Oak kitchen worktop

Hi all, I need some help. I cannot stand the dire kitchen we inherited in my house. Its been too long and after a successful refit in bathroom am ready to tackle the kitchen. I could not afford a whole new kitchen so am making the best of it. Reusing the cabinets, painting and new doors to freshen up, new floor and new worktop and sink.
Here lies my quandary! I am thinking about using old oak tongue and groove floorboards to make worktops. they are 200mm wide, 20mm thick, planned and cleaned from reclamation yard and 3 boards should make the top.
I know it is a risk, my skills are moderate but improving rapidly but at £250ish i could have something really special.
I have brought and cleaned a Belfast sink today for £35 which i am over the moon with. It was filthy, from school art room but came up superb.
So what i am wondering, honestly is am I barking mad, what problems might I have or am I warped genius..
Thanks
Keven
UK
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/v/t34/p200x200/1…

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/v/t34/p133x133/1…

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/v/t34/p133x133/1…

JeremyFox

Tue, 05/27/2014 - 08:10

Hi Keven,
You've probably already done it but here's my 2p worth anyway.

I don't see anything wrong with using oak t&g boards for a worktop as long as you use waterproof glue! Personally I'd go for Titebond polyurethane glue - it sets in about an hour. It'll probably be better than the worktops you can buy in B&Q although 20mm is pretty thin for a worktop.

The problem might come if you put a dishwasher or fridge underneath. They produce a lot of heat and can cause worktops to warp due to the uneven drying effect (i.e. it'll dry the wood underneath more then the top). Aga or Rayburn type cookers have the same effect but for different reasons. You can overcome this to an extent by using "breadboard ends" on the worktop.

all the best,
Jeremy
www.abcofwoodwork.com