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DIY Butcher Block Cart

Where do you find your inspiration? I get asked many times how I know something should look. Honestly, I don’t have a book of rules I follow, but most often I try to stick to era and function. However, there are times it’s fun to think outside the box. Today is Trash to Treasure Tuesday and I’m going to show you how this $1 yard sale find gets turned into a DIY butcher block cart. Stay tuned to see what my blogger friends have for you too.

Scrap Handmade Butcher Block Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I’ve often mentioned I have many who lookout for potential projects for me and my parents are one of my best bargain hunters. My mom spied this chunk o’ goodness at a yard sale for $1 and thought I could do something with it. Sweet, huh?!

It looked as though someone built their own butcher block with pine 2×4’s and left this as scrap. It’s solid as a rock and surely could find new life with some tweaking. Unfortunately, it had much gunk on the sides and needed trimmed, but other than that it’s got potential.

DIY TIME

Since this thing was massive, I asked for JC’s help to run it through our table saw to even it up. Meanwhile, I set about looking for the pieces of wood I would need from my stash. My stockpile is dwindling, but that’s okay because it gives me a chance to start fresh.

Prodigal Pieces' Wood Stash | prodigalpieces.com

What I pulled out from here where some weathered posts from our garden, a few strips of remnant birch, scrap pine, and some painted plywood that used to be shelving. Sounds like a hot mess, right? Nah…just wait. {{wink, wink}}

I shortened the garden posts with my favorite miter saw and they were ready to go.

Larissa of Prodigal Pieces in her workshop | prodigalpieces.com

Isn’t that gray patina fabulous? All done by nature – I love it.

Cut Gray Weathered Reclaimed Wood for Cart | prodigalpieces.com

MORE TOOLS & FUN

Next, I finally got a chance to try out one of our newest tools the Rip Cut. I totally love Kreg tools and this one was fast becoming one of my favorite side kicks. Here’s the deal: it allows you to make a straight cut using your circular saw. Perfect for onsite jobs where you don’t want to drag around your table saw, and makes cutting large panels down a breeze. I hooked up my small circular saw and had not problem cutting the shelves I needed. I have a new love!

Kreg Rip Cut Jig to cut shelving by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I’m usually seen propping up my large panels on the ground and bent over with my circular trying to get a straight edge. NO MORE! {{happy dance!!}}

Now it’s time to assemble and you can bet I use my drill and my pocket hole jig like a boss. This thing can turn anyone into a builder. Yes, I mean it. Easy to use and makes perfect joints.

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig for DIY Butcher Block Cart by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

ASSEMBLY

Then, to assemble the shelves, I used my nailer and wood glue to make it nice and tight.

Ryobi AirStrike Nailer for Building Reclaimed Cart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Here is my project belly up during assembly. It’s looking good so far!!

Dry Fit DIY Cart by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Last, to get the finishing touches, I use my paint brush and a white paint to brighten it all up.

ALMOST DONE

While the coats were curing, I turned my attention back to the butcher block top. It needed some heavy sanding with my sander after it was shortened and then it was ready for a topcoat.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Time to put it all together. Last, I just attach with my pocket hole joints I made earlier and use my nailer to add a few fun accents. I even added the same casters I used in my thrifted basket to laundry cart post. I love casters!!

Finally, my DIY butcher block cart is complete.
Industrial Farmhouse Butcher Block Kitchen Cart built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

If you know me, I have a thing for carts, just like the recent one I built from a curbside changing table. They’re fun to use and so versatile in any room of the house.

Butcher Block Kitchen Cart DIY build with reclaimed pieces by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

This cart is staged for kitchen use, but really, it could be used in your craft room, bathroom, office and more. Where would you use it?

Reclaimed Wood Storage Cart built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Farmhouse Style Butcher Block Storage Cart made by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces. Available at prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

This DIY butcher block cart top came out wonderfully and I couldn’t be happier that my mom found that $1 score for me.

