How to Make a Butcher Block Island

Measure and mark the 2-by-4 boards for the legs of the island with a tape measure and pencil. Four boards will need to measure 34½ inches. Another four boards will need to measure 27¾ inches, and four short boards will need to measure 6 inches. Cut the 2-by-4 boards for the legs with the circular saw.

Construct a table leg using one of the 34½-inch boards, one of the 27 ¾-inch boards and one of the 6-inch boards. Apply wood glue to the back of the 27 ¾ -inch board and the 6-inch board. Set the boards together to leave a ¾-inch gap or notch at the bottom. Secure the boards with the wood screws using the power drill. Repeat this step for the other three legs for the butcher block island.

Measure and mark the plywood sheet for the bottom shelf, which measures 34 by 43 inches. Cut the plywood with the circular saw.

Apply a bead of wood glue into the gap or notch in each leg. Place the bottom shelf of the island into the gap or notch in the legs. Secure the shelf by driving two wood screws into the legs and into the shelf. This will create the basic frame for the island.

Measure and mark the 2-by-6 boards for the apron of the island. Two pieces will need to measure 27 inches and two boards will need to measure 40 inches.

Attach the angle bracket to both ends of the 40-inch boards with the wood screws. Place the boards at the top of the frame, in between two legs. Secure the angle bracket to each leg with wood screws. Set the 27-inch boards in place and secure them to the angle brackets.

Measure and mark the 1-by-3 boards to a length of 31 inches. Cut the three boards to this length with the circular saw. Set the three boards in between the 40-inch 2-by-6 boards and secure them with the wood screws. This will be the base for the butcher block.

Drill two holes into each 1-by-3 board with the power drill. Apply a bead of silicone to the top of the 1-by-3 boards and the edges of the 2-by-6 boards.

Set the butcher block in place on top of the frame and secure it, from underneath, by driving screws into the holes of the 1-by-3 boards.