Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for Oak Doors & Laminate Backing

Entire Door

• 1

  Analyze the oak door you want to use, and allow your creativity to flow. Think of ways in which the grain and the natural patina of the old woodwork can best be displayed.

• 2

  Measure the cabinet where you might consider placing the oak door. Make sure the door can extend over the front and sides of the kitchen cabinet frame by an inch or two.

• 3

  Remove the paper from the laminate backing, and apply it evenly to the underside of the door. Although laminate backing is made specifically for laminates, it does prevent water absorption from the counter into the cabinet base, which causes warping.

• 4

  Sand the edges of the countertop base where you will attach the oak door. Use fine 70 to 80 grit sandpaper. Then wipe down the edges with a damp cloth, to remove all the dust.

• 5

  Squeeze a narrow bead of silicone adhesive on the edges of the door. Place the door over the countertop base, and press firmly. Wipe away any excess glue from the sides.

• 6

  Apply a wood waterproof sealant to keep water from damaging the oak wood countertop.

Door Section

• 7

  Measure the section of the door that might work best as a small counter end or counter area. You don't need to use the entire door as the whole counter area. Use a door section on a counter area next to the stove, or on a small side or center kitchen cabinet such as an island.

• 8

  Place the door near the cabinet, and analyze the grain and design of the door to see how it best aligns with the small cabinet area you want to place it on.

• 9

  Mark the section of the door you want to use, and cut the door to size using a circular saw.

• 10

  Remove the paper from the laminate backing and apply the backing to the underside of the door area. This helps protect it from warping.

• 11

  Sand the sides and corners of the door section to keep rough edges from scratching anyone. Use a 40 to 60 grit sandpaper to start, gradually changing to a finer 150-grit sandpaper to smooth out the edges.

• 12

  Sand the cabinet edges where you will place the door section, using a 70 to 80 grit sandpaper. Wipe excess dust and debris away.

• 13

  Apply silicone to the underside of the cut door, and lift the new door countertop above the base to position it the way you want. Press the cut door down onto the base area. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

• 14

  Fasten large antique iron screws or nails through the door and into the base. This gives the new countertop more stability, but the screws or nails also add to the old vintage look.

• 15

  Brush or spray on a wood waterproof sealant, to prevent water from damaging the countertop.

• 16

  Glue, solder or nail in antique wrought iron or metal accessories along one or more edges, to make the new counter look even more artistic. Think of ways to show off recessed areas or door knob features, if you plan on using these areas in your cut piece. Recessed areas can make a beautiful fruit bowl or dried flower area. Faux paint these areas to make them stand out. Or place recessed lighting in these areas, to help show off the wood's interesting features.

Butcher Block Counter

• 17

  Locate an old table base frame or an old wood table that you can easily remove the top from. You can find these at a flea market or garage sale. Try to find a table that is slightly higher than normal -- approximately waist-high, which is an appropriate height for a butcher block table.

• 18

  Inspect the door to see where the most interesting part of the grain and patina are. Measure a portion of the door that would fit over the table frame, and mark an outline with a pencil.

• 19

  Cut out the marked area with a circular saw. Sand the sides to remove the rough edges.

• 20

  Turn the door over so the back is facing you. Remove the paper from the laminate backing, and apply it to the underside of the door. This will prevent the wood from bending or warping due to humidity or spills.

• 21

  Squeeze silicone glue onto the underside of the door, in the areas where it will meet your chosen table base's top. Turn the door back over and align it to the table frame. Press down firmly on all sides and in the center, and allow the door counter to dry overnight.

• 22

  Apply linseed oil to the door with a soft cloth, to make the wood finish stand out. Or seal the wood with a clear spray sealant, if desired.