Kitchen Island Project

I'm currently working on my kitchen island.  You can see my before picture above, that the butcher block top doesn't look right with the base cabinets.  So I have finally started on this kitchen island project.  It's taking me longer to finish because of problems with finding the right supplies or tools that I need.  But I wanted to show you what I've done so far so you don't think I'm not doing anything around here.

Okay, most people empty out all of their cupboards, me, I emptied out one side and left the rest.  A little lazy, but I can work around it.

I sanded the cabinet doors and island then used a deglosser on them.  Next, I used a wood grain filler on them to fill in the oak grain.  I wasn't sure if the wood grain would bother me, so I decided to experiment with the island before painting the rest of my cabinets using a wood grain filler.  It's an extra step, but it might be worth it in the end.

I used Timbermate wood grain filler.  First I thinned it a little with water and used a putty knife or rag to apply it into the woodgrain and let it dry.  Then I sanded the heck out of it.  It was hard to get it out of the grooves.  I think next time around I won't put it into the grooves, but just do the flat parts.

(After I sanded, below)

Now on the island we used poplar 1" x 4"boards for the top and sides and 1" x 8" for the bottom.  I also replaced the backboard.

Here it is with some primer.  I still have more to come.  I have a coat of primer on the cabinet doors and one coat of paint.  I'll show you more when I'm finished, hopefully sooner than later!