How to Build a Plywood Countertop

How to Build a Plywood Countertop
Published: Apr 16, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Table saw
  • One sheet of ¾-inch plywood (48-by-96-by-¾-inch)
  • Wood glue
  • Hammer
  • 3d box nails
  • Miter gauge
  • Sanding block
  • 100-grit sandpaper
  1. Set the table saw fence at 26-inches. Place the ¾-inch plywood on the table and rip it at this width. This will result in producing a piece of plywood that is 26-inch wide and 96--inch long.

  2. Set the table saw fence at 2-inches. Rip three pieces of the plywood left over from the previous cut at this measurement.

  3. Apply glue to one of the 2-inch sides of the 2-inch material, place it on the edge of the piece of plywood from Step 1 and secure it with the box nails. Repeat this process for the other long edge of the plywood.

  4. Measure and make a mark at 22-inches on the remaining 2-inch strip of plywood. Place the miter gauge in the groove on the table saw, be certain it is set on 90°, line your mark up with the blade and cut the piece. Repeat this process so you will have two pieces of 2-by-22-inch plywood.

  5. Apply glue to a flat side of the 22-inch plywood, place it on one end of the plywood countertop and secure it with the box nails. Repeat this with the other 22-inch piece. Turn the top over and cover it with the desired material. Clean up excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.

The Drip Cap

  • Kitchen counters are always a focal point in remodeling a kitchen.
  • One reason plywood is the best choice to build countertops is due to its durability after getting wet.
  • Set the table saw fence at 2-inches.
  • Apply glue to a flat side of the 22-inch plywood, place it on one end of the plywood countertop and secure it with the box nails.

Check out this related video.

Photo Credits

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/sf/6-26-08%20plywood%20counters.jpg

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/sf/6-26-08%20plywood%20counters.jpg

Michael Straessle

Michael Straessle has written professionally about the construction industry since 1988. He authored “What a Strange Little Man,” among other books, and his work has appeared in various online publications. Straessle earned a Bachelor of…

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