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As I used to be writing and researching for our current submit on DIY butcher block kitchen island ideas, I noticed there are such a lot of questions on the market about this glorious DIY materials! I couldn’t discover a supply that answered all of them effectively, so I knew it was time to get to work by myself submit to reply all these nice questions.
Should you’ve ever thought-about making a DIY dining table, a desk or office project, or tried to renovate your kitchen on a budget, you’ve doubtless come throughout butcher block as an choice for these initiatives. However, did you run into every kind of questions on whether or not it was the suitable materials for you? I really feel ya.
Your materials alternative issues! Not solely does it have an enormous impact on the general look of your challenge, however it may well make or break your funds. It may possibly additionally set you up for a upkeep nightmare or dream down the road. As an example, in the event you’re engaged on a DIY basement bar, moisture administration and stain resistance must be high of thoughts!
So to provide the confidence it’s essential to get the job accomplished proper, we’re studying about all issues butcher block immediately! By the tip of this submit, you’ll have all the knowledge it’s essential to take motion on that DIY challenge you’ve been eyeing for some time.
My Expertise Utilizing Butcher Block
Earlier than leaping in, I believed it may be useful to let you know about my expertise utilizing butcher block! I used a birch butcher block countertop from Residence Depot for the counters in my camper van challenge (my husband and I constructed the entire thing out ourselves). We went this route as a result of it’s mild, comparatively low-cost, and a cloth we may work with ourselves… and I LOVED the tip end result!
General, this a part of our challenge was a easy course of utilizing a circle noticed, jigsaw and really cautious measuring. We opted to seal the counter solely with beeswax and mineral oil. This has been my solely complaint- I didn’t sustain with the mandatory repeated functions of mineral oil and the wooden has begun to separate on the ends. I might not be as involved with this concern in a house, nonetheless, as there should not as many temperature and humidity fluctuations in a home as in a van. It additionally shouldn’t be a difficulty so long as you’re diligent about oiling the wooden.
What’s Butcher Block?
At this time, many use the time period butcher block to consult with any wooden countertop made out of thick strips of wooden glued collectively. Traditionally, nonetheless, true “butcher’s blocks” regarded extra true to their title – like a thick block of wooden.
These have been work surfaces used for butchering meat, made to endure a lot of intense utilization. An previous, well-used butcher’s block would find yourself worn till its edges had turn into rounded and floor softened from fixed put on and tear by butcher knives.
At this time’s butcher block counters
Whereas immediately’s counters are nonetheless made with the identical technique of gluing thick strips of wooden collectively, the use instances for these counters are a bit totally different. Now, we use them as fashionable counter tops that may mix seamlessly into a wide range of residence designs. They’re particularly widespread in modern farmhouse style kitchens. They’re a daily thickness for counter tops and made extra for conventional countertop utilization somewhat than slicing straight on the wooden regardless of what their title might indicate.
Forms of Butcher Block Development
Butcher block may be made in a number of other ways. Every technique lends itself to totally different makes use of and has a barely totally different look to it. There are three sorts:
- Finish grain: most sturdy choice, effectively suited to surfaces used for slicing. Extra expensive and extra usually utilized in wood slicing boards somewhat than counters.
- Face/flat grain: think about you took planks of wooden, set them facet by facet, and glued the perimeters collectively to create one cohesive surface- that’s face or flat grain. This selection is much less sturdy than finish grain but it surely exhibits off the wooden grain very properly.
- Edge grain: probably the preferred alternative for counter tops, edge grain makes use of the slender facet of wooden planks bonded collectively to create a stable floor. This selection is much less sturdy than finish grain, however nonetheless works nice for counters and is well-liked for its affordability
For a greater understanding of what a part of the wooden is seen in every of those sorts, try this picture:
Every of those choices creates a novel search for the tip end result. See examples under. Notice that these are every various kinds of wooden, although. Completely different building sorts will have an effect on the sample of the wooden, not a lot the colour.
