How to Use Recycled Floorboards for a Kitchen Bench Top

Recycled building materials can create a rustic look while reducing the environmental impact of a project. One way to make use of old floorboards is to use them to make a kitchen bench top. The bench top will have the character of age-worn floorboards as well as produce a rugged conversation piece. Building salvage yards have a wide selection of used materials, many with interesting stories that accompany them, such as from what historic building they were salvaged.

Tape measure
Pencil
Recycled floor boards
Miter saw
Wood glue
Bar clamps
Orbital sander
Table saw
Edge belt sander
Wood finish
Poly brush

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the size requirements for the bench top using a tape measure. Mark down the measurements for reference.
- 2
  Select the necessary amount of recycled floorboards you need based on your measurements. Measure, mark and cut the floor boards to length on a miter saw.
- 3
  Lay out the floor boards on a work surface with the top surface facing up. Apply wood glue to the long edges of the floor boards where they will join together to form the bench top.
- 4
  Clamp the boards together using bar clamps. Allow the glue to dry and remove the clamps.
- 5
  Sand the top and bottom surfaces of the assembled boards lightly with an orbital sander. This will remove any glue and loose debris on the board. Carefully sand the surfaces without removing any of the character of the wood.
- 6
  Run the long edges of the assembly through the table saw to cut off any raw edges and trim the bench top to the correct width.
- 7
  Sand the edges of the bench top with an edge belt sander until they are completely smooth.
- 8
  Apply a wood finish to the bench top and allow it to dry prior to using it in your project.

DIY Kitchen Worktops

Electric Stove Hazards

Kitchen Furniture