How to Build a Free Standing Butcher Block

Sand four decorative table legs with light grade sandpaper. As with any sanding job, sand in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe away the debris. Spray the table legs with paint or stain them. Let the finish dry.

Attach an L bracket flush with the top of each table leg with screws. Attach another L bracket 10 inches beneath the top bracket on each table leg. The lower brackets should be facing the same direction as the upper brackets. The lower brackets will hold a shelf on the free standing butcher block; adjust the height to suit your storage purposes.

Place a 2-inch thick butcher block cutting board in the desired size face down on a work surface. Attach the L brackets that are flush with the top of each table leg to the four corners of the butcher block cutting board. The L brackets should be facing each other, to the inside of the butcher block. Flip the butcher block so that it is standing atop the table legs.

Measure the length and width between the lower L brackets. Cut a section of 3/4-inch thick plywood to fit the dimensions.

Cut strips of iron-on veneer to fit around the edges of the plywood board. Iron the strips onto the edges with a heated household iron.

Finish the plywood board with stain or paint to coordinate with the table legs. Allow the finish to dry.

Attach the plywood board to the top of the L brackets with screws.