Materials:

1. Lucite or Acrylic clear tray in your choice of size
2. Mod Podge
3. Foam Brush
4. Paper, paper cutter, printer

A reader recently asked me for advice on organizing/re-decorating her teen bedroom.

The basement project continues with a custom wood counter top. I wanted to do something other than granite on the bar top. Granite is great for durability and low maintenance, but it can also feel 'cold' (literally) and uninviting. I opted for wood, which you can get at your counter top department at Lowe's or Depot, but the price is outrageous! I knew there had the be a cheaper way... that's when I found Numerar counter tops at Ikea.

I completed this project back in April/May. Since then the cost of these counter tops has gone up. Oak was all they had in stock in the size I needed (73 1/4" x 25 5/8") so that's what I got. They also come in Beech and Birch. I paid $129 a few months back. Now the same piece costs $199. Quite a price jump, but still a bargain considering granite would cost you anywhere $50 to $70+ a square foot.

You can cut the counter top if needed. They come in three sizes. To give it a custom look I had my brother-in-law router the edge profile.







 Another benefit to using wood is how we were able to eliminate the need for brackets to support the counter over-hang.