Butcher Block vs Stone counter tops
I like stone counter tops, don’t get me mistaken. From gorgeous granite to a pleasant, clear quartz, they’ll actually elevate a kitchen design. However butcher block has lots going for it! Let’s get into among the important promoting factors and disadvantages of wood counter tops in comparison with stone alternate options
Value
This is likely one of the important causes many go for butcher block, particularly when taking up a DIY challenge. It’s budget-friendly! This usually makes extra sense when including on to or renovating your kitchen.
DIY Makes use of
One other nice plus is how simple it’s for a house owner to work with butcher block themselves with out calling within the execs. With correct data and instruments, you may reduce your wood countertop to measurement, customise the form, and make all of the cuts wanted to put in a kitchen sink all by yourself. I’ve even accomplished this myself whereas constructing out a camper van.
Upkeep
The upkeep required for butcher block relies upon closely on the end you select. Should you select to grease your butcher block with food-safe oil, know that it’s going to require common upkeep, oiling your counter ceaselessly after set up and fewer usually (however nonetheless often) down the road.
Stone countertop choices should not with out upkeep, both, although. Most granite and marble require particular cleaners and sealants. You additionally need to be particularly cautious with acidic meals to keep away from etching and/or staining these supplies. It occurs SO simply. I had a marble countertop at one time and was most positively not reduce out for it.
Sturdiness
Butcher block counters are undoubtedly much less sturdy than stone alternate options. Wooden is way more susceptible to denting and scratching than stone. Nevertheless, repairs on butcher block counters are fairly easy. Small dents and scratches can at all times be sanded, crammed, and refinished. These are easy steps which might be typically fairly simple to do your self.
Stain a marble countertop, nonetheless, and also you’re both coping with the stain eternally or paying the hefty price ticket of getting your counter refinished (been there and it wasn’t enjoyable).
What’s the Finest Wooden for Butcher Block Counter tops?
It relies on your private style, however hardwoods like birch, acacia, maple, and cherry are widespread selections attributable to their sturdiness, resistance to put on, and enticing grain patterns. Which selection you select will largely come down to non-public style and your required look.
Most hardwoods will carry out equally, so don’t stress an excessive amount of about selecting the right materials. The extra necessary alternative to find out how your countertop holds up will come right down to the end you select to use over the butcher block. We’ll get into that in a minute.
What’s the Finest End for Butcher Block Counter tops?
The selection of end for butcher block counter tops relies on your preferences and utilization. Common choices embrace food-safe mineral oil, which reinforces the pure fantastic thing about the wooden and gives moisture resistance. I like the look of this end on the counter in our campervan, however I’ll warn you- it’s tremendous imporant to maintain up with oiling it! Alternatively, you need to use a polyurethane end for added sturdiness and safety towards stains and scratches.
End Choices for butcher block counters embrace:
- Resin/epoxy: creates a shiny, arduous floor over the wooden. This selection may be very sturdy, waterproof, and largely stainproof
- “Waterlox“: A product that’s composed of a mix of tung oil and resin- waterproof and meals protected
- Pure tung oil: Pure, food-safe and straightforward to use (however requires reapplication). Maintains pure wooden coloration
- Mineral oil: Meals protected oil made out of petroleum. First utility will likely be a mixture of beeswax and mineral oil, then repeated functions of mineral oil for upkeep
- Polyurethane: Oil variations are waterproof, however not very warmth resistant. Stain wooden in any coloration and seal with a polyurethane topcoat – this permits extra management over the wooden coloration.
Upkeep and Cleansing
Day by day upkeep of a wooden countertop is akin to another counter. Nevertheless, different upkeep elements might come into play relying on the end you select on your butcher block challenge.
How do You Clear and Keep Butcher Block Counter tops?
One factor that’s good about wooden vs granite or marble is that there’s no must keep away from acidic elements in countertop cleaners. Merely use a moist towel to wipe down the counter floor after cooking, and use an all-purpose cleaner when vital.
Routine upkeep might embrace oiling the counter in the event you choose to easily end your butcher block counter with butcher block oil. That is extraordinarily necessary! Should you neglect to grease the wooden, it may well turn into dry and the strips of wooden will start to separate.
