A butcher block in your kitchen is a great conversation starter when you have guests over for dinner. The warmth and aesthetic appeal of timber adds charm and character to your décor, and it's so practical. A properly finished butcher block is food-safe, easy to clean and easy on your expensive cutlery. Short-cut the process of making one yourself by buying the block ready-made, and fitting it to an old dining table. Your friends will admire your cleverness, and after you've served up an enticing meal, they'll think you're a great chef, too.
Instructions
1. Measure the length and width of the dining tabletop. Purchase a butcher block that is slightly larger -- no more than an inch or two all round.
2. Place the butcher block, right side down, on the floor. Measure and mark out where the tabletop will sit. The part of the butcher block that will overhang the tabletop when it is upright should be even all the way around.
3. Remove the table legs if they are the removable type. This is for ease of handling. If the table legs are fixed, you may need help to lift it at the next step.
4. Turn the tabletop over and place it onto the butcher block where marked. Check that is sitting square on the tabletop by again measuring the overhang on each side. The overhang should be the same on all sides.
5. Drill a hole through the tabletop and halfway into the butcher block adjacent to each table leg. Drill another two holes toward the middle of the tabletop, which also should go halfway into the butcher block.
6. Fasten the tabletop to the butcher block by inserting long screws into these holes and tightening them with either the drill, or a manual screwdriver.
7. Turn the table upright and check that the butcher block is secure and not slipping around on the tabletop. If it is, turn the table over again, and add some more screws -- one at each of the four sides and two toward the middle. Turn the table over again and check that the butcher block is now secure.
8. Apply a food-safe, non-toxic oil to the block, if you have purchased one that is unfinished. Let the oil soak in, then lightly sand it. Apply a second coat of oil, and let it soak in overnight, then wipe off any excess.
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