I recently wrote a post on my chalk painted kitchen cabinets that was pinned nearly 10,000 times. It is one of my most-read posts to date because, honestly, not many people can afford the $30,000 the pros say is the cost of an “average” kitchen remodel. I’m a firm believer that with a little elbow grease and imagination, you can create a kitchen you’ll love by making the most of what you already have and choosing finishes wisely.
Since I wrote that post, I have been asked over and over again to write about the butcher block countertops we installed as part of our budget kitchen makeover. Here, I’m going to answer all of your question (or at least the questions I’ve received so far!) Please, please, please do not hesitate to ask me more in the comments below.
So, let’s jump right in. Here’s some of the questions you all have asked:
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When I was planning the kitchen makeover with about $800 I saved from yard sales and selling things on Craigslist, I knew that a big chunk of that would need to be spent on countertops. The kitchen had dated laminate countertops with a gray-speckled finish and I was not a fan. I chose the Ikea butcher block countertops because I felt like that gave me the most high-end look for my limited budget and I loved the warmth of the wood.
We purchased three of the longest length of countertop (98 X 1 1/8) and managed to cut the wood wisely and use only two. We sold the third countertop on Craigslist and got our money back. We were able to install these countertops for about $300 and just before we made the huge trip to Ikea, I sold anything that wasn’t nailed down so I could buy the farm sink, too.
Please note that Ikea has changed their line a bit since I purchased these countertops two years ago.
Yes, with the help of my dad and Travis. My dad is a DIY and remodeling wiz so we had him come spend a long weekend with us to install the countertops, the beadboard backsplash (which we got for free from a salvage pile) and the farm sink.
The installation process was pretty straight-forward and other than being heavy and awkward, it was much easier to cut the countertops than I anticipated. We installed the farm sink, which allowed us to cut the countertop in two to meet up on either side of the sink, which you can see in the photo above. It would have been more challenging, I imagine, if we had to cut a hole for a sink. If I remember correctly, this is the only way we were able to get away with just two countertops.
Ugh. Yes. And I regret it but, lucky you, Ikea has changed their line and now offers a walnut-colored butcher block so you won’t have to worry about this process.
So what went wrong for me? Because we were rushed to get these installed over a long weekend (um, free labor) I had to rush through the staining and sealing process which was not ideal. When we first cut the countertops and brought them into the kitchen, we were disappointed that they were so light. They looked warmer in photographs and in the store. I basically had one night to stain and seal the countertops.
I did a light sanding to remove the subtle factory finish. The countertops feel like raw wood but there is definitely a light finish that needs to be removed first. I applied a wood conditioner then Minwax Special Walnut. I sealed the countertops with more layers of polyurethane than I can even begin to count. Really, I was probably too high on fumes to count.
I don’t love the finish on the countertops because up close, they look almost black in some places. I’m not really sure why that happened. I’ve considered refinishing them with a lighter stain (maybe Minwax Weathered Oak) and if I did, I’d definitely prefer to seal the countertops with Waterlox, which is pricey at $40+ a quart but I’ve heard that it is much better at protecting the finish from water damage. Honestly though, I’m seriously considering removing the countertops, which brings us to the question I get most:
I like the look of them, yes. As I said before, I’d love them more if they were refinished to remove the black streaky places from my rushed stain job. My biggest reason for shopping around for alternative solutions is this length of countertop which warped and shifted on us:
Last year, we had a leak in our bathroom that left a pool of water on the countertop for maybe five or ten minutes. We thought we caught this fast enough to avoid any damage but within a few weeks, the countertop was starting to move. It was a subtle shift at first but now, as you can see in the image above, it is a very visible shift.
This isn’t a problem with Ikea’s countertops necessarily but I do want you to understand that water damage can wreak havoc on butcher block. I sealed these like crazy and have been almost obsessive about water but we’ve still had issues.
We haven’t decided yet if we’re going to just replace this one length of countertop with a new length of butcher block from Ikea or if we’re going to go a whole new route. I’m really impressed with the laminate options on the market right now, like Formica’s 180 fx line which features a countertop that looks remarkably like marble. Pam from Simple Details installed it in her kitchen and the results are incredible.
I do love the character of the butcher block but I can’t deny that laminate would be so much easier to maintain with a busy family.
So, my advice:
If you just really, really have your heart set on butcher block, go for it. It’s an affordable way to add character to your home and it’s fairly easy to DIY. Another reason I think it is a good buy is that it is an upgrade without being a huge, $10,000 investment that you may not get back if you sell your house. I know in my neighborhood, if I installed $10,000 granite or marble countertops, the next buyer would be doing a victory dance at my expense.
If you’re not sure about butcher block but want something that is less out-dated than your existing countertops, I’d say shop around a little. I may have made a different choice if the market for laminate options had been different a few years ago plus, there are some really impressive products that allow you to paint your existing countertops to create the look of granite or marble. The thought of a countertop that looks like marble but cleans up easily would be very tempting to me. I mean, dark blue-gray cabinets and marble countertops could be pretty awesome…
Okay, friends. Ask away! What other questions do you have?
