I need your Material finish recommendations

[Michael_in_DE]

I bought a huge 30”x4’ 7” thick Boos butcher block, but it doesn’t have any legs. I know I can buy legs easily enough but I want to make a more substantial base for it.

I contemplated aluminum square tube but I hear there’s quite the learning curve to learning aluminum welding.

I also contemplated stainless steel but wow, the material alone will cost more than what I paid for the butcher block. Not to mention the cost of a new blade for the evolution saw.

So I’m looking for mild steel finishes for kitchen environment. Paint etc. I contemplated BLO, but I hear it lasts less than a year. Clear coat over brushed steel?

 

[Sweetcorn]

Powder coat

 

[Shiftless]

but I want to make a more substantial base for it.

It’s 7 inches thick so I doubt it would sag if supported by 4 legs. Are you worried about structure or are you looking for a custom look?

 

[dnschmidt]

I second powder coating.

 

[inphx]

For inspiration or budget breaking: https://knoxdeco.com/collections

 

[inphx]

Or hunt around on face book and repurpose some tool base

 

[RTM]

If I was putting that in my kitchen I want storage underneath it. Maybe something with concealed wheels so I could move it around.

 

[tarbellb]

Powder coat is your best choice, but really most any type of painted surface will hold up years

If you are looking for a easy to apply and reapply finish consider using Tung Oil

Here's a few of mine over the years

top photo: boos bros w clear powder coat



Walnut live edge w Tung oil



Oak butcher block w rattle can flat black (9yrs old)

 

[RTM]

If I was putting that in my kitchen I want storage underneath it. Maybe something with concealed wheels so I could move it around.

Sorry got interrupted before I could finish, but for a surface finish for the wooden top I would give serious thought to what somebody calls wood butter (or something like that), which is a melted together mix of mineral oil and beeswax, think 50;50. It's easily replenishable food safe and not that hard to come by the ingredients. I would melt together in a double boiler but since there's no BLO or turpentine in it it's less flammable.

 

[Joemctag]

Or hunt around on face book and repurpose some tool base

Whatever I make, I put pads so if people shove it around it doesnt mar the floor.