I made this error earlier than and wish to determine if there’s a strategy to restore a butcher block counter that has begun to separate on the ends. Let me know if you understand of any options!
How do You Take away Stains From Butcher Block Counters?
I’ve surprisingly by no means had this downside on my oiled butcher block counters. Keep away from stains by ensuring you by no means go away colourful meals or liquids sitting on counters, and wipe up spills instantly.
Should you encounter stains, many advocate a easy treatment involving protecting the stain in salt, then scrubbing with a lemon half (reduce facet down). For extra severe stains, strive dabbing with hydrogen peroxide adopted by vinegar. See this submit by The Kitchn for extra suggestions.
Can You Minimize Instantly on Butcher Block Counter tops?
Whereas butcher block counter tops are designed for meals prep, it’s greatest to make use of slicing boards to guard the floor and extend its lifespan. Though the wooden is resilient, frequent slicing straight on the countertop can result in scratches and gouges over time – slicing boards will protect your block for years to come back!
Use Butcher Block Counters for DIY Tasks
As I discussed earlier, butcher block is a superb alternative for DIY initiatives. It’s comparatively simple to work with and straightforward to seek out. Listed here are some suggestions for utilizing it in your subsequent challenge.
How do You Minimize and Put together It?
One of many important causes butcher block is a good materials for DIY initiatives is that it may well simply be reduce and customised at residence. The very best instruments for this job are a circle noticed, desk noticed or jig noticed. Some jigs may help make slicing longer sections a lot simpler.
Try this submit by Hardwood Reflections for detailed tutorials on totally different strategies utilizing instruments akin to a carpenter sq., straight edges, or particular jigs to get a straight reduce. Supplied you have got the instruments and the talents to make use of them, you’ll be effectively in your strategy to some superior DIY initiatives!
To organize your butcher block for a challenge, begin by measuring… as soon as, twice, possibly thrice in the event you’re like me and at all times mess this up. 😉 Search for any flaws within the wooden and see if there’s a strategy to exclude them out of your cuts earlier than marking up the place you’ll reduce and what components you’ll use. Mark your cuts and get to work!
If it’s essential to reduce holes by your butcher block, right here’s the way it’s accomplished. Measure and mark first, in fact. Then, use a drill bit to drill a starter gap giant sufficient to suit a jigsaw blade. Use the jig noticed for the remainder of your cuts. You should utilize the drill bit once more in the event you want some additional area within the corners (that is how we reduce our campervan counter).
Finest DIY Tasks for Butcher Block Counter tops
Any challenge requiring some form of tabletop floor is simply begging to be made simpler with butcher block. It may possibly create a fast and straightforward eating desk or workstation- all it’s essential to do is make a base for it! Some nice challenge concepts embrace butcher block eating tables and butcher block desks. It may be put in right into a closet nook, mounted over submitting cupboards, or just connected to pin legs for a fast DIY butcher block desk for any objective.
One in every of my favourite concepts is to make use of it for a DIY kitchen island just like the one you see above from our submit full of comparable concepts. It’ll go together with just about any counter you have already got in your kitchen and prevent cash in the event you’re searching for a budget kitchen makeover somewhat than a dear renovation.
How do you Set up Butcher Block Counter tops?
Putting in butcher block counter tops requires consideration to element, but it surely’s not too troublesome. Begin by measuring and slicing the butcher block to suit your area. Then, safe the countertop to the bottom cupboards utilizing screws from beneath, permitting for growth and contraction of the wooden. End by sealing the seams and edges with wooden filler and making use of a protecting end.
The Countertop Materials to Make any DIY desk challenge Attainable!
If there’s one takeaway from this submit, it’s this: butcher block is a incredible materials to think about to make any DIY desk, desk, or kitchen counter challenge only a bit simpler. And, it seems nice, too! Butcher block is a good choice to maintain the funds in test and the challenge easy with out compromising on type.
Subsequent, try DIY Dining Table Makeovers to get some extra concepts on DIY desk initiatives! And don’t fear, we now have inspiration for DIY office spaces too- see our submit on DIY kids’ desk projects or easy DIY standing desk projects!
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