How to Build a Reception Wood Countertop

A reception countertop needs to present a professional and unblemished first impression to a customer or visitor from the first moment he approaches. A high quality sealed countertop will be easy to keep clean, further protecting visitors and employees as they conduct business across the countertop. Woods of all qualities may be used, providing they give a smooth, unblemished surface when painted or stained. Attractive hardwoods can be stained for a natural look, and less expensive materials can be painted if desired.

Saw
2 high-quality plywood boards, 3/4-inch thick
Drill
Drill bits
Wood screws, 1 1/4-inch
Sandpaper
Paint or stain
Brush
Polyurethane

Instructions

- 1
  Cut out two identical plywood boards based on your design for the countertop. Set the first on top of the second one to trace an identical outline and cut out the second countertop.
- 2
  Pick the best top surface out of the two boards and place that surface face down on the working surface. Set the other plywood board on top of the this one and line them up so they are exactly even.
- 3
  Drill holes through the top plywood board and into the bottom board, spacing the holes every 12 inches in a grid across the boards. Take care not to drill all the way through the boards into the working surface. Lift up the top board and spread a thin layer of wood glue on the top of the bottom board. Replace the board and insert 1 1/4-inch wood screws in each of the holes. Tighten the wood screws securely.
- 4
  Flip the countertop over and sand the edges and corners of the countertop to the desired curve. Cut any edges that are very uneven using a saw. Wipe off the entire countertop surface.
- 5
  Apply a layer of paint or stain to the countertop surface, wiping in a smooth, even motion with your brush. Apply the first coat along with the line of the wood grain. Allow the first coat to dry for two hours -- or a little longer if it's a humid day. Add another coat in the same manner until the countertop has the desired richness of color.
- 6
  Apply five coats of polyurethane in the same manner, allowing at least two hours for the polyurethane to dry between coats. Allow the polyurethane to dry overnight before installing.
- 7
  Position the countertop on the frame of the reception desk. Drill upward through the desk frame and into the countertop, spacing screws as the frame allows every 12 inches or so in a grid. Set screws of the appropriate depth in the holes and tighten them to install the countertop, being careful not to tighten the screws through the top of the countertop.

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