Expert: Jamie Yocono - 4/3/2006

Question
Hi,

I'm in the process of building an edge grain countertop using solid cherry strips cut to 1.5"T by 1.75"W by 70"L.  For this size countertop, will a glue-up construction approach be sufficient or should the joint also include biscuits, dowels, or tenons?

Torrey

Answer
Hi Torrey,

If you use a good quality glue, and have very flat boards with no gaps, your wooden countertop should glue up OK without the use of anything else, like biscuits, dowels, or tenons.

BUT.... there are some very good reasons why you might want to consider using something like biscuits. They will help with alignment during the gluing process, so they would be helpful in making the lamination process a little less stressful. Unless you have 14 hands!

I've laminated a few countertops like these, and I have a couple of recommendations-first, I wouldn't try gluing the whole 25" width at once. I would break it down into  perhaps 4 smaller sections, each about 6-7" wide.  Working with a smaller number of pieces will make the job go easier. So laminate 4 of those, and then when it's time to put it all together into one large countertop, you'll only have 4 pieces to worry about moving on you.

Next, unless you can think of a reason to use another glue, I recommend using Gorilla Glue. I taught woodworking for nearly 10 years, and one of the most basic things we made was cutting boards. I've probably made thousands, and of all the glues we ever used, I think Gorilla glue is the best for countertops and cutting boards.  BUT... it WILL NOT fill gaps, so if your boards don't fit together good, you must make them, by sanding or machining them flat. Gaps in Gorilla Glue laminations look horrible, trust me. They look like they're filled with Styrofoam, so take your time and make sure your boards all fit really well. Then-before you glue, moisten the wood with a damp rag, or with a quick spray of water. Gorilla Glue (Polyurethane glue) is moisture activated and works better with dampness involved.

Last- it's been my experience that no matter how well I align wood when gluing it, it still moves.  And I end up having to plane off more than I thought I would need to remove. So if you can, you might want to consider starting off with pieces that are a little wider than what you plan on starting with. It's better to have to plane off a little more wood than you wanted to, than end up with a countertop than is thinner than you wanted. It's just a thought...

Good luck, I hope this helps. Feel free to write back with any other questions you might have after reading this.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
www.wooditis.com
Las Vegas, NV