How to Make a Butcher Block Table
If you are a fan of home renovation shows, you’ve probably noticed that butcher block tables are popular. These simple tables add a ton of character to a kitchen. Unfortunately, a custom made butcher block table can easily cost over a thousand dollars.
Have you thought about building your own?
Yes, it is possible to make your own butcher block table. With some time and a few simple materials, you could create a butcher block table for a fraction of the price.
In this post, we will take a deep dive into butcher block tables. We will discuss how to build the tabletop and what materials to use for the legs. We will even look at some DIY butcher block table projects for inspiration. Most of these projects incorporate Kee Klamp fittings and pipe into the base, which helps reduce the overall cost of the project.
DIY Butcher Block Table Ideas
Justin from Oklahoma City built this table for his wife and said, “she loved the idea of a food cart and I'd seen some butcher block top carts with pipe/flange+ legs in high-end design magazines for $3k and antiques with refurbished wood from factories for $5k and beyond.”
Instead of spending thousands, Justin created this table with two Boos brand butcher block tops, pipe, and Flange fittings. He added a coat of antique bronze Rustoleum to the pipe for a finished look. The project ended up costing around $500 in total.
Margaret built this butcher block table as a moveable workspace that can double as a kitchen island. By adding casters to the feet, the table can easily be rolled to a different part of her house as needed. Margaret said, “The casters make moving it very easy, and it's simple to lock into place. I just love it.” She also added horizontal bars near the tabletop to serve as towel racks.
Wendy from Vermont created a similar butcher block table. Like the project above, she used casters on the feet so the table could easily move. She also installed Flange fittings above the casters to serve as a “bumper” and keep the wheels protected.
Brian used a solid core (all wood) door slab to create the butcher block table top for this project. He cut the board to size, sanded it, and added some texture by hitting the board with chains. He also stained the board to give it a sleek, dark look.
Brian wanted to use Kee Klamp fittings and galvanized pipe for the base to add an industrial element to the table. To make this project easier, he used a Rugged Table Frame Kit for the base. Brian said, “I loved the options you had for creating a very bold/menacing/stable desktop platform and it seemed very straightforward and easy to assemble.”
Dirk from New York City built this wall-mounted butcher block table to match the counters in his kitchen. Wall-mounting is a perfect option when you are working with limited space. To keep this project affordable, Dirk used an IKEA butcher block table top, Kee Lite Swivel Flange fittings, and aluminum pipe.
How to Build a Bucher Block Table Top
Are you feeling inspired to create your own butcher block table? The first place to start is by creating the tabletop.
Step 1: Choose Your Wood
Start by thinking about what wood you want to use for the tabletop. Do you want to purchase a pre-made butcher block? Or do you want to build your own from pieces of wood?
If you want to purchase a butcher block, you can find affordable options from IKEA. To build your own, gather pieces of lumber. Maple, walnut, and ash are great choices for this type of project.
Step 2: Cut, Glue, Clamp
Assuming you are using strips of lumber, it is time to cut your pieces to size. Measure the slats of wood and cut to the desired length. Then, dry-fit the pieces of wood to make sure everything fits together. Now it is time to glue the pieces together. It is recommended to use Tight Bond or another FDA-approved food-safe glue.
Glue in a wavy pattern for maximum coverage. After gluing, clamp the boards together to create your desired width. It is best to complete this process in 3 or 4 steps instead of all at once.
Step 3: Sand and Seal
Once the glue has completely dried, you can sand the tabletop. Make sure to get the boards completely smooth. If you want to stain the wood this is a good time to do that. Otherwise, seal the tabletop with a nontoxic and food-safe oil. To maintain your table, you should apply a wood conditioner or oil every few months.
Assemble Your Butcher Block Table
Now that your tabletop is complete, it is time to assemble the table. Think about the materials you want to use for the base of the table. Feel free to let yourself get creative. Here are a few options:
- Wood- If you want to go with an all-wood look, you can use wooden boards to create the base of your table. You could also use a wooden board to create a shelf at the bottom of the table.
- Keel Klamp fittings and Galvanized Pipe- For an industrial look, use Kee Klamp fittings and galvanized pipe for the base. These materials are versatile and can easily be wall-mounted to save space. Or, include casters to help the table roll.
- Frame Kit- To make the project easier, purchase a frame kit. These kits include all of the materials you need to assemble a table frame.
- A Base You Already Have- You could also add the butcher block tabletop to a frame you already have. Simply replace your tabletop with the new one you just created.
Kee Klamp Fittings and Butcher Block Tables
As you design your project, think about the look you are going for. If you want to create an industrial-chic table, Kee Klamp fittings and galvanized pipe are a great option. These materials are easy to assemble, affordable, and give the project a rustic and industrial look.
Plus, if you want to add a different look, you can easily paint the pipe. These materials can easily be used to create the style of butcher block table you are imagining. Browse our selection of Kee Klamp fittings to help get your creativity flowing.
Build Your Own Butcher Block Table Today!
Ready to design your own butcher block table? Yes, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, our design team is here to help! We offer free design assistance to help get your project going. When you finish your table, please send us a picture of your project. We would love to see the butcher block table you create!