29 Responses
we have the ikea countertops, too, and we were told not to do a porcelain recessed sink like we wanted so we did the sink that sits on top…. and the metal sink is slightly lifting from the countertop and i wish i had gone with what i wanted so that it wouldn’t be noticeable. lesson learned there. we love ours and we just sand on occasion and treat with oil. i didn’t waterlox them because i wanted to see how it went with oil first and i knew i could always go back and seal them later.
How has just using the oil worked out? I’m getting ready to install the solid oak butcher block counters from Ikea and can’t decide between Waterlox and the oil from Ikea. Thoughts?
We just installed new countertops in our kitchen. I really like the Ikea butcher block but we ended up going with Wilsonarts “Calcutta Marble” laminate. I’m so happy with the quality and how much they resemble real marble. We installed the countertops ourselves and saved $500 on installation! I would highly recommend this product if you decide on laminate.
You know, I have had a few bad experiences with contractors so I’m thinking that beyond budget, figuring out how to do it yourself is just wise. You’ll have to send me pics of your countertops. I’m really, really considering this.
I have some photos on my Instagram lschmid86 of my countertops and kitchen reveal. I also added photos on my blog under “Tour My Home”.
http://www.thriftydecormom.blogspot.com/
I understand about contractors and bad experiences. We’ve had some too. Can’t wait to see what you decide to do!
Hi! I tried to view your countertops, but couldn’t because it stated I wasn’t invited? My Google Account is Seasidebride13 and my email is: phyllismbrown13@gmail.com. My Father wants to install counters in my sister’s small kitchen. Thank you!
Phyllis
I love that laminate also but want the under mount farmhouse sink and you can’t do it with the laminate:((((
How come you can’t have it with marble? I’m interested in the same sink and deciding on countertop still. .
Can you tell me what color you painted your lower cabinets? I love them!
Im looking at the Ikea walnut tops and wondering that since I need to cut it down to 36″ in width if there is a way to finish that cut edge well enough that it looks like the other manufactured-cut edges? Just wondering your thoughts having worked with the product? How different was the color on the cut edge compared to finished edge and do you think i’d be able to stain it back to match since it will show on one side of the island? Hope this makes sense!!!??
I think it will be fine. This person routed the edges of their butcher block to give it a fancier look.
https://www.oldtownhome.com/2014/7/25/IKEA-Butcher-Block-Counters-2-Years-Later—What-Do-We-Think/
Hey Gail, my wife and I are getting ready to build our first (and hopefully last) home together. I am a school teacher and woodworker on the side. I have thought about making a solid walnut top for a kitchen island, but have been shopping for options as well since my time is somewhat limited and my shop is packed away at the moment.
Ikea says that the walnut top is 1/8″ thick walnut veneer on top of particle board, so it would not be good to stain the cut end since it would be noticeably different than the top and other sides. This being said, if you know of a woodworker in the area, it would be possible to cut the veneer off the end and re-apply it to the cut side. Also, a slight “waterfall” effect might look cool, and wouldn’t be hard for someone with the right tools/experience.
The wallnut option isn’t full wood its partialy particle board go read the description!!
IKEA sends 2 end peices along w order
I’m seriously considering the purchase of the Ikea bitcher block. They say it comes pre-waxed. Would I have do prep the surface before water-sealing it because of the wax?
Hey they look really nice! I’m curious if you know the exact color of the bottom cabinets. That’s the color we’re looking for and I can’t seem to find the right color code. Thanks!
We are a company that builds Hardwood countertops and have been creating these for many years. I would like to mention that a block that is only an 1 1/8 ” thick is too thin for a block. We advise our customers of the thickness and the pros and cons.
Finishing a block takes time and when a block is finished properly it will last longer than other countertops. You will also find that finger jointed blocks will heave more than full board blocks.
A word on budget…. True solid Hardwood Butcher Blocks are more cost effective to sand down and refinish then to replae your granite, corrian, or stone top when it gets scratched up or cracks.
I’m in the Atlanta area. Where are you?
What thickness did you use? I notice so.e,are 1 1/8 and some are 1 1/2 but that’s a wood over particle board option.
I’m actually wondering about the sink..did you retro fit it into existing cabinets or did you use IKEA cabinets that are designed to go together? I want to use that sink too, but I’m not sure my current cabinet is strong enough to handle it.
I am wondering this too! I’m on a Uber-budget!
Did you paint the cabinets and if so what color is that ? It’s fantastic !
Did you use the solid wood butcher block from Ikea or the veneer version?
The problem with the Karlby is that it’s not actually butcher block. It’s 1/8″ laminate laid over particle board. If you want an actual solid piece of wood, you need to get the Hammarp. It’s the only solid wood piece they sell.
We used boiled linseed oil on our and have had them for over 12 years. We have had no problems and they still look beautiful!
I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Did you ever consider the EKBACKEN countertop from Lowe’s, it has a marble effect as well. But I can’t seem to find many people who’ve used it!
Please, please let us know what color you painted your cabinets. I absolutely love that color and I am ready to paint mine after their install in about a month.
Hi Michelle,
Here’s a link to a post, it should have all the info you need. Thanks for visiting! https://www.ourstoriedhome.com/chalk-painted-kitchen-cabinets/
Hi! Your project looks great!!
How did you mitter the corners of the butcher block counter top. Did they turn out level between the two joined pieces and did they ever lift on one side or the other with time? This is what stops me from installing my own counter tops confidently.