Bought a $30 butcher block top, painted legs, zero regrets

I had to pick between a brand new laminate desk for $120 or a used butcher block top from a salvage place for $30 and just making my own legs. Took the block home in my hatchback, sanded it for an afternoon, slapped on some polyurethane, and bolted on steel legs from an old table I found on the curb. Two months later it's still rock solid, no wobble, and looks like something from a magazine. Anyone else go the reclaimed route and deal with the extra elbow grease?

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lucas_perez12d ago

Saw a guy on a woodworking forum swear by the same move, said his $40 kitchen island from a scratch and dent store outlasted some $800 piece his buddy bought. The secret is just taking the time to sand it right and using good finish, sounds like you nailed that part. Salvage places are goldmines if you can spot wood that wasn't warped or water damaged before you buy it.

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