutter, any device can cut wood, and metal is fine. 

Steps to Make a Wood Countertop 

DIY wood countertops is a project that helps you enjoy your time building and renovating with your style without spending a lot of money. 

After preparing the necessary supplies, you can follow these steps: Create the Countertop Template. 

Before you cut the wood, you need to create a countertop template to the size you want it to be. You can use cardboard or plywood to create one. 

For your countertop to match the cabinet, you need to measure the exact size of the cabinet by placing the template on the top of the cabinet and using a pen and compass to mark the dimensions. Then cut the template to this size. 

If your cabinet has an overhang part, you may need to mark it on the template then adjust the template if necessary to help the countertop match your wardrobe better. 

Cut the Countertop Boards 

After completing the countertop template, glue it on top of the board that you plan to use as the countertop. Then you can use a circular saw to cut the board following the size of the template. But before that, make sure you leave an extra 1-2 inches on either side of the board so you can square and cut the boards easily after applying the glue to the template. 

At this step, you need to be skillful and proficient in using wood sanding tools such as a table saw, the circular saw to create precise cuts with the correct size. 

Glue the Countertop Up 

Once all the boards have been cut, we begin to glue them together. To help the boards stick together and prevent them from pulling apart over time, you can use hardwood biscuits. 

First, you can use a plate joiner to cut about 20 biscuit slots on the board. And adjust the position so that the slots are in the center of the edge of the board.

After creating the biscuit slots and checking that everything matches, start adding glue to the places and insert the biscuits into one side of the board. Then press the boards forcefully to stack them together so that the biscuits enter their matching slots. You can use clamps (one top clamp, one bottom clamp, etc.) to keep them stay still. 

After the glue dries, remove the excess one from the board with a chisel. Then you can sand the surface with an orbital sander to make it smoother. 

Cut to the Final Size 

You should use the template to check the size of the board. You can then use the saw tools to re-adjust it to the perfect size. 

Alternatively, you can test your countertop by placing it on the cabinet and adjusting as needed until you have it exactly fit! Then you should sand the surface as well as other edges of the board again. 

Apply the Sealer 

After sanding, remove any remaining dust using an elastic cloth or a vacuum cleaner. Then apply the Universal Tung Oil sealer (UTOS) all over the board’s surface by pouring a small puddle on top of it. Then use a cloth to rub the UTOS  around the entire countertop. 

After you have applied UTOS to the countertop, let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then,  use a new rag to remove the left-over sealer. Afterward, you need to let the UTOS  dry for 24 hours before applying the finish. 

Apply the Finish 

You can use a sponge or brush to apply the Finish – H2OLOX. You must adjust the number of layers of H2OLOX on the board’s surface depending on the type of wood. H2OLOX will start to harden when exposed to air, so you should be careful and skillful when using it to get an excellent finish. 

You must wait 24 hours to let it completely dry. After that, you can apply the 2nd  coat, turn the countertop over and repeat the process on the remaining sides of the countertop. 

Final words 

If you want to re-decorate your home, you can start with your countertops. Instead of going to the store and not finding a product that suits your taste, you can make it yourself with a DIY wood countertop project. It is easier and cheaper than you think. And if you have experience in DIY work, you only need one afternoon to make a perfect wood countertop.