How to Build a Plywood Countertop
Kitchen counters are always a focal point in remodeling a kitchen. In the past, materials used as a product for building kitchen countertop decks have varied. The best material to use is ¾-inch plywood. One reason plywood is the best choice to build countertops is due to its durability after getting wet.
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
Tip
Clean up excess glue immediately with a damp cloth. Use oak, ash or walnut plywood if the countertop is not going to be covered. Be certain to apply a good clear coat over the plywood countertop that is not going to be covered with laminate or other kitchen countertop material.
Warning
Always wear safety glasses when cutting wood.
Do not apply stain or varnish in a poorly ventilated area.
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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.
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Set the table saw fence at 2-inches. Rip three pieces of the plywood left over from the previous cut at this measurement.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Resources
Writer Bio
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 Arts from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in professional/technical writing.
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
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