Step 2: Sand and prep lumber for your stovetop cover
I like to sand my pieces twice: once before assembly and again after. Although this is a matter of taste, it will be very beneficial to get in between the boards. For this first sanding, I use a coarser grit; use 80 or 100 grit, depending on the shape of your lumber.
Step 1: Cut your lumber
Please measure your stovetop to ensure it will fit before using these plans. This stove cover will measure 30 inches wide by 22 inches deep when it is finished.
You’ll need four 1 x 6 pieces, each cut to a length of 30 inches. After they are cut, place them side by side and gauge the width of each of the four. It should be 22 inches, but I’ve discovered that different mills can have very little variations in the width of the lumber, so it’s always best to measure first.
Next, trim your 1×4 pieces to the previously measured length. Again, this “should” be 22″.
Step 3: Nail Together
As you perpendicularly place the 1x6s on top of the 1x4s, make sure that all of the edges and corners are flush. Then, install finish nails through the 1x6s into the 1x4s. I use 1 1/4″ 18 gauge brad nails. An alternative is to drive the nails through the bottom of the 1x4s and into the 1x6s if you’re uncomfortable with the sight of the nail holes in the top of the board. To avoid the metal nail heads scratching your stovetop, make sure the nails are completely set before doing this.
Clean up and remove any glue that has squeezed out of the corners and edges after the glue has dried. Then, begin sanding. Using my random orbital sander, I increased the grit from 120 to 220.
Time to stain or paint. I applied “Classic Black” wood stain because that was the customer’s preferred color. You could, however, paint instead or use any color stain that you prefer!