Butcher Block Top of DIY Reclaimed Wood Cart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Also, it can even double as a small place to set up a coffee station for a quick cuppa in the morning. So many options with a cart like this.

DIY Kitchen Coffee Bar Cart built with reclaimed wood by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Farmhouse Style Storage Cart by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

What fun it is to get to build and see my ideas come to fruition. In addition, it’s even better to share them with you. I hope you enjoyed seeing how my #trashure became something more.

If you would love to own this cart, you can find it for purchase in my online shop. There are also any other of my redeemed pieces and vintage/antique finds.

Upcycled Reclaimed Wood Storage Cart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Rustic Industrial Kitchen Cart by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

In addition, pin and share my DIY butcher block cart to inspire others to give DIY a try. Likewise, it really is fulfilling, and I hope more will dare to give it a go.

Check it out! A $1 garage sale find gets turned into a DIY Butcher Block Cart built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Up next, I’ll be sharing what I do with this thrifted wall art. Do you have any guesses? Take a peek at the after HERE.

Thrifted Wall Art Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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WAIT!! Time to see what my gal friends have cooked up for you. Head below.

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Trash to Treasure Tuedays - Thrifted Makeover Fun | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

While you’re at it, check out these super makeovers for our Trash to Treasure Tuesday. Links below pic:

Trash to Treasure Tuesday November 2017 | prodigalpieces.com

  1. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
  2. Artsty Chicks Rule
  3. Girl in the Garage
  4. Bless’er House

Also, more builds like my DIY butcher block cart:

A farmhouse industrial style cart made from reclaimed barn wood and a repurposed baby changing table. See the transformation at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comCheck out this Repurposed Kitchen Island Cart all made from Repurposed Materials by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Kay says

    G e n i u s !
    I have so much admiration for the gals who use the power tools + make the cool stuff!
    I am so clumsy, I just can’t risk cutting off a digit or two!
    🙁
    But kudos to you!
    I love it!

  2. Mary says

    Larissa that is soooo beautiful! Lots of great details and full of character! I hope you keep it for your kitchen!

    • Larissa says

      I would if I had room, but my new counters afford me plenty of space. Can’t wait to show you!

  3. Linda says

    Totally unreal! Now, this one just has to be a keeper! You will never find that butcher block scrap again. Wish it could be mine.

    • Larissa says

      We actually built our counters for our kitchen and have plenty of scrap left I intend to play with. Thanks for the love, Linda! 🙂

  4. Minnie McCoy says

    Perfection!
    I love it?
    Blessings to you!
    Minnie

  5. Beth says

    Oh Larissa! That is so pretty and so functional. I love this!! What a wonderful piece:)

    • Larissa says

      I’m delighted it came out as I had envisioned. Thank you!

  6. Minnie McCoy says

    Minnie again. Sorry but I posted to soon a moment ago.
    I just saw you have the cart for sale on your shop. I gotta say, I love you! Things that you make and sale you are showing others how to DIY it and you are not afraid to say what it cost you.
    As my 8 year old grandson would say, YOU ROCK!
    Love visiting you.
    Blessings!
    Minnie

    • Larissa says

      Awww!! You just made my day, Minnie! I do wholeheartedly try to inspire in every way. Thank you!

  7. Nancy says

    Amazing transformation as usual!

  8. Jen @ Girl in the Garage says

    Such an awesome find, and a very cool piece Larissa! We’re lucky to have moms who keep an eye out for bargains for us! 😉

  9. Marie says

    Only you would see “kitchen cart” when gifted that salvaged piece of butcher block. Awesome build, Larissa! Oh, how this Mama needs the Kreg Rip-Cut for Christmas – like you say “tools over jewels”. I’ll use any power tool but make me use a table saw and I’ll cry like a baby. This would be a great alternative!

    • Larissa says

      Yeehaw!! You will love the Rip Cut. It will rock your world, Marie!

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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